ANGIE CHANG
Background: Born and raised in Houston, Chang attended Texas Christian University and graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism. She became intrigued by the world of wine while working as a server at a Forth Worth steakhouse. She had a knack for smelling and tasting, and it translated into her becoming one of the most successful wine sellers on the restaurant floor. Later, after losing an editing job in Dallas, she returned to her hometown and landed at a popular Asian bistro, since closed, where she soon wound up becoming the wine director on an emergency basis. Her boss there insisted she take the Court of Master Sommeliers introductory course in 2005 and, she admits, “I haven’t put down a wine glass since.”
What: 2015 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, Turckheim, Alsace, France
Why: Chang points out that “all the wines that are on the list at Yauatcha have been tasted with the food on the menu at what’s called a harmony tasting. If a wine clashes with a dish, it is automatically taken out from consideration.” But this one, a personal favorite, “has a silky texture on the palate and is surprisingly dry with refreshing acidity, making it a perfect choice to soothe any heat inflicted by the chilies in our food. It jumps out of the glass with aromas of freshly zested lemon, white flowers and perfumed lychee fruit, and the color in the glass is an enticing brilliant gold.” The Domaine ZindHumbrecht, which is certified organic, biodynamic and known for its emphasis on expressing terroir, was created in 1959 by the fusion of two prominent winegrowing families, the Humbrechts from Gueberschwihr and the Zinds from Wintzenheim. Both have been making wine since the early 1600s. The current winemaker is Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman and one of the world’s only winemakers to attain Master of Wine status.
Price: $48 for a bottle at Yauatcha, 5045 Westheimer