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 be enjoyed with poultry. The sommeliers do not have a financial interest in any of their recommendations.
Catherine Fallis, MS, founder and president, Planet Grape, San Francisco
Premium wine: Clos de la Siete, Mendoza, Argentina, 2008
Grape varieties: 56 percent Malbec, 21 percent Merlot, 11 percent Syrah, 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 percent Petit Verdot
Taste profile: This approachable, medium- to full-bodied red has notes of blueberry, cassis, violet, trumpet mushroom and black tea, and is only softly tannic, with a firm structure and fresh acidity.
Pairings: This pairs nicely with more subtle dishes that are not too spicy or heavily flavored. Try it with the sweet, succulent flesh of crispy roast goose and a bite of earthy, chewy shiitake wild rice stuffing.
Average wholesale case price: $144
Bargain wine: Porcupine Ridge Syrah, Western Cape, South Africa, 2009
Grape variety: Syrah
Taste profile: This young, inky Syrah offers berry-patch ripeness along with a hint of wood spice, but in keeping with its South African heritage, it’s a bit on the understated side.
Pairings: This juicy, balanced, straightforward wine is perfect for grilled, barbecued and fried poultry dishes such as turkey burgers or fried chicken. Peri peri African chicken, which is soaked in a spicy marinade and then barbecued, has a sweet-hot punch that is soothed by the velvety softness and fruit of this wine.
Average wholesale case price: $82
Keith Goldston, MS, wine consultant, Los Angeles
Premium wine: Soter Mineral Springs Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Ore., 2009
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Taste profile: Smooth, with layers of spiced cherries and blueberries.
Pairings: This wine goes well with Peking duck.
Average wholesale case price: $420
Bargain wine: Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde, Minho, Portugal, 2010
Grape varieties: Trajadura, Loureiro, Arinto, Azal
Taste profile: This is one of the few wines that could compete with beer as the most refreshing beverage to enjoy on a hot summer day. Low alcohol, crisp lemon-lime flavors and a hint of spritz make for a wine that is easy to drink — just like your favorite beer.
Pairings: The racy acidity and tart citrus flavors make this wine taste like an adult lemonade, so try pairing it with anything that you would enjoy with lemonade, including fried chicken.
Average wholesale case price: $60
Sean Razee, MS, Account specialist, American Fine Wine, Edwards, Colo.
Premium Wine: Domaine Faiveley Nuits-St-George, Burgundy, France, 2009
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Taste profile: Red berry fruit, earth, rose petals and subtle spice in a masterful presentation.
Pairings: This earthy wine perfectly suits flavorful poultry like spiced squab, roasted goose or pan-seared duck breast. A glass of Faiveley Burgundy with a pheasant breast and herb jus makes a great meal.
Average wholesale case price: $457
Bargain wine: El Coto Rioja Crianza, Rioja, Spain, 2006
Grape variety: Tempranillo
Taste profile: Low-yielding vines and consistent quality make this wine hard to match in this price category. It has flavors of red raspberry and ripe strawberry paired with classic cedar and vanilla notes.
Pairings: Wonderful with rich, dark-meat chicken and flavorful turkey dishes. A touch of Bourbon in a natural jus brings out the hint of American oak in this wine perfectly.
Average wholesale case price: $120
Read more wine selections from master sommeliers by checking out this month's online exclusive picks.
Read more: Meet the Master Sommeliers. Check out bios and photos.
