In Wine There Is Truth: Latuli Sommelier Jeb Stuart is Serving Up Both
Houston wine lovers and Jeb Stuart have grown up together – a relationship that has matured like a full-bodied Super Tuscan. And as such, something to be savored.
Stuart’s work as a Houston sommelier has taken him all over the city (most notably at Coltivare in the Heights) and now brings him to Memorial, working for owner Allison Knight and chef/partner Bryan Caswell. At Latuli, Stuart is engaging with a whole new neighborhood thirsty for the wine thrills at Houston’s most talked-about new upscale restaurant.
The restaurant’s wine list – 125 bottles strong with 20 available by the glass – has been a labor of love for Stuart. And one invested with Stuart’s own passion and personality. Here’s what’s on his mind, and on the Latuli list:
Latuli’s vino vault: It’s a sprinkling of wines from around the world that represents the great producers in each of their regions. It’s a bit heavier in Europe but we have New World selections of some of the great producers. The list is also conscious of what wine goes with Bryan’s food, so you’ll see a lot of Italian.
My philosophy: I’m the guy trying to push value. I don’t want wine to be exclusionary; I want people to be able to dabble in wine at any price point on the list. I believe in rewarding cork dorks with great prices and putting wine in the hands of people who want to try something new.
The Latuli wine customer: The core of our wine drinkers is happy seeing names that aren’t in the mainstream. They don’t want to see the same stuff they can get at all the other restaurants.
What they’re drinking now: The Latuli guest is looking for wines that are not full of additives – wines that are pure; wines that are grown, not made. So, they’re turning a lot to Europe. They’re also big believers in taking chances and trying new things.
Why I do what I do: A wine list is always evolving, and so are wine enthusiasts. I feel I’m evolving right along with our guests. I want to be constantly challenging them so they stay engaged. At Latuli I’ve never been more at easy, happy, and gaining in confidence. I am incredibly humbled and feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity.