The Scoop (Updated): Annie Gunn’s, Balaban’s, Truffles earn international recognition for wine lists

  UPDATE: The Scoop has learned of another St. Louis restaurant that won top honors on the World’s Best Wine List. Truffles in Ladue earned three stars from The World of Fine Wine’s panel, putting its wine list alongside icons like Tom Colicchio’s Craft Restaurant and Thomas Keller’s Per Se and The French Laundry. Judges praised Truffles’ wine list as one that celebrated wine in all its iterations, from the classic to the obscure, stating on The World of Fine Wine’s website: “It’s one of those lists where those wines that may be considered esoteric are treated with equal respect to the established classics.” Aleks Jovanovic, Truffles’ general manager and wine director, said the international honor was particularly appreciated since it was unsolicited. He added that only 225 out of 4,000 list-makers earned three out of three stars. “What we were really proud of was that they recognized that the diversity of the list, not just the volume,” he said, noting that Truffles wine list displays more than 1,500 labels. “To be recognized for it is very satisfying and kind of proof of your good work.” Editor’s Note: This Scoop was updated on July 29. The original post appears below. Your choice of vino at Annie Gunn’s and Balaban’s Wine Cellar and Tapas Bar now ranks among the world’s best, according to The World of Fine Wine magazine. The London-based publication recently released its first World’s Best Wine List. The seven judges looked at 4,000 restaurants around the world and picked 750 to award one, two or three stars, with three being the best of the best. Both Annie Gunn’s and Balaban’s received two-star ratings. Glenn Bardgett, Annie Gunn’s wine director and Sauce contributor, said he was excited to be chosen. “It’s our first international award, and it came out of nowhere,” he said. “They picked the restaurants to be judged. It’s a tremendous honor to be a restaurant in Missouri picked out by a panel of judges in London, not only for us but for Missouri, as well.” Balaban’s managing partner Brian Underwood believes the more than 800 available labels at the restaurant and retail shop put Balaban’s list on The World of Fine Wine’s radar. “It’s always good to be recognized, and that’s certainly one of the better known international magazines,” he said. “I know when I travel I consult lists like that when I’m selecting places to go.”