Creating a new restaurant/outlet wine list can be challenging, especially when considering all of the wine that hits the market today. As we started constructing the food menu, of course finding wines that would be nicely paired was very important. Another aspect we considered was that Axis opened right before summer, so seasonality came into play as well. 

Throughout the years, I have gathered many requests from members and have tried to implement them into a well-rounded wine list. This list is worldly and has a Tuscan flare due to the Axis menu. We offer 40 percent domestic wines, accompanied by a few other New World wines, which makes it 50/50 New World to Old World. Old World wines consist of French, Italian and Spanish. Some put German and South African wines in this category, but it is not the norm. New World wines pretty much mean everywhere else.

I won’t walk you through the entire list but I do want to point out a handful of wine and food pairings that should work perfectly for you.

If you are starting out your day with a simple breakfast of our house-made croissant or Cheese Danish and some fresh fruit and berries, ask for a glass of the Cesarini Sforza. This Brut Rosé from Trentino has a classic Champagne blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Maybe you are coming in for lunch and beginning with one of the favorite starters — the Italian Meatballs and Burrata. There are three customary pairings for this, and they are all Tuscan. The La Sala Chianti Classico has perfect acidity to go along with the house-made marinara. Secondly, the Poggio dell’ Aquila Rosso di Montalcino is a young vine Brunello that is light but very flavorful. Lastly, the San Polo Rubio is a richer wine with a bit more depth and a longer finish. All these wines are made with Sangiovese grapes.

For dinner, a few of my favorite pairings would begin with the Skillet Black Garlic Shrimp appetizer or the Mussels Cioppino with Roger et Christophe Moreux ‘Les Bouffants’ Sancerre. This Sancerre, which is the Sauvignon Blanc grape from the Loire Valley of France, just might be my favorite wine on the list. It is full and lively, round on the palate with a crisp and invigorating finish. The citrus notes will come out and form a harmonious union with the shellfish.

Next would have to be the Cowboy Ribeye Steak with a side of the Wild Mushrooms, garlic and herbs. For this we must go to the biggest red on the list. That wine is Robert Foley’s “The Griffin” Red. Robert Foley’s vineyard is in the Calistoga and Howell Mountain area, which is known for powerful expressions of wine. This wine is a field blend of Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbono. It is super dark in color with aromas of ripe red and black fruits accented by a hint of cedar. It is ripe and rich, and that is exactly how I would describe the Cowboy Ribeye and Mushrooms.

You must give them a try and tell me your thoughts. I love talking wine and welcome your emails and conversation. 

Just one last note, all the wines on the Axis list are offered by the glass and our staff will be happy to pour you a taste. Come and enjoy!

Jeffrey M. Cohen, CMS, is the Wine Specialist & Beverage Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jcohen@cordilleraranch.com and 210.677.9234.