Seasonal Pairing Suggestions

Winter means bigger, bolder dishes and sipping satisfying reds fireside - 

Off-beat selections in italics...

Bubbles of course - celebratory, clean, and bright, and perfect for New Year’s Eve:

Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut NV Champagne
Laurent-Perrier Demi-Sec NV Champagne

Domaine Saint Andre de Figuiere Atmosphere Cremant de Provence

Zonin Prosecco

Llopart Leopardi Brut Cava Rose

Deinhard Lila Sekt

Whites aren’t just for summer!  I like bigger whites for the cooler months, but remember - some cool weather dishes need light, crisp whites.  We may find that we’re less likely to crave chilled whites when it’s chilly outside, but when we’re in the mood:

Chateau Doisy-Daene Blanc Sec Organic Bordeaux
Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre

Domaine Daniel Crochet Organic Sancerre

Domaine du Salvard Cheverny

Chateau de la Gravelle Organic Muscadet

Ca’Montini Trentino Pinot Grigio

San Pietro Gavi
Tenuta Cavalier Pepe Irpinia Coda di Volpe Bianco di Bellona
Grosjean Freres Petite Arvine Valle d’Aoste
Ferrando La Torrazza Erbaluce di Caluso
Joh. Jos. Prum Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Alsace Riesling
Lucien Albrecht Reserve Gewurztraminer Alsace

Feuillat-Juillot Montagny 1er Cru "Les Coeres"
Olivier Leflaive Puligny Montrachet
Domaine Chevalier Ladoix Blanc "Bois de Grechons"
Stag’s Leap Karia Napa Chardonnay
Ferrari-Carano Sonoma Chardonnay
Macari Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay
d’Arenberg “The Hermit Crab” McLaren Vale Marsanne/Viognier
Domaine Pierre Gaillard Cotes du Rhone Blanc “Les Gendrines” Viognier

Cold weather, especially in the evening, generally puts us in the mood for bigger, bolder reds.  We’re looking for a proper balance of aromas, flavors, and textures, including fruit, spice, earth, and wood.  Traditional wines are a safe bet, but we might consider some off-beat wines made from relatively unknown grapes in lesser-known regions:

Mitjavile Roc de Cambes Cotes de Bourg, Bordeaux
Baron de Brane (Brane Cantenac) Margaux, Bordeaux
Blasson d’Issan Margaux, Bordeaux
Chateau Lalande-Borie St.-Julien, Bordeaux
Chateau Clerc Milon Pauillac, Bordeaux

La Ligiere Biodynamic Cotes du Rhone
Domaine Pierre Gaillard Saint-Joseph Rouge
Domaine Chevalier Ladoix Rouge
Domaine Coillot Marsannay “La Charme aux Pretres”
Maison Kuhnel Chenas “Cuvee p’tit Co” Beaujolais
Clos Triguedina Cahors
Domaine Le Serp Madiran
Domaine Etienne Brana “Ohitza” Irouleguy
Herri Mina Irouleguy

Le Fonti Chianti Classico
De Forville Barbera
Casa Maschito Aglianico del Vuture Basilicata
Colosi Sicilia Nero d’Avola

Weninger Hochacker Blaufrankisch, Burgenland
Plantaze Pro Corde Reserve Vranac, Montenegro
d’Arenberg The Stump Jump GSM McLaren Vale
Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache

La Cartuja Priorat

Celler Can Blau Montsant 

Carm Douro Reserva

Achaval-Ferrer Mendoza Malbec

Jordan Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Joseph Phelps Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Shafer "One Point Five" Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Stag’s Leap Artemis Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Ridge Lytton Springs

Grgich Hills Zinfandel

Old Parcel No. 2 Petite Sirah
Benton Lane Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Bedell Cellars Musee
Shinn Estate Wild Boar Doe

Chocolate, pumpkin pie, creme brulee - we love desserts with big flavors and rich textures - and desserts like those need smooth, luxurious sweet wines:

Chateau Rieussec 1er Cru Classe Sauternes, Bordeaux
Chateau Clos Haut Peyraguey 1er Cru Classe Sauternes, Bordeaux
Domaine Madeloc Banyuls Rouge “Robert Pages"

Margarethenhof Ayler Kupp Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Riesling Auslese

Alcyone Late Harvest Tannat Uruguay

Waters Crest North Fork The Night Watch