Each month members of the Court of Master Sommeliers, an international association of wine experts, suggest pairings for popular menu items. Here they offer both premium and bargain suggestions to enjoy with salmon. The sommeliers do not have a financial interest in any of their recommendations
Randall Bertao, MS, general manager, Los Altos Golf and Country Club, Los Altos, Calif.
Premium wine: Twomey Russian River Valley, California, 2009
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Taste profile: Dark, plummy fruit wrapped in exotic baking spices and red floral aromas showcase an elegant but very rich wine. Full and broad on the palate with a seductive and charming finish.
Pairings: Ideal with full-flavored fish, such as slightly charred grilled salmon, as well as with lamb.
Average wholesale case price: $400
Bargain wine: Nobile Regional Collection, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2008.
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Taste profile: An elegant style showcasing red cherries and cranberry flavors. This wine has refreshing acidity and hints of cinnamon and candied cherries on the finish, with light tannins and texture.
Pairings: A great accompaniment to vegetarian dishes or grilled fish, such as salmon with dried-cherry compote.
Average wholesale case price: $108
Geoff Kruth, MS, wine director, The Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant, Forestville, Calif.
Premium wine: Etude “Deer Camp” Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2008
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Taste profile: Deep ruby in color, with dark fruit character of ripe blueberry and blackberry framed by vanilla and toasted imparted by new French oak barrels.
Pairings: Grilled king salmon with wild rice.
Average wholesale case price: $480
Bargain wine: St. Clement Chardonnay, Carneros, 2009
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Taste profile: Baked apple, lemon zest, toast and honeysuckle. Medium full body with rich textured finish.
Pairings: Smoked salmon salad.
Average wholesale case price: $162
Steve Poe, MS, beverage director, Big Canyon Country Club, Newport Beach, Calif.
Premium wine: Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé, Champagne, France, NV
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Taste Profile: Palate-cleansing tart, creamy cherries and strawberries, with a wisp of sweet ruby-red grapefruit as a slight breeze of brioche tickles the nose.
Pairings: Horseradish crusted salmon with lemon-dill butter.
Average wholesale case price: $372
Bargain wine: Brassfield Estate High Serenity Ranch Pinot Grigio, California, 2010
Grape variety: Pinot Gris
Taste profile: Crisp, fun and fruity wine with aromas of apple blossoms, passion fruit and a whiff of powdery minerality, complemented on the palate with flavors of pear, lemon and wet stone.
Pairings: This wine works as an aperitif, with light salads and shellfish. Try it with smoked salmon flatbread with dill, capers and crème fraîche.
Average wholesale case price: $120
Learn more: Meet the Master Sommeliers. Check out bios and photos.
