The Grape American Road Trip Wine Dinner

The Grape American Road Trip

Ovvio Osteria

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm

2727 Merrilee Drive Fairfax, VA 22031

The Mosaic District

Tuesday, January 27, 2015
6:30pm Reception 7:00pm Dinner

Cozy up with Ovvio in welcoming Andrew Stover of Siema Wines
in our first wine dinner of 2015, featuring 

wines from emerging American wine regions and 

delicious paired delicacies from the creative mind of Chef Richard Ketzler

Reception

Sliders

McPherson Cellars Sparkling Wine, Lubbuck, Texas

The mushroom sliders were outstanding and of the two I had a clear preference for them. The wine, made from 87% riesling and 13% vermentino grapes, reminded me of prosecco and was a nice complement. 

First

Saffron Poached New York State Apple, Baby Arugula, Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Shindig Vidal Blanc, Finger Lakes, New York

Shindig is a delicious wine. I liked the presentation of the salad more than the taste.

Second

Olive Oil Poached Blue Fish, Pine Nut Pesto, Pickled Cabbage

Bedell 'Taste White' Sauvignon Blanc/Albarino, North Fork of Long Island, New York

I liked the label of this wine more than the wine itself. I really enjoyed the Chef's explanation of this dish. He poached the Blue Fish in olive oil to remove some of the gamey flavors, and then added the cabbage to restore some crunch. 

Third

Dry Rubbed Leg of Lamb, Stone Ground Grits, Green Chili Puree, Tequila Agave Drizzle

Arizona Stronghold 'Mangus' Sangiovese/Cabernet/Merlot Blend, Cochise County, Arizona

This was my favorite dish and my favorite food and wine combination, with the dessert combination a close second. The wine is a full-bodied complement to the flavorful lamb. I thought the lamb was done to perfection, but what really blew my taste buds away was the grits under the lamb. The green chili puree really tied the flavors together. Fantastic!  

Fourth

Smoked Venison Ravioli, Mushroom Puree, Red Pepper Coulis

Stone Hill Estate Norton, Hermann, Missouri

I enjoyed the story about this wine. The Norton grape is one which was developed in Richmond Virginia. German immigrants settled Hermann, Missouri in the mid-1800's and established many breweries and vineyards in the familiar-looking hills. Hermann is still an important center of German culture and tradition.    

Fifth

Queso Flan, Orange Pound Cake, Blackberry Compote

Duchman Family Orange Muscat, High Plains, Texas

I had never been served flan on pound cake before, but I really enjoyed this and will seek it out again. The orange zest in the pound cake and the orange blossoms in the sweet muscat wine were spectacular together.

 

I had a great time at this event. I recommend the venue wholeheartedly. The Chef did a fantastic job with the food menu. Everything I tasted was creative and distinctive. For the most part, the wine pairings were successful and the Sommelier explained them with clarity and panache.