Wine Bar of the Week: CAV

Two things make me crave my next visit to CAV (1666 Market). One is the careful selection, broad range, and adventurousness of the constantly changing by-the-glass list, which features over 40 wines from all over the world starting at $3.25 for a 2.5-oz. taste or $6.50 for a 5-oz. glass. Unless I know and love the wine, I always go for tastes, since I can always order a second if I want more.

Almost always I find something I haven't tasted before, such as Çankaya ($3.25 / $6.50), a Turkish white made from a blend of Emir, Narince, Semillon, and Sultania grapes. Usually there are also personal favorites I don't see around much, such as the Santomas Big Red Refosk ($4.50 / $9).

The other thing that draws me back is the platter of house-made charcuterie ($20). This concept has become a bit of a cliche, but I find this one an unusually good value. With over a dozen items on the plate, including unusual items such as a tongue terrine topped with grated horseradish, and a serving ample enough for two, this is the perfect thing to pick at while enjoying a few wines.