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 to complement savory pies. The sommeliers do not represent or have a financial interest in any of their recommendations.
RON EDWARDS, MS, consultant, Charlevoix, Mich.
Premium wine: d’Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia, 2008
Grape variety: Shiraz
Taste profile: There’s nothing shy about this lush Shiraz. Velvet slides across the palate and offers forest berry jam accented by the essence of caramel, cedar and black pepper.
Pairings: This wine begs to be drunk with a roasted lamb shepherd’s pie topped with garlic mashed potatoes.
Average wholesale price per case: $156
Bargain wine: Rietvallei Chenin Blanc, Robertson, South Africa, 2009
Grape variety: Chenin Blanc
Taste profile: A wonderfully expressive nose of lime skin, baked green apple, apricot and a hint of wet stone. The taste explodes with peeled green apples and fresh pineapple, while the finish shows honey and chamomile.
Pairings: This wine pairs well with chicken pot pie or a creamy fisherman’s pie.
Average wholesale price per case: $104
ERIC ENTRIKIN, MS, wine director, Alexander’s Steakhouse, Cupertino, Calif.
Premium wine: Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2001
Grape variety: Tempranillo
Taste profile: An array of complex aromas and flavors, including baked mulberry, cherry and red currant. It also has overtones of sandalwood, dill, brown sugar, leather and wet leaves.
Pairings: The moderate tannin and good acidity let this wine work with complex Moroccan and Indian flavors. It’s a match made in heaven with curried meat and potato samosas.
Average wholesale price per case: $192
Bargain wine: Vale do Bomfim, Douro Valley, Portugal, 2007
Grape varieties: 58 percent Tinta Barroca, 15 percent Tinta Roriz, 14 percent Touriga Nacional, 8 percent Tinta Cão, 5 percent Tinta Amarela
Taste profile: This luscious wine is loaded with spicy berry, elements of chocolate, mace and clove, while having a terrific balance of acid and tannin.
Pairings: Great as an everyday cold-weather red with braised meats, stews, roasted root vegetables and hard cheeses. Try it with a barbecue pulled pork, smoked Gouda cheese and red-onion pie.
Average wholesale price per case: $90
RANDA WARREN, MS, wine educator, Tulsa, Okla.
Premium wine: Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Calif., 2005
Grape varieties: 95 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 percent Cabernet Franc
Taste profile: This blockbuster is full of elegance, richness, concentration and complexity. Black currant, Bing cherry and plum are joined by the French oak nuances of baking spices and vanilla.
Pairings: This wine pairs particularly well with Roquefort, cream cheese, bacon and onion pie or prime rib-eye grilled and charred over hickory.
Average wholesale price per case: $1,108
Bargain wine: Hahn Pinot Noir, Monterey, Calif., 2008
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Taste profile: Over-the-top juicy fruit flavors of strawberry, cranberry and raspberry and hints of allspice
Pairings: Try it with chili pie made with ground beef, black beans, onions and cheddar cheese, or grilled, cedar-planked wild Alaska salmon with a reduced Port-cherry glaze.
Average wholesale price per case: $108
Learn more: Meet the Master Sommeliers. Check out bios and photos.
