Nick Bumgardner
Whether you’re celebrating love with a partner, a friend, or an evening by yourself, it’s time to pour a celebratory bottle of wine at home.
For a few recommendations, we tapped Robin Riddell Jones, owner of Tavola, who teaches wine classes, provides a delivery-service wine club, and consults on restaurant wine lists. Here, she offers her top selections sourced from Woodland Wine Merchant. The store provided the tasting notes, while Jones made suggestions on what dishes to prepare alongside them.
Gobelsburger Gruner Veltliner, $18
A vibrant white with complex minerality, this bottle is a good match for vegetables.
What to eat with it: “Gruner has the ability to tackle any cruciferous vegetables—like asparagus in season! Pair this with beautiful young asparagus, seasoned with olive oil, lemon, salt, and cracked black pepper. Or asparagus soup. Yum.”
Domaine Grosbois Cabernet Franc, $22
With its medium body and notes of ripe black currants, consider this one with a lighter meat dish.
What to eat with it: “I always think of lamb when I drink cab franc—so, get a leg of lamb and slow roast it. Take a gulp of this one after the meat falls into your mouth.”
Domaine Faury Syrah, $23
The juicy acidity and fresh raspberries found in this well-priced syrah call for an earthy counterpart: mushrooms.
What to eat with it: “A big bowl of pappardelle, butter, and savory mushrooms to go with this big boy.”
Daniel Landi Grenache, $30
A Spanish Grenache made with biodynamic methods, this elegant wine is full of red berry fruit and spice.
What to eat with it: “Pair this one with grilled pork and rosemary.”
Champagne R. Pouillon & fils, $60
This balanced, pinot noir-based biodynamic Champagne comes from a family that’s been growing grapes in the same spot for a more than a century.
What to eat with it: “Champagne goes with anything. Seriously, try it. However, if I had to pick, I would say pair this one with oysters, or any shellfish, as you get your palate cleansed for the next courses.”
All bottles available at Woodland Wine Merchant, 1001 Woodland St, 615-228-3311; woodlandwinemerchant.com | Tavola; tavolawine.com