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Pursuing Pinot

Monthly Archives: May 2012

Newton Wine Dinner

30 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by Catherine in California Wineries, Food and Wine, Restaurants, Wine Tastings

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Newton Vineyard and Carolina’s Restaurant teamed up to present a wonderful wine dinner on a recent Tuesday evening. Debbie Marlowe of The Wine Shop of Charleston coordinated the fine event. The 30 of us in attendance were greeted with Chandon’s Étoile Rose (Newton and Chandon are sister companies within the Moët Hennessy Group) and passed hors d’oeuvres. 

Soon after, we were seated and the wine maker, Chris Millard, introuduced us to Newton Wines and the 2008 Unfiltered Chardonnay that would accompany the first course, a salad of arugula, grilled peaches, toasted hazelnuts, and crispy prosciutto.  Newton Vineyard believes in natural fermentation techniques and does not filter its wines in an effort to preserve the natural depth of flavors, bouquet and strucuture.

Chef Jill Mathias demonstrated her considerable skills with the second course, a pan roasted duck breast presented with pickled blueberries and oyster mushrooms, paired with 2007 Unfiltered Merlot.  The Merlot grapes were grown in volcanic soil and were small that year, resulting in a highly concentrated wine.  The artistry of the food and wine pairings continued with the entree of braised Waygu beef belly served with 2008 Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon.  I loved this wine.  2008 was a hot growing year that resulted in a big wine with sturdy tannins.  Highly drinkable now, it will only improve with some aging. Chris blended the Cabernet with small amounts of Syrah and Petit Verdot to achieve his vision for the wine.

Finally there was dessert with chocolate ganache and aged gouda.  The wine served with dessert is a unique Newton blend called The Puzzle.  It is a classic Bordeaux style wine, the 2008 vintage containing 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 11% Petit Verdot.  The blend changes annually and just over 1,000 cases are produced.

Kudos to all involved in this wonderful wine and food event.  Try a Newton wine for a future event of your own.

Cheers!

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Birthday Bubbles

16 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by Catherine in Champagne

≈ 1 Comment

I just celebrated another birthday and made sure there were multiple opportunities to share some bubbly with friends and family.  The first bottle was 2007 Rouge de Noirs, a sparkling Pinot Noir by Schug, a well known Sonoma winery.  The wine is a beautiful deep rose color and raspberries are the dominant flavor.  It is wonderfully crisp and dry on the palate with loads of bubbles.  This bottle is priced at about $30.

Several days later, a friend and I enjoyed a bottle of Mailly Grand Cru Brut Réserve from France.  This wine is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay.  It is light gold in color with fine bubble structure, dry with a hint of toast.  This bubbly is a perfect apéritif wine and would also pair beautifully with creamy chicken dishes, cheeses, and fruit desserts.  Total Wine carries this label.  Expect to pay $40 or so.

The last of the three Champagnes was Pehu-Simonet Selection Brut and it was enjoyed with my brother, Douglas, and his wife, Theresa.  It was sublime. Pehu-Simonet is a grower producer Champagne.  The “Selection” Brut is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay.  Grown on north facing slopes, the cool weather produces grapes that show more earthiness than fruit.  We loved this wine with its fine bubbles and lasting, minerally finish.  Prices range from $42-$60 depending on where you are shopping.

A santé!

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