After what I’m certain most would agree has been a chaotic year, it’s more important than ever to focus upon some quality time with family and friends.  So on this Christmas Eve day, let me wish those of you who celebrate this landmark holiday a festive, healthy and safe Christmas surrounded by those who are most meaningful to you.  This is the time to focus upon the “good” in life.  

With the year end holidays fast approaching, I thought that it would be fun to poll a few of the chefs in town and ask them which wines they would like to see on their holiday table.  We were fortunate enough to catch up with Doug Levy of Feast (www.eatatfeast.com), Beverage House on East Broadway, Pat Connors from Pastiche (www.pasticheme.com), Kevin Anderson, Cellar Mgr of AJ’s Fine Foods (www.ajsfinefoods.com), Jeff Fuld of Elle (www.ellerestaurant.com) and the always entertaining Jonathan Landeen of Jonathan’s Cork (www.jonathanscork.com).  Just for fun, I threw in a batch of varietals that I would like to see on a holiday table.

AJ’s Fine Foods (Kevin Anderson, Cellar Mgr):

Coppola Sophia (single serving 4 pack of Sparkling Wine): $15.99
Connundrum (white blend): $19.99
Jason (Pahlmeyer) Meritage $55.99
Schmitt Sohne Eiswein, German Riesling, 500ml:  $21.99
Germain Robin Fine Lambric Brandy, Mendicino, Ca 375ml: $20.99
Mathilde Liquor (choice of Pear, Peach, Cassis, Frambroise), 375ml: $17.99

Beverage House (East Broadway):

Moet Chandon White Star Champagne: $39.99
Foris (Oregon) Gewurztraminer: $13.99
Faively, Bourgogne Pinot Noir: $17.99
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: $17.39
Tobin James Ballistic Zinfandel: $14.99

Elle Wine Country Restaurant ( Jeff Fuld):

Cava, Segura Viudas “Brut Reserva” NV Spain
“Sancere” Jean Max Roger Loire Valley, 2007
Macrostie Chardonnay, Carneros, Ca, 2007
Seifried, Gewurztraminer, New Zealand, 2007
Cambria “Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Maria Valley, Ca, 2007
Le Bocce Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy, 2005
Feast (Doug Levy):

Feast (Doug Levy)

N.V. Nino Franco “Primo Franco” Prosecco, Valdobbiadene, $30 (for cheeses, hors d’oeuvres, etc.) 
2007 Handley Gewürztraminer, Anderson Valley, $18 (for cheeses, but also turkey, stuffing, etc.)
2007 Adelsheim Auxerrois, Willamette Valley, $22 (for anything.  Even Brussels sprouts.)
2007 Domaine Collotte “Cuvée de Noble Souche” (Pinot Noir), Bourgogne, $21 (for turkey, stuffing, etc.)
2006 Beckmen Grenache, Santa Ynez, $27 (for ham or red meats)

Pastiche (Pat Connors):

Hartford Court “Seascape”, 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast: $55.99
Hartford Court Four Hearts Vineyard, 2006 Chardonnay Russian River      $37.99
Pirathon Shiraz, Barossa Valley Australia, 2005: $15.99
Gruet Brut New Mexico NV: $15.99
Giusseppe Lonardi 2003 Amarone; Valpolicella, Italy: $28.99
Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel/Carignane/Petite Sirah/Mataro 2007, Sonoma Cty: $37.99
Northstar Merlot Columbia Valley 2006: $27.99

Jonathan’s Cork (Jonathan Landeen)

Billecart-Salmon Rose Brut
Green and Red Sauvignon Blanc
Mi Sueno Carneros Chardonnay
Turley Old Vine Zinfandel
La Jota Cabernet Franc

The Wine Inquirer (Jim Seder)

Schramsberg Sparkling Wine (for appetizers)
Oregon or California Pinot Noir (Zinfandel, a nice alternative)
Cotes du Rhone
German Gewurtztraminer or Riesling (Kabinett or Spatlese)
Dessert wine of your choice (Port, German Auslese, sweet white Loire, Sauternes, Vin Santo)

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Tags: AJ's Fine Foods, Elle Country Restaurant, Feast restaurant, Holiday wines, Jonathan's Cork, Pastiche Restaurant