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 both premium and bargain wines to enjoy with autumn dishes. The sommeliers do not have a financial interest in any of their recommendations
Frederick Dame, MS, vice president of sales of the Heirloom Wine Group, Treasury Wine Estates,
San Francisco
Bargain wine: 2010 Concha Y Toro Frontera Merlot, Rapel Valley, Chile
Grape variety: Merlot
Taste profile: Nice dark red with a hint of garnet on the meniscus. Blackberry, pomegranate and ripe cherry. A lot of power for the price.
Pairings: This is a particularly nice wine with spicy foods from Mexico or South America. You will find it great match with pork dishes or grilled tri-tip, either marinated and simply seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic.
Average wholesale case price: $84
Premium wine: 2007 Pepperbridge Merlot, Walla Walla, Wash.
Grape variety: Merlot
Taste profile: Almost black with full viscosity. Massive black cherry, dark cocoa and a hint of star anise. Rich, full texture and an epic finish.
Pairings: Any red meat with a bone attached is fair game. The wine makes any preparation a rock star. Serve it with Prime Rib at a four-hour cookout, and you’ll send a vegan to confession.
Average wholesale case price: $510
Jennifer Huether, MS, head sommelier, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Ltd., Toronto, Canada
Value wine: 2010 Moschofilero, Boutari, Mantina, Greece
Grape variety: Moschofilero
Taste profile: Floral and delicate, with notes of apple blossom and ripe melons. Great balance, with a fleshy mid palate finishing with bright acidity and a delicate mineral note.
Pairings: This is a great aperitif wine, but also works well with fruit salad and seafood, such as razor clams with grilled pineapples and a green salad.
Average wholesale case price: $108
Premium wine: 2010 Carmenère, Errazuriz, Estate Reserva, Aconcagua Valley, Chile
Grape variety: Carmenère
Taste profile: Loaded with blackberry, roasted plum, bitter chocolate and chile pepper notes. On the palate it’s rich and voluptuous with ripe black fruit, roasted coffee, dried sage and ripe tannins. Amazing value.
Pairings: This red wine is fantastic with barbecue, which will echo the roasted notes in the wine. I suggest grilled lamb chops marinated in olive oil, rosemary and garlic.
Average wholesale case price: $156
Joseph Linder, MS, sommelier, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle
Premium wine: 2008 Zenato Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore, Sant’ Ambroglio, Italy
Grape varieties: 85 percent Corvina, 10 percent Rondinella and 5 percent Sangiovese
Taste profile: This wine is delicious, with solid fruit and gentle floral tones.
Pairings: Great for rich comfort foods like roasts, stews, smoked meats and sausages. I would recommend it with a risotto with wild mushrooms and lamb, enjoyed in front of a fire.
Average wholesale case price: $140
Value wine: Louis NV Bouillot Perle d’Aurore Rosé Brut Crémant de Bourgogne, France
Grape varieties: 80 Pinot Noir, 20 Gamay
Taste profile: This sparkling rosé is rich, complete with strawberry, a creamy pallet and a beautiful Meyer lemon finish.
Pairings: This is a wonderful food wine from start to finish. It can be paired with dishes ranging from poached salmon to roasted lamb loin with herbed jus and Anna potatoes.
Average wholesale case price: $118
Learn more: Meet the Master Sommeliers. Check out bios and photos.
