Each month, members of the Court of Master Sommeliers, an international association of wine experts, suggest wine pairings for popular menu items. Here, they offer up both premium and bargain wines that complement a variety of hearty dishes. The sommeliers do not represent or have a financial interest in any of their recommendations.
DECEMBER’S CULINARY INSPIRATION: HEARTY DISHES
ERIC HEMER, MS, educational director,
Southern Wine and Spirits of Florida, Miami
Premium Wine: Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Aglianico, Campania, Italy Grape variety: Aglianico
Taste profile: Medium bodied with aromas and flavors of black and red fruits, mocha, anise, rocky soil and a subtle rusticity, it also exhibits firm, dusty, gripping tannins and crisp acidity on the herb-tinged finish.
Pairings: It works well with both red and white meats, pizza and classic Italian pasta dishes such as rigatoni
Bolognese with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Try it with pan-roasted pork tenderloin with Gorgonzola and olive stuffing, served with risotto, sautéed spinach and porcini scented with white truffle oil.
Average wholesale case price: $192
Bargain Wine: Columbia Crest Merlot “Grand Estates” Columbia Valley, Washington
Grape varieties: 85 percent Merlot, 7 percent Syrah, 5 percent Cabernet Franc and 3 percent Cabernet Sauvignon
Taste profile: Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope are the primary sources of fruit for this wine, which is
lush, medium-plus bodied and dark plum and cocoa scented. The palate is dry with soft, ripe boysenberry flavors.
Pairings: It’s versatile — able to stand up to the richness of beef, yet nimble enough to pair favorably with grilled chicken. My favorite is an herb-and-olive-oil-marinated chicken grilled under brick with roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and Brussels sprouts, sprinkled with sea salt.
Average wholesale case price: $120
GEOFF KRUTH, MS, wine director,
Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant, Forestville, Calif.
Premium Wine: Copain “Tous Ensemble” Syrah, Mendocino, Calif., 2008
Grape variety: Syrah
Taste profile: Ripe blackberry, blueberry, black pepper and smoke, as well as a touch of green olive and a long mineral finish.
Pairings: Try it with a medium-rare Colorado rack of lamb with rosemary demi-glace.
Average wholesale case price: About $180
Bargain Wine: Beringer Cabernet “Founders,” Napa, Calif., 2008
Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Taste profile: Medium-full bodied with classic Cabernet flavors of black currant, blackberry, tobacco and spice.
Pairings: Very flexible, it can be enjoyed with anything from roasted chicken to heartier meat dishes. I like it with a classic meat loaf topped with bacon and tomato coulis.
Average wholesale case price: About $85
SCOTT CARNEY, MS, beverage director,
Junoon Restaurant, New York
Premium wine: Emeritus Vineyards Pinot Noir, Sebastopol, Calif., 2008
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Taste profile: It features bright cherry fruit of medium body, weight and concentration. A persistent finish of firm acidity and soft tannins brings this lovely wine to a lingering close.
Pairings: Roasted chicken is its classic companion, but it’s versatile enough to go with grilled tuna and is exquisite with tandoori Cornish hen with pomegranate, roasted cumin and mace — or even chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
Average wholesale case price: $283
Bargain wine: Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Wash., 2007
Grape varieties: 90 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Merlot
Taste profile: A wonderful by-the-glass pour, this medium-full bodied wine delivers a classic, ripe black currant fruit taste with an agreeable touch of oak, supported by fetching natural acidity and savory tannins.
Pairings: The holiday season encourages a game-bird pairing, but lamb and beef would also make festive companions. Try it with a roast leg of lamb with truffled mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables.
Average wholesale case price: $112
Learn more: Meet the Master Sommeliers. Check out bios and photos.
