Pure Liquid Wine and Spirits, designed by award-winning hotel and restaurant architect Cass Calder Smith, recently opened in the Westfield World Trade Center. We called on Richard Hanano, the store’s director of operations, to give us a wine primer for the season. “Wines that are popular this winter are hearty zinfandels and reds such as syrahs,” says Hanano. Here, he suggests three of-the-moment wines to try:
Franck Balthazar, Cornas “Chaillot,” Rhône Valley, 2013
“This is the perfect winter wine to hunker down with as the weather gets colder. Medium-bodied, rich and textured, Balthazar’s syrah is classic Northern Rhône—with layers of peppery dark fruit and smokey scents. This begs for a hearty meal—think steak or lamb with root vegetables.” $60
Bodega Garzon, Tannat, Uruguay, 2014
“The palate is rich, vibrant and fresh with juicy and lively tannins. There is a beautifully balanced energy to the wine—great for the winter season. Pair it
with big ribeye, a stew or a great big roaring fire.” $20
Peju Province, Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, 2013
“Bursting with red fruit and bright green bell pepper. It’s a perfect winter pairing for hearty mushroom and barley stews, pâté and blue cheese with a fruit compote.” $60
Photograph by Kris Tamburello
