At Salt & Vine, the wine program (for both the restaurant and the bottle shop) is headed up by sommelier Mattie Jackson. A Nashville native (I heard her dad, Alan, moved here to pursue a music career), Jackson first got her taste for wine while studying abroad in Greece and traveling to Tuscany to visit century-old classic wineries. After returning to the U.S. and studying in Austin, she completed the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Certified Sommelier programs before moving to Napa to intern with Joseph Phelps Vineyards. At Salt & Vine, Jackson strives to create a “boutique bottle shop carrying incredible yet affordable labels to fit every taste.”
Let’s better know Mattie Jackson:
Vital tool: double-hinged wine key by TrueTap (the fancy ones typically don’t work any better!)
Favorite gadget: Coravin [which allows you to pour wine without removing the cork]
Pantry essential: slivered almonds
Necessary extravagance: Blanc de Blanc Champagne
Favorite beverage: black coffee for a.m., bubbles for p.m.
Favorite smell: fresh-baked chocolate brownies
Comfort food: Southern sausage balls (spicy hot sausage and extra-sharp cheddar cheese, no substitutions!)
Inspiration: my Dad [singer and performer Alan Jackson] — unmatchable work ethic, creativity and humility
Last meal (ever): broiled lobster tails with warm butter
Jackson has also helpfully come up with a holiday wine list for every budget. Check out her recommendations:
Under $15Anna de Codorniu Brut Rosé Cava NV, $12.99 — drink with cranberry sauce and fruit-based desserts
Nik Weis Urban Riesling 2016, $12.99 — drink with sweet potato casserole and traditional potato salad
Moulin de Gassac Pinot Noir 2016, $14.99 — drink with onion and bacon seasoned green beans
$15-$25
Charles Sparr Crémant d’Alsace NV, $19.99 — drink with classic “savory” cornbread dressing
Birichino Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2015, $24.99 — drink with sage and sausage “spiced” stuffing
Valravn Old Vine Zinfandel, $21.99 — drink with pecan pie or berry cobbler
Splurge!
Jean Luc Joillot Crémant de Bourgogne NV, $29.99 — drink with buttermilk biscuits or hash brown casserole
Olivier Leflavie Les Cloux 1er Cru Burgundy (Chardonnay), $39.99 — deviled eggs and deep-fried turkeys, please!
Patricia Green “Balcombe” Pinot Noir 2015, $34.99 — drink with honey baked/glazed ham
