We asked some city wine directors call out their their favorite bottles from their colleagues’ lists.
Paul Grieco, Terroir
“I’d drink the 2013 Castello di Verduno ‘Basadone’ Pelaverga ($50) from Roberta’s, because acidity always wins the game with red wine and because [beverage director] Amanda Smeltz has assembled a sweet list of sweet juice at sweet prices.”
Amanda Smeltz, Roberta’s
“Here’s the bottle I’d pick off the Gramercy Tavern wine list: Clos Fantine Faugères Cuvée Tradition, 2012 ($50), because it’s one of my favorite ‘natural’ wines currently available. It’s rough-hewn but full of fruit, acid, and life; a forward-thinking, affordable bottle.”
Juliette Pope, Gramercy Tavern
“I’d drink Prager’s 2001 Achleiten Smaragd Riesling ($195) from Jordan Salcito’s list at Momofuku Ssäm Bar. Prager makes some of the most complex, food-worthy whites on the planet.”
Jordan Salcito, Momofuku
“I think that Francesco Grosso’s list at Marea is beautifully curated, unsung, and packed with lesser-known gems, like this rare, complex, and enjoyable 2009 ‘En Barby’ Savagnin bottle from Jean-François Ganevat ($135).”
Francesco Grosso, Marea
“I’d pick the 2009 Clos Rougeard, Saumur-Champigny ‘Les Poyeux’ ($195) from Reynard. It’s just ripe enough in this vintage that I don’t feel too bad about opening it so young.”
Lee Campbell, Reynard at the Wythe Hotel
“I’d drink Escoda-Sanahuja’s ‘Els Bassotets’ Conca de Barberà 2013 ($50) at Contra; this Spanish producer is making really exciting stuff.”
*This article appears in the November 10, 2014 issue of New York Magazine.
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