Last night was one of our best friend's birthday and we decided to give him a wine tasting with snack pairings which turned out to be a taste extravaganza indeed. We had done this event at Dish & Dram before in Kensington, MD. and the manager Davis has always made it a superb and even thrilling experience. Last night he worked with Dave Markowitz of Winebow Imports to serve up some truly novel and wonderful wines.
On arrival we were treated to Non Vintage Pol Clement Rose Sec, a delicious Cremant from the Loire Valley. We also had a lot of little kid screams from the next table that were more impressive than the thunder and lightening outside! Some refills calmed our nerved (from the kid) as all the guests arrived. The Cremant was served with a Cantaloupe Gazpacho with Crispy Prosciutto that was refreshing and light and yummy.
The next course was a simple Heirloom Tomato Salad with Balsamic Reduction & Mozzarella that paired wondrously with a 2020 Zentao delle Venezie Pinot Grigio. We all loved this as it had no perfume as a Pinot Grigio often does and was richer and creamier than usual.
2019 Hubert Brochard "Traditions: Sancerre was easily unmasked as a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire (but we did not do blind tastings) and was divine with the Steamed Clams with Smoked Chicken Sausage & White wine,
The reds were really impressive as well and we started with a 2015 from La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva made of Tempranillo that gets 2 years in American oak and shows it--smooth as can be. I would buy a case! Truffle risotto with Microgreens was decadent and delicious.
The last red was 2019 Masseria Li Veli Susmaniello (just when I thought I knew most varietals) from Puglia where the Susmaniello grape is given a treatment similar to it's cousin Amarone in the north with the grapes dried like raisins. It was paired with a Lamb Kabob with Pickled Onions and Chimichurri that was tender as could be.
We ordered some extra desserts after the Chocoflan Birthday Slice arrived which was a flan over chocolate cake! The Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart with sugar cookie crust, dark chocolate and vanilla whipped cream was a dream as was the Tres Leches with Apricot Compote. I did not taste the Cheese Pie with Berry compote.
Davis also brought out some glasses of Recioto & Trockenbeerenauslese dessert wines. What a birthday, what a treat!!
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