JEFF TAYLOR

S3, EPISODE 12

Jeff Taylor is an award winning sommelier and oversees the wine program at North End Grill, part of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. Jeff talks about his 20 years at some of NYC's finest restaurants including Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Place and Beton. North End Grill features a wood burning grill, Jeff tell's us what wines pair best with smoke and fire.

What are you drinking now?

Zinfandels, Champagne and Northern Rhone wines.

Favorite wine and food pairing?

Jeff will go beyond the classic Champagne and oysters and suggest a St. Joseph, like a Pierre Gonon from the Northern Rhone and a juicy bacon cheeseburger.

Favorite wine restaurant and/or bar?

La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, NYC

Rebelle, NYC

Press, Napa Valley

Favorite all-time wine?

1947 Huet Le Haut Lieu Moelleux from the Loire in France.

Best wine around 15 bucks?

Red - Lapierre Raisins Gaulois Gamay from Beaujolais, France

White - Of course, Muscadet, but also Trimbach Riesling or Pinot Gris from Alsace, France.

Weekly Wine Sip

We tasted a 2003 Chateau Leoville Poyferre red Bordeaux from the St. Julien region of France and a Dhondt-Grellet Dan Us Premier Temps NV grower Champagne from the Cotes du Blanc in France. The 14 year old Bordeaux held up well and was delicious, just as the Dhondt-Grellet was and a great value.

We loved them both.