Adele Corrigan Wade of 13 celsius is Houston’s new Iron Sommelier. Picture by Eric Forsythe.
At the current annual Iron Sommelier competition, 13 celsius‘ long time basic supervisor Adele Corrigan Wade left as the most recent champion after numerous years of contending. Her wine theme, which showcased a grape that seldom gets attention, was “Over the Moon for Meunier,” and her flight of white wines were Chavost “Blanc de Noirs” Brut Nature Champagne from France, Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Meunier from Willamette Valley in Oregon and Best’s Great Western Pinot Meunier from Victoria, Australia.
We asked Adele to offer us with wine suggestions that will carry us from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day 2023. The noted market price are from 13 celsius, which is also where you can purchase these. Inquire about choices by emailing the store, or simply drop by 13 celsius at 3000 Caroline. By the method, there’s a suitable wine-shopping moment coming soon: 13 celsius’ Annual Vacation White wine Sale begins on Black Friday.
Thanksgiving
Greeting Guests: Charles Bové Sparkling Brut Rosé, $40. “A terrific, sophisticated rosé from a crèmant de Loire manufacturer.”
During the Meal: “Everyone does gamay. Go off the beaten course with Azienda Agricola Brigaldara Valpolicella from northern Italy. It’s a blend of Corvina and costs $42.”
With Pumpkin Pie: Domaine Weinbach “Cuvée Laurence” Gewürztraminer from Alsace, France, $86. “The concept is to match the baking spice aromas and flavors in the red wine with the spice in the pie. Likewise, this white wine is a little off-dry to match the sweet taste of the pie.”
Phoenicia Specialized Foods provides a devoted area of red wines from Israel. Image by Ann-Marie Tcholakian.
Hanukkah
“I don’t get asked about white wines for this often, but when I do, I refer people to Phoenicia Specialized Foods due to the fact that it has a good selection of Israeli and kosher wines.”
We asked Phoenicia co-owner Haig Tcholakian for a couple of recommendations, and he says, “I recommend Golan Heights Winery’s Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon and Red wine mix for a red and Hermon White Blend for white (same winery as the red). The red has tastes of crimson fruit while being balanced on the finish to couple with roasts or other holiday main dishes. The white tastes of citrus and melon, while structured enough to pair with fish and lighter meat dishes and sides.”
Christmas Eve
For Evening Celebrations: Aubry Brut Premier Cru Champagne, Jouy-les-Reims, France, $79. “This is a time for Champagne! This one is from Premier Cru vineyards and is a grower Champagne.”
For Cuddling Around the Tree: Graham’s 20-year Tawny Port. “It’s sweet and soul-warming– the red wine that hugs you back.”
Christmas Day
“This day is everything about the weather condition! If it’s hot: light reds. If it’s cold: heavy reds. But a solid go-to: 2020 Domaine Roger Perrin “Cuvée Vieilles Vignes” from Côtes du Rhône, France ($41 on our list). It’s the traditional mix of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from this region.
What Adele’s Going to be Consuming: “In my family, it’ll likely be Burgundy all day, such as 2018 Huguenot Pinot Noir from Marsannay ($96 on our menu) and 2020 Chanterêves Chardonnay ($76 on our menu).”
Special Bottles to Break Out for Buddies and Family
“Winter equals heavy, earthy old-world reds. This is THE time to open up that bottle you’ve been conserving and share it with friends and family.”
- 2017 Mas Martinet “Clos Martinet”, Priorat, España: a mix of Garnacha, Syrah and Carignan, $244
- 2012 Château d’Armailhac 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France: a classic blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, $174
- 2013 Rubinelli Vajol Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy: Corvina and Rondinella in the standard style, $154
Wine bar 13 celsius in midtown Houston. Image by VJ Arizpe.
New Year’s Eve
“The number of times do individuals have a headache from drinking too much Champagne? In addition to over-drinking or not drinking adequate water when celebrating, there’s likewise a little bit of sugar concealed in the ‘brut’ styles of Champagne and champagnes– often as much as 12 grams per liter. Select a brut nature or brut-zero style such as Laherte Frères ‘Brut Nature’ Blanc de Blanc NV from Chavôst ($104) to help curve that inevitable next-day headache.”
New Year’s Day
For Breakfast: “Sticking with the zero-sugar theme however also you’re broke from blowing your spending plan on Champagne last night? How about a cava, such as 2017 Recaredo “Brut Nature Gran Cava Corpinat from Penedès, Spain ($57)?”
For Traditional New Year’s Day Dinner (ham, black-eyed peas and cabbage): The fruitiness needs to match the sweet taste of the ham. Attempt a fuller-bodied Pinot Noir that still has some good acid, like 2018 Bruliam “Sangiacomo Roberts Road” Pinot Noir from Petaluma Gap in Sonoma, California ($61).
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