Taittinger “Cuvée Prestige” Champagne NV (Reims, France), $14/glass at Peninsula Grill: Whether you sip it as an aperitif with oysters or end the evening by enjoying a glass alongside the famous house-made coconut cake, these bubbles will have you floating on cloud nine. Flavors of vanilla, peach, and white flowers give a crisp tingle on the tongue and elegant sophistication to any evening.
EOS French Connection Bordeaux Blend 2007 (Paso Robles, California), $11/glass at Fish: The firm tannins in this elegant wine pair perfectly with the rib eye steak on the restaurant’s versatile menu. A fiery scarlet-red in color, this blended wine is velvety smooth with aromas of leather, cigar wrapper, and black currant. Enjoy with dinner or on its own for a sophisticated, uptown feeling.
Martinelli “Zio Tony” Chardonnay 2006 (Russian River Valley, California), $16/glass at Charleston Grill: Let the ambiance of one of the Holy City’s most celebrated restaurants provide an escape from daily stress. Try a glass of this mouth-coating chardonnay with fig and hazelnut flavors as a complement to chef Michelle Weaver’s “Cosmopolitan” seared halibut.
Descendientes de José Palacios “Petalos” Mencia 2007 (Bierzo, Spain), $12/glass at McCrady’s: In the stylish atmosphere of this modern spot, sample the rare mencia grape from Spain. This meadowy wine featuring flavors of rain, flowers, plums, and blueberries can be paired with any of the restaurant’s many cheeses or with the impressive house-made charcuterie plate.
Far Niente “Dolce” 2005 (Napa Valley, California), $12/glass at High Cotton: This deliciously sweet blend of late-harvest sémillon and sauvignon blanc grapes has a silky mouthfeel and a heavenly aroma of toasted hazelnuts. Order a house specialty soufflé and a glass of this “liquid gold” while listening to live jazz music played nightly, and you can slip into a state of pure luxury. photographs (4) courtesy of the wineries & (martinelli) by joe felder
