The Go Ask Alice Project Q:1-3

They asked for help. I tried to do my best. Here are the first four requests. #1 This one came in from Susan. I am writing to ask for your advice for my Chanukah dinner. I am making a brisket tzimmes, with carrots, sweet potatoes and a tomato/beef sauce which contains brown sugar and prunes as well as latkes. What wine would be best to serve with this? My 11 person crowd is only 1/2 Jewish so it would not have to be kosher.++++ This one is tough. Latkes are difficult and while I could see a cabernet franc, the greasiness screams out for a sparkler. So here's what I said. Both sparklers about $20. Pinon, Francois NV Vouvray Brut AND if you want to go ultra geeky-- Donati 2008 Malvasia dell'Emilia IGT Frizzante $2o. And for the Tzimmes: Monte Dall' Ora 2006 Valpolicella Classico $16.99 This will be perfect, great acidity and a hint of raisin richness to meld well with the brisket. #2: This one came in from Amy in the Bay Area. Looking for birthday champagne, about $50? And it has to be really pretty. I recommended. NV Raymond Boulard Rose, a gorgeous wine 2002 Drappier Grande Sendree Brut (a bit over). Love this. Almost profound. NV Marc Hebrart, all chardonnay, like a spice cake. delicious. #3 Lisa asked me over a plate of diamonds and then sent in an email. Hi Alice, I met you Sunday with my sister and my niece at your mom's store. I am sending you this to ask if you could recommend any good wines for me that will not give me a headache. I prefer sweeter light wines. Not too dry. Also my friends' fiance's family is from a town outside of Naples so if you could recommend any good red wines from around that area it would be much appreciated. Or just some good Italian ones in general that would ge great. Thank you for helping me with this. I hope you have a wonderful week. Happy Holidays! Regards, Lisa Answer: Lisa! I am dealing with the Zachy's website and not happy with what I see there! BUt if we have to deal with them, I think you'll love Loire Valley Chenin blanc. Beaujolais Blanc Terres Dorees 2008 $12 Montlouis Clos Habert Francois Chidaine 2006 $23 Vouvray Sec Champalou 2007 $15 and for a red, try the Fleurie Clos de la Roilette 2008 or the 2007. I think Beaujolais might be your new best friend and might turn you into a red wine lover. As far as the gift for the Gentleman from Naples? Taurasi Riserva Di Meo 2001 -- It's $55 but my first choice! Primitivo Guttarolo 2007 --$22 second choice! Or turn him onto French. Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes La Milliere 2007 $30