As the air turns crisp and golden hues of fall arrive, there’s no better time to indulge in a glass of wine that warms the spirit and elevates the moment. At Salt & the Cellar by Michelin-Starred Chef Akira Back located inside the Michelin Key awarded ette hotel, an exceptional wine list has been thoughtfully curated to pair beautifully with the incredible cuisine. This fall, discover a selection of standout bottles designed to complement the season’s flavors and invite you into a world of refined tasting. To do this, we tasked our in-house expert sommelier with selecting his top choices of wines that embody flavors and feelings of fall from our wine menu and we invited our Executive Chef, Chef Théo Goupil, to join in the fun by recommending dishes from our menu as a pairing. Below is the curated selection from our team for the ultimate fall sipping and dining experience at Salt & The Cellar by Akira Back. Cheers!
Cage Pessac-Léognan 2019 | France
This bordeaux is a blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot and boasts notes of baked plums, cassis, tobacco, and warm spice, offering a structured tannic balance, ideal for those who appreciate French wine and elegance in every sip.
Our Chef’s recommended food pairing: The 14 oz New York Strip from our dinner menu. This mouthwatering strip is served medium rare and with an array of gourmet salts.
Disanfrancesco 2021 | Italy
A Nebbiolo from Langhe that surprises with its bright burst of mixed berries and sour cherry. Despite its light color, the wine’s present tannins and lively acidity create a playful, sophisticated profile.
Our Chef’s recommended food pairing: The Glazed Duck from our dinner menu. Our pan roasted duck breast is served with potato purée, truffle carrots, citrus endives, and a balsamic soy glaze.
Shelter 2017 | California
Hailing from Napa Valley, this rich, fruit-forward merlot wine delivers indulgent notes of blackberry, dark chocolate, and cacao; a decadent wine for fall evenings.
Our Chef’s recommended food pairing: Is a tie from the dessert menu! Either our AB Chocolate in a Cup or the Mussé. To match such decadent notes of berry and chocolate in the wine, you can’t go wrong with our fan favorite AB Chocolate in a Cup with its warm chocolate cake and Nutella, vanilla gelato, and banana foam topped with a stunning AB embellished disk of chocolate. The Mussé is a beautifully crafted praline mousse with a chocolate praline wafer, chocolate gaze and vanilla gelato. Each of these dessert dishes are spectacular and would accompany this Napa Merlot perfectly.
Grivot Goisot | France
A Sauvignon Blanc from Saint-Bris that explodes with citrus and delicate white floral aromas. Its refreshing acidity awakens the palate, offering a vibrant counterpoint to autumn’s heartier dishes.
Our Chef’s recommended food pairing: Oysters! While oysters may not seem like a fall dish, here in Florida, such a delicious feast never goes out of season. Seafood will always be the ultimate compliment to such an elegant and refreshing white wine!
Stonevik – Viña Vik | Chile
Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere grapes aged in toasted oak barrels, this red wine layers cassis, black currant, baking spices, and leather with an oaky finish and hints of plum. Complex and robust, this extraordinary bottle lingers in memory.
Our Chef’s recommended food pairing: The Toban Filet Mignon. This 5 oz filet melts in your mouth and is accompanied by savory mushrooms, garlic butter, and tosazu dashi.
Each of these wine and food selections embodies a sense of occasion, perfect for elevating a special dinner or savoring slowly as the season unfolds. At Salt & the Cellar, you’re invited not only to enjoy Michelin-level cuisine but also to explore wines that speak to the same level of artistry and craftsmanship as the food itself.
Whether you’re pairing a bottle with Akira Back’s inventive menu or simply raising a glass to the season, these wine and food pairings promise to make your autumn evenings unforgettable.