Chicago Sips with Jared Gelband, Wine Director at Italian Village

Years ago, when I transplanted my southern roots to Chicago, I frequented Italian Village for “old school” fare straight from the Nonna’s kitchen. I could always find my favorite pasta dish, eggplant parmigiana, and seafood grilled to perfection. I could also find a bottle of wine that was pretty darn good, despite my utter lack of knowledge about our favorite beverage. A few weeks ago, when I was invited to sit down with Jared Gelband, Wine Director at Italian Village Restaurants, I was flooded with happy memories and eager to discover “what’s new” with the wine program. Certainly, it has changed since the days of yore…

Italian Village, family owned for 91 years, consists of three restaurants in one location. The Village, open since 1927 and located on the second floor, serves Northern Italian specialties within a space that reminds me of Tuscany and the celebrities who dined there so many years ago (check out their black and white photos on the wall when you visit). The Cantina opened on the lower level in 1955 and offers classical Italian favorites, chops, and steaks. Vivere, formerly the Florentine from the 1960s, opened in 1990 on the street level. It blends tradition with trend as diners are able to enjoy a modern riff on Italian cuisine. Each restaurant has its own chef and, as you may expect, an individual vibe.

But what about the wine? On the uppermost floor, the aptly named “Cellar in the Sky” houses over 1100 selections totaling more than 30,000 bottles that serve all three restaurants. With Jared, I climbed the myriad of stairs to this wine heaven (located in the temperature controlled attic area with rows upon rows of bottles) and ogled the wines that frankly, I was afraid to touch (although I did hold a few).  Considered one of the largest restaurant-based wine cellars in the Midwest, the wines reflect “culture, diversity, and family since 1927” and are Italian focused, yet include exceptional choices from around the globe. Since the restaurant group’s inception, the wine list has undergone enough modifications to receive a multitude of awards; for the past 30 years, Wine Spectator has bestowed awards on this fascinating cellar. Click here for more about this very special place.

With Jared Gelband at the helm, the future of the wine program looks bright. He’s interested in staying up-to-date with wines from regions that are “on the rise”. His mission is to pour Italian wines that are approachable and affordable, as well as to share his vast knowledge of wine. To that end, a monthly wine series is in place. Offered to guests who dine at Vivere, three lesser-known Italian varietals are featured on the wine list (at a very reasonable price, I might add). “I’d do a disservice to Italian wine if I didn’t do this”, stated Jared. “I want to pull you away and give you something different, yet with value and a palate profile similar to what you already like”.

Diners like to be educated and our goal is to encourage our guests to go beyond their normal wine selections by introducing them to exciting new styles from various regions. In addition to expanding their palates, we are raising awareness of these fantastic varietals that guests may have never experienced, as well as the incredible assortment in our Cellar in the Sky. Jared Gelband, Wine Director at Italian Village

For fortunate winelovers who have already enjoyed the series, wines from Calabria, Campagna, Sardegna, and Sicily have been in their glass. In June, those from Puglia were poured: Feudo di San Nicola Negromara (one of the oldest grape varietals in Italy), Villa Schinosa Fiano (a varietal originally brought to Italy by the Greeks), and Chiaromonte Primitivo Mascherone (an organically produced wine from north-central Puglia).

Having tasted three notable wines from Calabria with Jared, I was impressed with his ability to share relevant information in an unpretentious manner. Trust me, the monthly wine series is just as enlightening to seasoned swirlers as well as to those introducing their palates to the fascinating world of wine.

Enticed? In July, unique choices from Fruili Venezia, one of my favorite regions, are highlighted. Perhaps I’ll see you at Italian Village soon for a glass of wine!

Saluti! ~ Cindy