Austin, Texas (November 7, 2008) — Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFMI) today unveiled its best selection yet of Top Ten Wines for the holidays, many of which are special vintages or unique blends, accompanied by food and winter cheese pairings.

“Our Top Ten Wine picks this holiday season are a perfect balance of reds, whites and sparklers that are some of the highest quality, most versatile, and affordable wines for the season,” said Doug Bell, global wine buyer for Whole Foods Market. “There’s something on this list to complement any meal or party and please everyone in the crowd – from the connoisseur to the occasional imbiber. Pairing them with our food and winter cheese suggestions really help take the guess work out of entertaining.”

The list, available in stores and online at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays, includes Whole Foods Market’s pairing ideas with food and the season’s best cheeses – from sweet and salty Hennings Cranberry Cheddar to creamy and truffle-specked Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor. The lineup includes:

Parducci

 

Sustainable White

  • A perfect appetizer party wine from the first carbon-neutral winery in the U.S.
  • Crisp as a cool day with melon citrus flavors, a dry finish and medium acidity.
  • Pair with roasted chicken, baked or breaded mild seafood, or Grafton Classic Reserve Cheddar.

 

Cave de Lugny

 

Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay

  • Great value! An elegant, classic white Burgundy, balancing fruit and acidity.
  • Lemon meringue flavors and a touch of nutmeg complement seasonal foods.
  • Enjoy with apples, turkey, other poultry, creamy pasta and Cranberry Cheddar.

 

Sanford

 

Mount Rey Central Coast Chardonnay

  • One of our wine specialists’ tasting favorites.
  • Tropical fruit, green apple and cool Central Coast conditions lend pleasant acidity.
  • Perfect with creamy foods: risotto, seafood dishes, French Brie and Rond du Cher.

 

Tarantas

 

Brut Cava – Made from Organically Grown Grapes

  • Best deal in the store—buy it by the case! A fun, easy-drinking, food-friendly sparkler.
  • Apple, spice and the tiniest licorice are really nice with duck and cranberry sauce.
  • Just the thing with fried or spicy foods, Brie or Truffle Tremor goat cheese.

 

Nicolas Feuillatte

 

Brut Extrem Champagne

  • Very fine bubbles from a top-three Champagne house—a real value for this purity of fruit!
  • Crisply fresh with delicate toasty wood, spice, citrus and sweet floral.
  • Elevates your celebration on its own or with seafood, creamy, buttery foods, Brie or Truffle Tremor.

 

Block No. 45

 

Pinot Noir

  • A rich, comforting Pinot, full-bodied and balanced with California-grown fruit.
  • Plenty of oaky vanilla and dried cherry with a touch of peppery spice.
  • Wonderful with turkey, salmon, Cranberry Cheddar or Amadeus cheese.

 

Vinum Cellars

 

Reserve Petite Sirah

  • Supple, generous and juicy, yet complete with round tannins.
  • We bought it all, and a portion of the vintner’s profits goes to a local animal shelter.
  • Friendly with herbed beef, lamb and earthy, garlicky foods, plus cheeses from well-aged to Brie.

 

Pipon

 

Valencia

  • A full-flavored red from the home of paella and Spanish chorizo.
  • Herby, rich and lean, it is ideal with Rogue Anniversary Blue or classic Stilton.
  • Amazing with fig cake and a wonderful with red-sauced pasta, beef or BBQ.

 

M. Chapoutier Belleruche

 

Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge

  • A real value from a great wine family also committed to eco-friendly farming.
  • Well structured, dark red fruit and a dash of pepper to savor with earthy foods.
  • Try red pasta, lamb, beef, smoked fish, mushrooms, Stilton or Rogue Anniversary Blue.

 

Yalumba

 

Bush Vine Grenache

  • Our tasters adored this richly textured Grenache from 70-year-old vines.
  • Soft with lovely fruit and spice, it’s great on its own when you’re in a red mood.
  • Pair with lamb, duck, game or beef, yet also creamy pasta or Truffle Tremor cheese.

 

Simi

 

Sonoma County Merlot

  • Here’s your holiday crowd pleaser from one of the oldest U.S. Merlot growers.
  • Velvety cherry and blackberry with hints of cocoa and clove.
  • Drink with meats, stews and dark or red sauces, Cranberry Cheddar, winter blues or Brie.

 

337

 

Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Fortify winter spirits with this easy-drinking, silky wine named for its vine clone number.
  • Dark fruit, cedar and cola with hints of its mineral-soil roots.
  • Sip solo or with meats, tomato dishes, Stilton, Rogue Anniversary blue or French Brie.

 

Look for Top Ten Wines displays sprinkled throughout Whole Foods Market wine departments. “Grab a few bottles and check some names off your gift list or buy by the case and save,” said Bell.

Shoppers interested in learning more about these wines or about pairings not mentioned in the Top Ten Wines list can visit Whole Foods Market’s Whole Story blog beginning November 13 at blog.wholefoodsmarket.com. Wine experts will taste, type and invite readers to comment about their favorite wines.

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