Photography by Natasha Phillips
Candle Café West sommelier Cynthia Goddeau is a wine-world veteran, having earned her stripes at lauded Italian restaurant Del Posto in Manhattan. “We choose organic wines [because of] the quality of the grape and the way they are handled from the vineyard to the winery,” she says. “It takes us on a journey and delivers us sheer happiness.” Here, she recommends a wine for each progressive course of your holiday feast. Recipes are on the following page or in Candle 79 Cookbook (Ten Speed Press):
Raventos I Blanc Sparkling Rose Cava, Spain (Certified Biodynamic); with Arancini.
Girasole Pinot Blanc, Mendocino (Certified Organic); with Risotto and Seitan Cakes.
Benziger Pinot Noir, Carneros (Certified Organic); with Spinach Ravioli.
COS Nero d’Avola, Sicily (Practicing Biodynamic/Organic); with Porcini Crusted Seitan.
Tarrantas Sparkling Rose, Spain (Certified Organic); with desserts
– from Organic Holiday Party