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Lawrence LaManna, new proprietor of the recently renamed South Avenue Fine Wine and Spirits in New Canaan, is not only a storeowner. He's also a longtime wine teacher and educator, and he also founded the Sommelier Wine Academy based over the border in New York.
"I've been in the wine industry for 36 years," he said. LaManna was a minor partner in The Respected Palate, which has been in New Canaan since 2008. LaManna bought the store from the owner and took over Aug. 1.
"We're in the interim right now, filling out paperwork and changing things around. In the wine industry, 'The Respected Palate' is a good name. But not everyone knows what that means. That's why we're changing it to South Avenue Fine Wine and Spirits. People will know what we are, who we are and where we are," he said.
LaManna is confident he can offer suggestions whether you're an experienced wine connoisseur or someone who can't tell the difference between a merlot and a muscat. "I try to make it easy for the consumer without talking over their heads," he said. "Whatever people want, they can get here. If they request it and they want it, we can get it. I like the challenge. Ask me a question I don't know the answer to, and I'm going to be your best friend. I love to learn.
"You never know a lot in this business," LaManna said. "If someone says they know a lot about wine, they don't know a lot about wine. There's 300,000 labels and every year you get a new batch or two. How are you supposed to know all that?"
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