Tell us about yourself and Atelier Saucier! Please introduce yourself and the brand to the Argaux community. 

Hi! Nikki + Staci here from ATELIER SAUCIER. We are best friends + business partners both living in Los Angeles (Venice to be exact), just down the road from our Culver City HQ.  ATELIER SAUCIER is a modern tabletop design house for sustainable + customizable linens.  With backgrounds in the food + fashion industries, we set out to combine our varied experiences and shared passion for hosting; and introduce a fresh, elevated perspective to all things table linens. ATELIER SAUCIER is where entertaining, dining and design intersect. Our modern ‘kins (our affectionate name for napkins), placemats, tea towels + more are as unique as the RSVP list you cultivate.

How did the concept for Atelier Saucier come about? 

We first met through mutual friends at a famous Los Angeles concert venue, The Troubadour. During the pre-show they played a Robyn song (Dancing On My Own) and we danced our hearts out and knew there was something special between us. We soon learned that we both shared an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for design + entertaining. We spent years dreaming up ways in which we could marry our professional backgrounds (food + fashion). Nikki was working on a restaurant project that requested elevated, modern, sustainable table linens. She searched high + low and couldn’t find anything that fit the bill. Staci suggested that we create them ourselves, sourcing the textiles locally and tapping into her fashion industry contacts to produce them in Los Angeles – and ATELIER SAUCIER was born!

What differentiates Atelier Saucier from other linen brands?

All of our linens are made from sustainably-sourced and repurposed textiles. We hand-pick surplus, premium fabrics so that no two styles of linens are alike. We love working with unique textures including luxe linens, rich cottons, fresh denims, and sumptuous chambrays. Think low maintenance, heirloom-quality materials that wash and wear like a dream – just like your favorite pair of jeans. Additionally, alluding to Staci’s fashion background, we design two seasonally-inspired Collections a year which always keeps our assortment feeling fresh and current.

What does sustainability mean to you and the company? Why is it important?

Our brand ethos is to be eco. The planet is our priority. All of our linens are sustainably-sourced, rescued, repurposed and locally made in Downtown Los Angeles. We hand-pick surplus, premium fabrics so that no two styles of ‘kins are alike. Our small batch production process ensures no excess inventory or waste.

In your opinion, what is the best “centerpiece” on any table? Your answer could be figurative or literal!

We love showcasing one of our centerpiece runners on our tabletop morning, noon, and night. The shorter, modern length causes it to feel less formal and more of an everyday piece that always makes your table look complete and ready for your next meal. A floral / natural motif is also a must. It could be as simple as a beautiful branch!

What’s your go-to hostess gift? 

1. An Argaux gift set, of course!
2. ATELIER SAUCIER Cocktail Napkins – the perfect gift that can be used non the spot!
3. Anecdote Candles – the cheeky sayings and luscious scents are simply the best.

What’s next for Atelier Saucier? 

World domination, one napkin at a time:) But in all seriousness, we are thrilled to have a handful of very exciting brand collaborations in the works and currently are deep in the throes of designing our Spring / Summer 2023 Collection. We are also gearing up for a number of in-person pop-ups over the next few months – it is always such a treat to meet our linen-loving customers in real life!

Lightning Round:

• Butter or Olive Oil? Butter, but recently we have been partial to using Avocado Oil!
• Burlap or denim? Burlap – our most buttery fan-favorite textile!
• Stem or stemless (glassware)? Stemless
• Patchwork or plaid? Patchwork – our most confident styles of the season!

Atelier Saucier Argaux Favorites:

• 2021 Storm Wines Cabernet Franc from Club Argaux Fall shipment 
• 2021 Val de Meigas Albariño from Club Argaux Fall shipment

Modern agriculture means that we can enjoy different aspects of nature’s bounty year-round without paying too much concern to seasonality, especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables. We don’t know about you, however, but there does seem to be something in our brains and bodies that kicks into gear when the weather shifts, sending up flares that it’s time to dig into season-specific fare. When it’s warm out, we love fresh greens, fruit smoothies, and succulent white fish. In the cold of winter, we’re all about hot soups, rich meats, and anything dug out of the ground. 

Winter is nearing its end here in the northern hemisphere, and before the temperature begins to rise once more, we want to make the most of what’s left of our inexplicable-craving-for-root-veggies period. To do that, we want to make sure we’re pairing the right wines with some of our favorite cold-weather roasts. Let’s go!

How to pair wine with root veggies

We’re going to cheat the definition of root veg a little bit and expand that to include anything starchy, fleshy, and flavorful that can easily be found in the frost – think hard-skinned squashes or eggplants in addition to the underground mirepoix of tatties, carrots and alliums.

And this broad-ish category of veggie is a little wild to try to pin down. Roasted, seared, or blended into soups, some of these heartier plants can stand up to harsher pairings the way meat can, but they’re not tough enough to be really drowned in tannins. 

They’re also delicate enough that they won’t overwhelm a richer white, although you should probably steer away from anything too acidic – unless one of your key ingredients happens to be butter or cream. 

The rules additionally change a little bit depending on whether the dish you’re serving is hot or cold: lighter-bodied reds and rosés do well with cold roots as in a vichyssoise, medium-bodied reds and rich whites for something warm like a sweet potato with rosemary and black pepper.

Did that clear things up? No? Read on for more specific recommendations. 

Best wine for root veggies

• 2018 E. Pira Chiara Boschis ‘Mosconi’ Barolo – $135
  Dark like black velvet, like the dead of winter, like the bottom of a cauldron that’s been simmering rich broth and spices over the embers of an oakwood fire. Rich like fresh cream and jam that’s just set. This is the wine to pair with a classic potato/carrot roast smothered in beef and mushroom gravy.
  

• 2020 Bachelet-Monnot Chassagne-Montrachet – $96
  You take a sip and you imagine yourself sitting in a dusty apron on a white-tile counter, licking the spoon after scraping a rich lemon custard into its awaiting shortbread crust. What are you going to have while you’re waiting for it to bake? How about a citrusy sweet potato casserole?
  

• 2020 Cargaux Pinot Noir – $45
  A cultural joining like a quilt of vibrant red fruits. Have it with spiced pumpkin soup topped with pepitas and a cotija crumble – that’s all we’ll say.
  

• NV Paul Laurent Champagne ‘Cuvée du Fondateur’ Brut – $39
  Traditional, classic, delectable – how’d the dragonfruit get in there? Ah well. We’re making potions in our marble mortar-and-pestles for warmth and effervescence this winter, invoking some notes of summertime into our wintry glasses. Try with a salad of roast butternut squash, dino kale, pomegranate seeds and feta with a blood orange vinaigrette.
  

• 2021 Weingut Griesbauerhof Alto Adige Pinot Grigio – $28
  It’s a mountain Pinot Grigio! Bringing with it the sharp stones and evergreen life the alps have to offer. Next time you hike to an altitude, consider bringing this along as your refresher. For now, we think it would go well with some garlicky mashed potatoes.
  

• 2012 Roberto Voerzio Barolo Sarmassa di Barolo MAGNUM – $550
  Call your lawyer and find out – the Barolo label means it’s been aging in bottle for at least three years, so don’t be surprised when you pop the cork now (or in a year, or 5, or 10) and what comes out is pure red silk. Try with this root vegetable tagine.
  

• 2021 Domaine Guillaume Pin Savoie Apremont – $26
  It’s injecting a little sunshine into the last months of wintertime blues. Absolutely perfect for pan-seared teriyaki eggplant over seasoned white rice. 

Other offerings from Argaux

Do you ever feel like wine tasting terminology just flies over your head? Do you want to fix that? 

You can empower yourself to make better wine pairing choices and understand the world of viticulture in general a little better with this educational offering from Argaux.

Our Blind Wine Tasting Kit comes complete with everything you need to begin a fun and insightful journey into pro-level wine tasting that begins the moment you pop the cork. 

2 to 4 bottles come wrapped to intentionally conceal their identities, along with a tasting guide that will help you learn how to guess a vintage’s identity by engaging all your relevant senses. Learn how to observe, smell, and taste wine to discern subtle hints that indicate varietal, location, and even year of each bottle. Write down your findings and finally unwrap the bottle to reveal how right you are!

Begin your journey today with Argaux. Cheers!

The sun is still shining like summertime over the Argaux headquarters in Costa Mesa, California. But the recent passing of the equinox has us already thinking about the cooler months ahead, and the myriad celebrations they bring with them.

For professionals, it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to help teams, employees, colleagues and clients feel seen and special this holiday season. If gift giving is a part of your organization’s winter tradition (or any tradition!) check out this article for some modern present ideas the people you work with are sure to love. 

Corporate Christmas and Holiday Gift Ideas

However your people celebrate over the winter months, these gifts will help them do it. 

• A red wine for winter nights. – $45
  The 2019 Domaine de la Bonne Tonne ‘Côte du Py’ Morgon Beaujolais is the perfect bottle of red with which to weather a wintry storm. Clients and colleagues alike won’t hesitate to cozy up with this delicious bottle.

• Warm blankets from an independent business. – $80
  Keep your prospects warmed up with a luxurious alpaca blanket from this independent Peruvian creator.

• A delectable kosher wine for Hanukkah. – $50
  For observant Jewish clients and colleagues, this completely Kosher red wine made in the Israeli Judean Hills provides a thoughtful and delicious beverage to help celebrate the ancient Festival of Lights.

• A holiday tea subscription. – $25 per month
  If your gift recipient is more of a tea aficionado than a oenophile, this customizable loose-leaf tea subscription will keep their mug filled with deliciousness all year long.

• A versatile winter Hydro Flask. – $28
  For lovers of cold and warm beverages alike, this temperature-regulating travel mug from Hydro Flask will keep cold wine chilled for 24 hours, and hot tea hot for up to 6. 

Corporate Gifts for Employees

Here are a few sweet ways to say “thank you” to your workforce – whatever the occasion. 

• A ZZ plant. – $11
  Many corporate gift idea listicles advocate for plants as an employee gift idea. But not everyone in your workforce is going to want to care for a finicky philodendron or an onerous orchid. We recommend the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia as an easy alternative – this plant thrives on neglect, so there’s no pressure when it’s given.

• A portable battery. – $50
  You don’t know you want one until you need one. And with how dependent we all are on our devices, you can rest assured your employees will never leave the house without their battery pack once it’s been given to them.

• A food and wine tasting kit. – $99
  For your food-oriented workforce, this fun and educational kit comes with two bottles of hand-selected wines from the Argaux cellars, a copy of Vanessa Price’s Big Macs and Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World book, and a compact wine and food pairing guide from the somms at Argaux.

• Access to a masterclass of their choice. – Variable
  Help your employees expand beyond their horizons and strike a better work/life balance by covering a Masterclass course that lets them learn their passions from a pro.

• A puzzle subscription. – $168 – 192 per year
  For employees who like to unwind with a little jigsaw, this is a lovely gift that gives them access to as many puzzles as they can complete in a 12-month span. (Ask them if they like to drink wine while they puzzle, too, hm?)

Luxury Corporate Gifts

For top clients you want to nurture or colleagues continuing to go above and beyond, these gift ideas and a little something extra to the gift basket.

• Upscale extra-virgin olive oil. – $38
  Chances are even your home-chef gift recipients aren’t buying themselves 40-dollar olive oil in an average grocery shop. Give them a taste of something really delectable with this EVOO from French master chef Nicolas Vahe.

• A selection of luxury chocolates. – $25
  Reach out to the concierge at Vosges and have them help you pick the perfect pack of speciality chocolate bars to give the gift of something especially sweet.

• Crystal wine goblets. – $145
  Give the gift of “no no, I said get the good wine glasses” with these incredible, luxurious, stemless Folia crystal tumblers from Saks.

• Premier Cru Champagne from the heart of France. – $175
  The 2015 Vilmart & Cie Champagne 1er Cru ‘Coeur de Cuvee’ Brut is complex, refined, and utterly lent to aging – so your special client or colleague can open it now, or in years time when they’re toasting the success of your past partnership.

• World-class coffee. – Variable
  From Onyx Coffee labs, another luxurious beverage subscription that helps clients and colleagues perk up in the morning with thoughtfully-roasted fair-trade coffee. 

Personalized Corporate Gift Ideas

Sometimes you need to give a gift that shows you really, really know the recipient – here are a few ideas. 

• A message from their favorite celebrity. – Variable
  Hearing your hero say your name can make anyone’s day. Cameo offers custom messages from real celebrities so you can create a powerful celebratory message for your employees.

• A hand-selected wine tasting kit. – $75 – 150
  Let our expert sommeliers at Argaux choose 3 delicious bottles of red and white wine to delight the palate of your receiver.

• A personalized glass water bottle. – Variable
  These fully-customizable eco-friendly reusable water bottles are a great way to send a special message to clients and employees alike this holiday season.

• A gift certificate from Argaux. – $50 – 200
  Let your gift recipients choose their own present with a gift certificate to one of the best collections of small-batch wines in the world.

• A customized wine label from your business. – Variable
  From Windsor Vineyards, slip a custom wine label – etched or paper – into your holiday gift basket for an extra personal touch. 

Corporate Wine Gifts

When you know your client list is full of oenophiles, here’s what you should be giving them. 

• An unbreakable wine bottle and tumbler set. – $75
  From Miir comes this beautiful 750mL bottle and tumbler set to support your people in their more outdoorsy viticultural experiences.

• A sommelier-guided tasting experience. – Variable
  Book an in-person or virtual somm-guided wine tasting event with an expert from Argaux for your team.

• The Classic Spritz kit. – $75
  With 1 bottle of Prosecco and 1 bottle of Vermouth and recipes for 3 different luxurious cocktails, your wine-loving gift recipients will delight in this delicious drinkable puzzle from Argaux.

• A personalized cheese board set. – $83
  New oenophiles sometimes have the experience of out-classing their charcuterie with their new, luxurious wine selection. Not with this acacia wood multi sectional cheeseboard!
• A beginner’s introductory wine tasting kit. – $95

For the wine-curious and wine-veterans alike, this kits brings us back to basics with a 4 bottle selection of common varietals that help you learn about the foundations of the wine world, and have a whole lot of delicious fun while doing so.

Pair this with 2020 Storm Carbonic Cabernet Franc

Ingredients: 

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, butt, or loin
• 1 pound tomatillos (coarsely chopped)
• 1 pound roma tomatoes (coarsely chopped)
• 1 bottle beer (I use an IPA)
• 6–8 juice oranges (to make 1½ cups of fresh juice)
• 4 limes
• 2 jalapeños (minced)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 large onions (chopped)
• 1 can black beans
• Herbs & Spices: Dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika
• Optional Garnishes: Sour cream, cotija cheese, avocado, cilantro

Sprinkle pork shoulder generously with salt. Brown the pork  in a large skillet over high heat for two minutes a side. Remove pork and saute the onions and garlic in the pan drippings until the onions are translucent. Add the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

Remove the husks from the tomatillos, wash the sticky surface off, and chop them. Add tomatillo to the slow cooker with tomatoes, jalapeños, beer, orange juice, juice from 2 limes, salt, pepper, dried oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook on low for 9 hours. 

Remove the pork, separate it from the bone and shred. Add the pork back to the slow cooker along with the black beans and mix. Serve in a bowl with a lime wedge and optional garnishes. 

Pro Tip: Simmer and reduce leftovers and serve on top of eggs the next morning. Think breakfast sandy, burrito, or chilaquiles!

Sheep preparations run the gamut of culinary possibilities. 

Shepherd’s Pie represents a humble and down-to-earth familial food beloved for centuries across rural farmlands. Classic legs of mutton conjure banquet halls of kings, where the unctuous cuts were always enjoyed alongside a stein of hearty ale or mead. Shawarma spits hold fast as a popular contemporary street food that’s perfect for a late-night snack (or a mid-afternoon hangover cure.) And delicate dishes of lamb invoke images of clean white plates, silver forks, and pristine table cloths. Today we’ll be focusing on this last and arguably most intimidating preparation of the popular and versatile meat.

Not everyone likes lamb shanks. And no mistake, this particular cut requires extra loving care during the cooking process to produce something tender and truly delicious. Plus, the uber-specific flavor it offers makes it tricky to find the right beverage to go with it – our usual strategy of “pair it with the sauce” is not the catch-all trick it can be with milder meats. But we’ve got a few ideas for lamb shank wine pairings that we think you’re gonna love. 

What the heck is a lamb shank?

The lamb shank is a particular cut of meat that comes from the lower aspect in the animal’s fore and hindlegs. Because this is a muscle that gets a lot of use during life, it can be a little tough if not cooked correctly. A large piece of connective tissue associated with this cut can contribute either chewiness or oodles of flavor depending on how the dish is prepared. 

The trick to unlocking all the grassy, fatty deliciousness the shank has to offer is typically a longer cook time with plenty of accompanying liquids. Braising is often recommended as the ideal method for getting this cut ready for your table. Popular flavorings for the final dish typically include vibrant aromatics like mint, garlic, rosemary, and cumin-based dressings which brighten and elevate the meat’s richness.

Best wine for lamb shanks

Deep, dark, and fruit-forward are adjectives you should be looking for in a lamb-friendly wine. This unctuous animal needs a partner as bold as itself to cut through the fat and add a touch of berry sweetness to the overall experience. The lamb itself promises to help out the wine, as well, as a coating of oil on your tongue helps to combat the bitterness of some tannin-heavy reds, letting you taste the bottle a bit more deeply. 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a white wine that works really well with lamb, we’re sorry to say. Often, lighter whites like Pinot Grigios are simply overwhelmed by the lamb’s intensity. A grassy, herbaceous blanc can also bring out the grassy, gamey flavors in the meat which many find unpleasant. If only a glass-of-white-with-one-ice-cube will do, an especially rich Chardonnay might just do the trick. 

Here are a few bottles we recommend. 

• 2020 Storm Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir – $45
  A fan favorite both in-house and among our patrons, this classic Pinot is a testament to California terroir. Sipping this red on a summer day feels like finding a patch of wild strawberries on the forest stroll: earthy and spicy, yet fresh and lively. Try with these rosemary braised lamb shanks.  

• 2016 Domaine les Semelles de Vent Gigondas “Clos du Garde” – $36
  A Rhone Valley Grenache/Syrah is among the top recommendations for pairing with a slow-roasted lamb shank. So here’s ours! A distinct spice gifted to these organically-grown grapes through the soil is tempered on the tongue by dark fruit and just a hint of cocoa for a totally luxurious experience.  

• 2018 Chateau des Antonins AOC Bordeaux Supérieur La Réserve du Couvent – $60
  The richness of a really good Bordeaux has this amazing softening effect on tougher preparations of the meat in question. Roast lamb with a tomato-based sauce will find its match in this bodacious left-bank blend. The smokiness of this wine’s particular palate makes us think a grilled shank wouldn’t go amiss.  

• 2018 Poco a Poco Mendocino County Chardonnay – $25
  If you’re having white with lamb, it’s gotta be oaked Chardonnay. Citrus-forward flavors give this classic Chard a little bit of intrigue, while a nutty, buttery base allow for an extra oomph that helps it stand up to the richness of a braised shank. Try it with this pasta with braised lamb shank ragu recipe.  

• Sonoma Coast Syrah (half-bottle) – $40
  You might try cooking your lamb shank directly in this delicious wine, if you feel so called. The flavors it brings to the table – dark fruit, pepper, and game – create this magical parallel to some of the classic preparations of this particular cut. For a little bit of contrast, sip this coastal Syrah next to a dish of Persian spiced lamb shanks with mint and dill. 

Argaux’s offerings

Argaux’s blog is chock-full of delicious recipes, genres of cuisine, and the right wines to go with them. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next Persian inspired meal or exciting pesto preparations, head on over (and be sure to take notes!)

But the plate doesn’t always have to come before the bottle. Argaux’s inventory is stuffed with delicious small-batch wines that might just tell you what foods they’re for, once you’ve gotten to know them a little better. 

So bolster your palate and learn all there is to know about tasting wines like a pro with our Blind Tasting Kit. Or, if you’re a novice no longer, expand your palate geographically with Old World vs. New World tasting set, or travel kits including ‘Gaux To California, Italy, Champagne, and more. 

Or if you’re looking for something really, really specific, reach out to our in-house sommeliers and they’ll help you find it. 

Cheers!

Wine is pretty far down the list of most popular beverages to pair with Cuban cuisine. Vino Cubano is a relatively newfangled industry with a history that is utterly dwarfed by the island’s lengthy relationship with coffee, beer, rum, and other quintessentially-Cuban beverages. 

However, contemporary Cuban comida integrates influences from far-reaching countries where wine is the drink of choice, and viticulture is represented as an integral part of the region’s self-conception. The flavors, unique ingredients, and culinary traditions of these myriad points of origin marry to create a food scene that is totally unique to Cuba. Plus, it’s totally wine-friendly. 

How to pair wine with Cuban food

Most somms will tell you to reach for a bottle of Spanish Rioja or Rosado if you’re having a generically Cuban spread. Spain was for centuries the primary colonizer of the now-independent island. As a result, much of Cuban cuisine has a distinctly Spanish feel and flavor – meaning a vino de Espana is your best bet.

But the tropical traditions of the indigenous Taino remain strong in modern practice, with island fruits and fish dominating large parts of the menu. Influences brought in by enslaved Africans can also be found in the herbs and spices in Cuban seasonings. Finally, French and Italian foods have similarly left their mark on the cuisine as it exists today, offering a range of great options to choose from when selecting an ideal wine pairing. 

From a traditional Ropa Vieja entree to a casual Cuban sandwich, the sheer breadth of these culinary creations gives foodies and oenophiles plenty of opportunities to explore wine matches to their heart’s content. 

Below are a few bottles in the Argaux collection we think will go great with any number of Cuban dishes. 

Best wine for cuban food

• 2019 Anza Diego Magaña Rioja  – $31
  A Rioja from Rioja, Spain, that’s just waiting to accompany you to your next Guaracha. A classic, elegant, old-vine grown and sustainably farmed Tempranillo-dominant blend, the palate offers notes of cherry and chalk that will complement a simple almond, olive and jamon tapas platter beautifully. Rising star winemaker Diego Magana says that this bottle is his favorite vintage he’s created so far – so get it while the getting’s good!

• 2020 Cargaux Pinot Noir – $45
  This bottle provides the perfect and delicious nod to the African influences of Cuban cuisine. A collaborative effort between Storm Wines and Chase Carhartt, the Cargaux Pinot is light with a silky smooth structure and delicate acidity that rolls out the red carpet for the floral, fruity, and spicy flavors. Classic pork dishes like slow-cooked carnitas will find themselves well-matched with this South African red.

• 2021 Origin Santa Cruz Mountains Rosé – $32
  We can’t get enough of this delectably drinkable rosé here at Argaux. And paired with a citrusy plate of Mojito Cerdo, we think you’ll understand what we mean. Intentionally created as a flavorful experience, the winemakers at The Lester Family Vineyard curated the incoming grapes to boost and broaden the tates of red berries and citrus fruits within this beautiful bottle. Sip once and enjoy a finish that seems to go on forever.

• 2019 Bachelet-Monnot Maranges Rouge ‘La Fussière’ Premier Cru – $55
  A nod to the French influences in Cuban cuisine, this is the wine to grab when Cuban sandwiches are front and center on your lunch menu. Pinot numero dos on our list today, this wine stands out for the spicy undertones afforded by 15% whole cluster vinification – perfect for complementing the buttery crunch of a classic French roll. Expect a smooth and cherry-forward palate to elevate your next mouthful of ham, cheese, and pickles.

• 2019 Cascina Fontana Barbera d’Alba – $39
  For casual wine drinkers and seasoned oenophiles alike, this red is an accessible introduction to the vineyards of Italy as well as a distinct display of the Piedmont terroir. Jammy, spicy, floral, and tinged with graphite, the flavors of the Barbera d’Alba will pair perfectly with a barbecued Cuban-style pork tenderloin, or a generous pile of spicy arroz con gandules.

• 2018 DeMorgenzon DMZ Western Cape Chardonnay – $20
  Another classic from the Cape, the DMZ is a South African Chardonnay we’re convinced must have been made with a Cuban-style dish of seafood ceviche with avocado in mind. Vanilla, apple, and caramel call back to the quintessential baked-good-ness of a traditional Chardonnay, and notes of pineapple and peach give it a tropical edge that promise to make this the latest island favorite.

• 2020 Norris Ribbon Ridge Dry Riesling – $35
  Sweet, dry, and delicate, what better way to end the article than with a viticultural match to a true Cuban classic, Ropa Vieja? The fatty red dish is full of vibrant flavors coming from paprika, peppers, onions, and oregano, and needs a little lightening from a sweet and citrusy pair to bring out the best in those ingredients and elevate the experience overall. This delicious Oregonian Riesling is absolutely the answer. 

Argaux’s offerings

If you want to dive a little deeper into which bottles in the Argaux collection go with certain cuisines (or single ingredients for that matter) there’s a lot more going on over at the Argaux blog. Does the mention of jamon have your mouth watering? Learn more about viticultural matches for ham here. If you’re looking to get cute with your pork products, check out Argaux’s best bottles for a charcuterie board here. 

Or, if you’re looking for something really, really specific we didn’t mention above, connect with our Pocket Somm app for a personalized recommendation from an in-house sommelier. 

Cheers!

Rich, vibrant, and flavorful as the history of the region itself, Persian or Iranian cuisine is a delectable amalgamation of culinary traditions from both within and around the ancient country. In actuality, Persian food defines a region with no less than 6 separate traditions encompassed, each offering their own interpretations and local ingredients into the national cookbook. Members of the Iranian diaspora have also brought these tastes and practices with them to many cities around the globe, seeding well-loved foodie hotspots in London, San Francisco, Houston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and more. 

Persian food ranges from light and vibrant to rich and creamy to hot and spicy and everything in between. And, of course, for each dish on the menu, there’s an ideal bottle of wine to go with it. 

How to pair wine with Persian food

A 1996 archaeological discovery in the Zagros mountains indicated that the traditions of wine making in Iran stretch back more than 7000 years, demonstrating an ancient viticultural practice which co-evolved with broader food practices in the area. The Middle East more broadly is believed to be the original birthplace of wine and wine-making, and so the grape-made beverage has deep ties to cultural identity for many within these communities. 

Under the current Iranian government, the consumption of wine and other alcohol has been made illegal. The jury is still out on how effective this law has been at keeping glasses out of hands, but it has put a dampener on cultivation and fermentation within the country. We must then find our Persian pairings from other vineyards. 

How you pick your wine should be based on both the seasonings giving the dish its flavor as well as the texture of the main base, which may be creamy, meaty, crisp, or starchy. Aromatics like garlic, onion, parsley, and cilantro call for a crisp, acidic white like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Vibrant spices like cumin or Harissa might prefer a sweeter white such as a Riesling, or an earthy red like a Pinot Noir or Syrah.

Creamy, yogurt-based sauces pair beautifully with light Rosés, while kebabs, gyros, and other meat-based dishes need a bit of effervescence or a darker red to hold up their weight. Starchy dishes including potato and bean-based foods are also big fans of bubbles, or a funky Chard. 

Let’s take a second to back up these broad suggestions with a few specific recommendations from the Argaux cellar itself. 

Best wine for Persian food

• 2020 Bodega Chacra Patagonia Chardonnay – $115
  Old-growth vines lovingly cultivated in the Rio Negro Valley of Patagonia produced the otherworldly grapes that went into this utter gem of a Chardonnay. It’s light, fragrant, creamy, and floral, with none of the boulangerie-heaviness of wines of the same name. Notes of lime yogurt  beg for this wine to be paired with a traditional Tacheen – baked saffron rice with yogurt and chicken.  

• 2017 Young Inglewood VENN Skin Contact Sauvignon Blanc – $35
  A saffron-hued beverage is a natural pair for cuisine that leans deeply into this fragrant spice to flavor its fare. This skin-contact Sauvignon Blanc has versatile applications when it comes to food pairings – to have your mind blown on the first bite, sip alongside a dish of jujeh chicken kebabs. Or, for a dash of deja-vu, try with Persian Love Cake to see how the notes of cardamom and vanilla in the wine boost these same flavors in your edible.  

• 2018 Piro Presqu’ile Vineyard Pinot Noir – $44
  Dubbed “the ultimate dinner party wine” by the team at Argaux, this is the bottle you reach for if you’ve been invited to an Iranian feast. It’s an extremely food-friendly Pinot with the power to enhance a variety of flavorful dishes without overwhelming their more delicate notes. Bright and with a berry-forward palate, we think this wine will shine next to borani-bademjan: a spicy, super-flavorful cousin to baba ganoush.  

• NV Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Triple Zéro Rosé Pet Nat – $39
  The inclusion of rose petals and rose water in so many Iranian dishes begs for the inclusion of a rosé in our list today. Far from being a dessert wine, this bottle of bubbles longs to be partnered with something savory and super, super starchy. Effervescent and lively with a sweet and fruity palate, this wine is for you if your gaux-to is a classic falafel plate with hummus and pita.  

• 2020 Cargaux Syrah – $45
  Lighter Persian dishes are often flavorful enough on their own to stand up to the earthen tempers of a deep and dark red, like this cool-climate Syrah from South Africa. Couscous, veggies, and tabbouleh are a great match for this wine as their acidity and fragrance will blend with the fruitiness of the Cargaux to create something new. Carnivores won’t miss anything, either, as this wine brings its own with notes of peppered meat on the tongue.   

• 2017 Anomaly Vineyards Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon  – $160
  Go ahead and start planning your 2042 pilgrimage now, because this wine will be just as delicious 20 years in the future as it is right now. A treat to be savored slowly, this wine tells you exactly what dish it wants to be paired with by fronting notes of cinnamon, orange zest, roast meat, vanilla, and cherry. Tahdig – another saffron rice dish made with cherries, pistachios, orange zest, cinnamon, and yogurt – is this wine’s ideal mate. 

Argaux’s offerings

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of flavor and luxury laid out before you in this article, allow us to narrow it down for you. 

Choose our Wine 101 Tasting Kit, which our team of sommeliers has curated by grape variety. Each kit will include 3 bottles of wines: 2 classic examples of the grape selected and 1 “wild card.” Think of it as a way to learn more about your favorite grape, while being introduced to its long lost cousin.. 

Cheers!

Belissima! Who doesn’t love a delicate savory slice paired with the perfect glass of your favorite wine? The art of charcuterie is all the rage right now, and it’s just a matter of time before the masses catch on to the porcine production’s meatier cousin, carpaccio. 

Italian in origin, this delicate but toothsome dish was absolutely designed with wine pairing in mind – perfect for a picnic on the green, an evening event, or a particularly precious treat to grace your coffee table for a night at home. Let’s dive in.

What the heck is carpaccio?

We’re guessing that if you found your way here you already know how to navigate around a platter of carpaccio. Or maybe you were tasked with bringing a bottle to your friend’s soiree where this di fantasia sounding dish is to be the crown jewel of the potluck spread. Either way, it’s good to be up on your culinary comprehension, especially if you want to make a good wine pairing. So here’s a little refresher.

Carpaccio first emerged in 1963 after its Venetian invention at the hands of restaurateur Giuseppe Cipriani. Typically eaten as an appetizer, carpaccio is most commonly composed of thin slices of red meat or fish served raw with a drizzle each of lemon juice, olive oil, S&P, and perhaps a bit of parmesan or truffle. 

Here’s a fun piece of trivia: the dish carpaccio was named after Renaissance-era painter Vittore Carpaccio, whose use of muted reds and soft whites evoked a visceral sense of meatiness in his religious paintings. 

Contemporary carpaccio preparations often see the slices served with bitter greens such as arugula, and topped with walnuts and feta cheese beneath the obligatory EVOO, salt, and pepper. You will also see vegetarian and vegan interpretations of the classic dish including zucchini, eggplant, and cucumber carpaccio. 

Best wine for carpaccio

Because modern carpaccio may feature a wide array of bases, what wine you reach for should be  whether it’s fish, meat, or veg making up the main element of your dish. 

A seafood carpaccio such as octopus, tuna, or salmon is best paired with light, fruity reds like Pinot Noir. If you prefer white, dryer varieties including Sauvignon Blanc should be your go-to.

A beef, veal, or venison carpaccio prefers a deeper red that will stand up to its savoriness. Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons are generally recommended. On the lighter side of things, Chardonnays and rich sparkling wines will do the trick. 

Of course, the most important thing is that you like the wine you’re drinking, and that you think it goes well with your carpaccio preparation of choice. Here are a few of our favorites. 

• 2020 Norris Ribbon Ridge Dry Riesling – $35
  This is one of our favorites here at Argaux – a uniquely dry riesling with a fresh, floral, and fruity flavor that’s wonderfully refreshing and best of all sustainably farmed. A perfect pair for carpaccio no matter the base, this Oregon Willamette Valley wine is thematically matched as well. Oregonian Riesling crops first took root in the 1960s, right around when carpaccio was making its own debut. We think a classic beef carpaccio with arugula is this wine’s ideal mate.

• 2021 Origin Santa Cruz Mountains Rosé – $32
  A positively divine Syrah Rosé grown responsibly and with love in the coastal mountains of central California. Santa Cruz and the surrounding county have a history rich with farming, fishing, and craft culinary traditions that magically match this viticultural terroir with your carpaccio of choice. Try it with this salmon carpaccio with asparagus and artichoke.

• NV Gaston Chiquet Champagne Brut ‘Tradition’ (half-bottle) – $34
  From women winemakers at the Gaston Chiquet vineyards comes this classic pink champagne fronting stone fruit, apple, and vanilla with each smooth and creamy sip. The Brut beauty is strictly a seafood-only pair when it comes to carpaccio platters. With this bottle in hand, octopus, oysters, and ahi carpaccio are definitely on the menu.

• 2018 Chateau des Antonins AOC Bordeaux Supérieur La Réserve du Couvent – $60
  Bright red and bold, the Cab Sauv-dominant Bordeaux may be decanted the moment it reaches your doorstep for a hearty experience, or sequestered away until 2032 when you may enjoy its aged and velvety tannins. Best sipped alongside a complementary red dish, this might be the bottle you reach for when a venison carpaccio is on the table.

• 2019 Francois Carillon Bourgogne Chardonnay – $30
  If you are a fan of cheese-heavy carpaccio preparations, this is the wine for you. Typically recommended for pizza, pasta, and other bready-cheesy fare, this classic Chardonnay carries its own notes of citrus salinity and buttery brioche that set it up for fame with formaggio. A friend to fish as well, try this wine with octopus carpaccio with parmesan.

• 2013 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – $89
  A deep, floral and savory wine, Le Ragnaie comes to us from the homeland of carpaccio itself, promising an authentic experience between each bite. Fruity flavors that are introduced by an aroma of cured meat in the nose, this wine brings its own body to the table and can perk up any veggie-based dish you desire – like this mushroom and arugula carpaccio. Traditionalists however will be equally delighted by pairing this aged Italian bottle with a classic beef carpaccio preparation. 

Argaux’s offerings

Feeling overwhelmed? No worries. Argaux offers a range of gifts, services, and individual bottles from small-batch wineries to suit any palate – even if you don’t know what you like yet. 

If you’re more about vision than varietal, check out our Natural Wine Tasting Set or our Women in Wine tasting set to see what can happen when ladies take the lead in the wine world. 

Learn what soil’s got to do with it with our Old World vs. New World tasting set, or travel kits including ‘Gaux to California, Italy, and Champagne. 

If you’re just getting started on your viticultural journey, ask about our Blind Tasting Kit that teaches you how to taste wine while you’re tasting it!

And if you need a special recommendation, hit up our Pocket Somm for a personalized shopping experience, whatever your needs may be. 

Cheers!