I am so thrilled to be a part of the amazing team at the newly opened “Stocks and Bondy” in the Dallas Farmer’s Market with the incredibly talented Chef Joanne Bondy at the helm. This was a long time in the making for Joanne, both in the years leading up to this with her creating her dream, and then the actual execution of the space, which happily is finally open. We’ll be specializing in culinary commodities, as Joanne likes to say, with a focus on house made stocks and broths, incredible soups, sauces & pulled meats, all made from hormone free, grass fed meats and poultry, locally grown from local purveyors. And, we’ll have wine, beautiful, delicious, perfect pairing wines to meld with the flavors of the season.

That’s where I come in. I am so thrilled with our wine list as it includes many of my favorite wines in the world, both from around the state and around the world, each one with a very special story. Including:

Elena Walch Pinot Grigio, 2014, Alto Adige, Italy– I love this wine & producer. Female/family run by Elena Walch, a former architect that met her winemaker husband refurbishing his family estate. She wanted to get into wine, but didn’t just go to work for him, she did it on her own, creating one of the most highly respected wineries in Alto Adige. Now run with the help of her two daughters, Karoline and Julia, the winery is known for producing wines that sing of the land, highlighting the terroir. Pinot Grigio can be a too fruity at times, but the altitudes and climate of Alto Adige, at the base of the Italian Alps in the Dolomite Mountains, keeps this wine racy, fresh and vibrant with steely minerality, great acidity, citrus and orchard flavors. $18.00

Cakebread Chardonnay, 2013, Napa (Carneros), CA – A classic California Chardonnay from Napa Valley from one of the region’s favorite families.  Founder Jack Cakebread got into wine in the 1970’s for a habit on the side.  The former garage owner from Oakland would hand deliver every case of his wine too his customers throughout Northern California early on, taking the opportunity to give a personal thank you to his early supporters. That gracious spirit lives on with the work of his sons, Denis and Bruce, who run the winery today and are dedicated to preserving the tradition and history of their family owned winery. Rich, layered and balanced, filled with apple and ripe honeydew fruit aromas, with a palate of yellow apple, nectarine and honeydew flavors with succulent, spicy finish. Very well balanced with the oak use adding texture and richness to the wine, without imparting a heavy oaky flavor. Delicious paired with our roast chicken & chicken noodle soup. $42.00

Domaine Ott Les Domaniers Cotes de Provence Rose, 2014, Provence, France – About this time last year I had the chance to travel to the Rhone Valley and Provence. Yes, winter isn’t really the time of year to visit the land of sunshine and Rose, but the French Riviera was still gorgeous, and the Rose wine tasted as heavenly with warm bouillabaisse as it does with fresh summer salads. My favorite, Domaine Ott, a winery founded in the late 1800’s sitting right on the Mediterranean Sea. Their Les Domaniers is a classic Provence Rose wine blending Cinsaut – Grenache – Syrah together for a light, highly aromatic wine with red berry, grapefruit, soft herbs, lavender and spice with a touch of salty brininess from the Sea. $19.50

Adelsheim Elizabeth Reserve Pinot Noir, 2012, Willamette Valley, OR – If you know me, you know I am an Adelsheim wine fan. This is one of the finest examples of stellar Pinot Noir from one of the founding fathers of the region, David Adelsheim. By blending prime lots of estate grown Pinot Noir from throughout Willamette Valley, Adelsheim produces a consistently special wine filled with earthy forest floor, juicy cherry, wild strawberry and spice. A beautiful wine for gifts, or to pair with holiday meals, mushroom risotto, roasted salmon or even lobster pot pie.  $58.50

Chateau St. Georges St. Emilion Grand Cru, 2011, Bordeaux-France (750ml and 375ml)- From the sub-region of St Georges in St. Emilion on the Right Bank (the Merlot side of Bordeaux) comes the historic and elegant Chateau St. Georges, that’s history dates back to 1602, with the current family owning the gorgeous Chateau since 1891. Lush and lively, fresh yet refined, blending 80% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc for the 2011 release. A beautifully balanced wine with well integrated tannins, making this affordable Bordeaux a food friendly wine to enjoy upon release, pairing nicely with braised meat or pork dishes, but also standing up game meat, like grilled venison. $34.75

Ricossa Antica Casa Barolo D.O.C.G, 2011, Barolo, Piemonte, Italy – The king of all red wines, at least according to the Italians, is Barolo made from the beloved Nebbiolo variety produced in this picturesque region in Northwest Italy. The first wine I truly, truly loved was Barolo, and Ricossa will always have a special place in my heart and in my cellar as I had a chance to travel to the region with them, getting to know this special part of the world with them. Hearty, robust, tannic and dense, yet also elegant, balanced and sublime. Though many are made to be aged an extensive amount of time due to the concentration of the grapes, Ricossa is approachable young, melding black fruit notes with earthy, floral and spiced flavors. Filled with dried roses, tobacco and tar notes wrapped around blackberry and black plum.  $45.00

This is just a small sampling of what we have now on our list, which will continue to evolve as the seasons change. Come visit me tomorrow at Stocks and Bondy at our location inside the new “Market” at The Dallas Farmer’s Market downtown. This is the perfect time to pick up a bottle or two for your holiday table.

I will be there from 11-3, hope to see you then!
Cheers and happy holidays!