Feel free to visit them at their respective stores and talk about what might go well with your holiday dinner, which is seven days away.
Finally, remember to drink responsibly and show gratitude for family, friends, pets, the United States of America and vintners all across the globe!
q
Jay Cahill is the manager and wine buyer at Harrington Wine and Liquors in Chelmsford.
• Eroica Riesling, Washington State, $23.95 — The 2013 vintage offers sweet lime and tangerine aromas with subtle mineral notes. The mouth-watering acidity is beautifully balanced by flavorful Washington Riesling fruit. A wonderful food friendly wine.
• Erath Pinot Noir, Oregon, $18.95 — Bright red cherry, violets, vanilla and pie crust aromas, punctuated by an alluring smokiness, are a vivacious introduction to this Oregon vintage. A sweet approach leads to a satiny mouthful of red plum, cranberry and sage.
• Patz & Hall Pinot Noir, California, $39.95 — Exhibits terrific blueberry and black raspberry fruit interwoven with notions of Chinese black tea, oak, earth and beetroot in the background. It’s nicely textured, medium-bodied and possesses zesty acidity and admirable aromatics.
• Dry Creek Chenin Blanc, Sonoma County, $11.95 — White peach, cantaloupe, melon and lavender aromas spring forward from the glass. On the palate, the wine is refreshing and light on its feet — dancing across the palate with juicy, tropical fruit notes and mineral undertones.
• Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling, Upstate New York, $16.95 — This Finger Lakes Riesling from the pioneering Dr. Frank is consistently among the best. It features vibrant citrus fruit — lime zest and orange flavors — along with apricots. Perfect balance, true Riesling character: Superb!
• Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $56.95 — It is deep purple in color and full-bodied. The glass bursts with aromas of cocoa powder mingled with blackberries and vanilla. Juicy cherries and roasted figs land on the palate.
q
Jo-Ann Ross is New England’s first French Wine Scholar instructor. She recently became accredited as a Bordeaux Wine Educator of which there are 200 in the world. Look for the following selections at Berman’s Wine & Spirits, Lexington, and Concord Cheese Shop.
• G Metz Cremant d’Alsace, NV, $19.95 — Cremants are sparkling wines from France made just like champagne with two fermentations, the second being in the bottle. This is a dry (Brut) Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay cuvée. It’s smooth, delicious and a perfect wine for a toast.
• Toques et Clochers Limoux 2013 Chardonnay, $15.99 — If you like your Chardonnay with a lovely hint of oak, this is a gem. “Toques” is Chef’s Cap and “Clochers” is Bell. The winemakers donate sale proceeds to repair the church bells in the town of Limoux, a charming location in the Languedoc region of Southern France.
• René Couly Chinon Rosé 2014, $15.99 — This rosé, made with the Cabernet Franc grape, has lively fruit flavors and a lovely salmon/watermelon color. Perfect for pairing with the array of Thanksgiving flavors.
• Alphonse Dolly Pinot Noir 2013, $14.99 — This earthy, succulent Pinot Noir is completely unpretentious and from the Loire Valley. It’s a great match for Thanksgiving dinner.
• Domaine L’Ameillaud Cotes du Rhone 2012, $12.99 — Nothing seems to please a crowd more than a tasty, quaffable Cotes du Rhone. This one is so delicious with beautiful aromas of garrigue (herb strewn hillsides in the Rhone Valley) and lovely red and dark fruit flavors from Grenache, Syrah, and a small amount of Carignan.
q
Baumard Savennieres, France, $21.99 — A unique dry white wine made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc grown in Anjou in the heart of the Loire Valley. Bright aromas of white fruits, herbs, hazelnut, flowers and minerals lead to an elegant, well-balanced and complex palate. Lingering freshness. This is your turkey white!
• Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc, France, $12.99 — Made by Henri Bourgeois, this intensely Loire Valley wine attracts praise every year for its quality and value. It’s delicious and packed with ripe citrus fruit and garden-fresh herb aromas and flavors. Perfect for a little cheese and cracker noshing.
• Fossil Point Chardonnay, Edna Valley, $14.99 — A California wine featuring terrific notes of citrus blossom, lime, toasted nuts and a touch of minerality. Medium-bodied and clean with plenty of fruit. A good varietal to have on hand through the holiday season.
• Elio Grasso Langhe Nebbiolo, Italy, $22.99 — From a small, reputable Piedmont winery comes this delicate expression of nebbiolo. Nuances of pressed flowers, roses and wild berries and a strong mineral signature with dusty granite and crushed flint. It’s fresh and silky smooth. Excellent with homey soups and stews.
• Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $18.99 — James Stewart founded Slingshot in 2007 to craft quality Napa Valley wines at affordable prices. He succeeds here immensely. The focus is on fruit, balance and immediate drinkability. A welcome companion to oven-roasted veggies with a fine roast.
• Daniel Pinot Noir, California, $56.99 — Anderson Valley’s Ferrington Vineyard is a most sought-after pinot noir source. Veteran winemaker Daniel Fitzgerald delivers a wine of stunning aromas of rose petals, spice/incense, and red and black raspberries. It is pure class on the palate. Enjoy it with your finest culinary creation and the very best of company. This is what the holidays are for!
q
Sam Messina is owner and wine expert at the Wine ConneXtion in North Andover.
• Gruet Winery Blanc-De-Noirs Sparkling NV, New Mexico, $14.99 — A bone-dry sparkler offering aromas of bright mineral and citrus notes that tickle the nose. Delicate touches of raspberry, pear and apple come next. The finish is flavorful and persistent. A perfect pairing for oysters, sushi and cream sauces.
• J-Vineyards Pinot Gris 2014, California, $12.99 — The greeting is a delightful bouquet of pear, Meyer lemon and tropical/pineapple fruit. The lush mouthfeel bursts with flavors of ripe pear and sweet orange blossom honey, then finishes with a distinct minerality.
• Foppiano Chardonnay Russian River 2012, California, $19.99 — This classic medium-bodied Chardonnay boasts aromas of pear, apricot, and stone fruit, while the palate is the perfect balance of minerality and creaminess. Pairs well with crab and corn chowder, creamy risotto and roasted game hen.
• Hahn SLH Pinot Noir 2013, California, $15.99 — It opens with aromas of black currant and strawberry, and teases with subtle lavender and cardamom notes. Soft tannins and vibrant black plum flavors frame this wine’s silky texture, ending in a smooth, graceful finish.
• Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2012, Washington State, $13.99 — Features ripe berry fruit aromas, jammy flavors and a round, supple finish. Wahluke Slope Syrah (15 percent) enhances the full-body mouthfeel and rich fruit character.
• Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre 2013, California, $10.99 — Enjoy hints of eucalyptus on the nose, along with distinct chocolate traits, luscious deep plum and concentrated cherry. It’s scrumptious and substantial on the palate, followed by mellow tannins.
• Brazin Zinfandel 2012, California, $11.99 — It’s big and bold with rich black fruit and mocha aromas that mingle with hints of spice and soft vanilla. Ripe plum and jammy blackberry rock the palate of this daring Zinfandel.
• Chermette Beaujolais Nouveau, France, $14.99 — This cuvée is the epitome of Beaujolais Nouveau — fresh and fruity on the nose followed by tangy flavors of fresh small red fruit. A charming wine that lights up November, fruit plates and artisanal cheeses.
q
Richard Rourke is owner of Tutto Bene Wine & Cheese Cellars in Lowell.
• Predator Old Vine Zinfandel, California, $14.99 — Grapes are sourced from 50-year-old vines in Lodi that produce rich, intensely flavored fruit. Big and bold with a hallmark “old vine” velvety texture, spice and vibrant varietal flavors.
• Jam Cellars “Butter” Chardonnay, California, $19.99 — This wine delivers on its promise of a rich, tropical fruit and buttery palate. It’s creamy and irresistible with lots of toasty, vanilla oak spice.
• Zum Riesling, Mosel Germany, $11.99 — It offers notes of lime, apple, honey and lively slate minerality. The vibrant acidity is balanced with a touch of sweetness that leaves the palate satisfied and refreshed.
• Argyle Vintage Brut 2011, Oregon, $24.99 — A sparking Willamette Valley wine yielding yellow summer fruits, baked apple and ginger spice upfront. The mid-palate is creamy, concentrated and fleshy. The finish is long with lively acidity.
• Ca’ Furlan Prosecco, Italy, $11.99 — A Prosecco possessing delightful champagne-like sparkle and fruit-forward character. Smooth, peachy, fresh and gentle, it’s like a sunny gondola ride on Venice’s Grand Canal.
• Erath Pinot Noir, Oregon, $17.99 — Soft and supple on the palate with notes of juicy red plums, cranberries and zesty picked cherries. Finish lingers with a hint of sweetness.
Wine Director Andrea DiFiore, left, and Laurette Hale, assistant wine manager
Wine manager Sam Messina
Jo-Ann Ross
Recent Comments