In this recurring feature, members of the Court of Master Sommeliers, an international association of wine experts, suggest pairings for popular menu items. The sommeliers do not have a financial interest in any of their recommendations.
Here, John Ragan, wine director of Union Square Hospitality Group in New York City, selects a bargain and premium wine to pair with robust autumn dishes.
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Premium wine: San Leonardo, Trentino–Alto Adige, Italy, 2006
Grape varieties: 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Cabernet Franc, 10 percent Merlot
Taste profile: With one foot in Italy and another in Bordeaux, this rich and polished wine features cool-climate cassis and plum, cedar and a lovely balsamic edge.
Pairings: Perfect with lamb, particularly if flavored with herbs that will bring out similar notes in the wine.
Average wholesale case price: $480.
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Bargain wine: Josep-Maria Vendrell, “Seré,” Montsant, Spain, 2011
Grape varieties: 80 percent Garnacha, 20 percent Cariñena
Taste profile: Beautiful red fruit and black licorice notes on a dusty earth backdrop in this ripe but structured organic red.
Pairings: Great with duck or game served with a wine-and-fruit sauce, such as Peking duck with plum sauce.
Average wholesale case price: $112.
