Paul's Wine Pairings:
Paul Birman has been the resident wine drinker and wine buyer at PlumpJack Wine & Spirits. For more than 25 years, people from near and far have entrusted him to pick the perfect wine for the perfect occasion and pairing.
1. 2017 Dönnhoff’s Estate Riesling ($24)
A powerful food-pairing wine - the complexity that this Riesling will gain with age makes it especially compelling. With its aromas of petrol, flint, rose petal, violet, orange peel, apple, pear, and peach, and its flavors of apple, pear, peach, apricot, and honey,
2. 2015 Sarrazin Rully “Sans Nom” ($25)
Ripe and fleshy. It offers aromas of fresh nuts, melons, citrus, custard, and pineapple. On the palate and finish, the wine “freshens up” with more tangy citrus, green applesauce and a mineral kick. A touch of new oak smooths any sharp edges. A rich white Burgundy and roasted turkey is a food and wine match that's hard to beat!
3. 2014 Vara Y Pulgar is100% Tintilla ($25)
The iron-tinged grip of cru Beaujolais - the aromatics and black pepper kick of northern Rhône Syrah; the berries-off-the-bush acid of Cabernet Franc/Mencía; and a few other intriguing elements you can’t quite place. The wine is medium-bodied and mineral, with a long and aromatic finish. Vara y Pulgar’s Tintilla will cut through the richest of holiday feasts leaving your palate fresh and ready for the next bite.
4. 2017 Domaine Masse Givry 1er Cru "La Brûlée" ($29)
Aromas of violets, strawberries, and blackberries with hints of liquorice, game, and spice (cloves). It has nice concentration with just a hint of earthiness to add complexity. Fruit and spice and everything nice, this wine will complement just about anything.
5. Graci’s 2016 Etna Rosso ($25)
Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese. This wine offers captivating scents of roses, red berries, and baking spices. The palate displays finesse, offering ripe black cherry, raspberry, licorice and mineral flavors. The wine’s structure is firm, with refined tannins and bright acidity. It's a complex wine with a ethereal earthy notes and a core of fruit and spice. If there are sausages on the menu or in the stuffing, or a crown roast happens to appear, this is the wine you want in your glass.
Elio's Wine Pairings:
Elio Longbardi is our resident wine buyer and Italian wine expert at our Noe Valley location. Not only will he find the perfect wine to pair with your holiday meals and occasions, but he will most likely have some recipes to go along with your wine choice.
1. Cantina della Volta, BrutRosso Lambrusco 2016 ($19)
A lambrusco with pedigree. Made with Lambrusco di Sorbara varietal and done 'Champenoise style'. This wine is the perfect companion when beginning Thanksgiving dinner preparations. *With notes of strawberry and ruby grapefruit, with a dry mineral accent.
2. I Clivi, Verduzzo 2015 ($29)
Verduzzo is a grape that's specific to the Friuli Collio wine sub-region on the border with Slovenia. A mouthful of citrus and honey nuances, with a wild-flowers nose. Pairs quite perfectly with savory squash soups or a rich fish consomme.'
3. Ampelaia, Un Litro Rosso 2018 ($20)
From the southern coast of Tuscany comes this lovely blend of mostly Alicante, aka Grenache, but also Carignan, Sangiovese, Mouvedre, and Grenache Blanc. A middle body, low-alcohol red wine with refreshing fruity minerality. Pairs well with those classic white meats and perfect for starting off the evening with a bountiful cheese and charcuterie board.
4. Broc, Valdiguie 2017 ($25)
This grape originally from Languedoc is known to most Californian's as the 'Napa Gamay' that keeps the grape-y spiciness of a Beaujolais and Loire Valley wine. Drink alongside your turkey feast and all the fixings.
5. Domaine Michael Gros, Vosne-Romanee 2015 ($90)
If you want to make your Thanksgiving a little more special, this is the one that will elevate the wining and dining experience. From one of the most iconic spots in Burgundy, this Pinot Noir is at its best. Dark berry and minty notes, with an earthy forest accent. It will find its home alongside a juicy turkey and wild mushroom stuffing.
