A Tasty "Taste of Argentina"

[Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist]

If last night’s winemaker dinner at the Polo Grill is any indication of the weekend to come at the Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, then this is going to be a delightful and delicious week-end. I hit the jackpot with this dinner with not one, but three winemakers pouring their wines straight from Argentina and Italy. Chef David Vogell’s four course Taste of Argentina dinner paired perfectly with the wines of Familia Zuccardi. Familia Zuccardi winery director, Leandro Lowi wanted to show how Argentinian wines aren’t just about Malbec, and indeed he showed us well. Familia Zuccardi is located in the western part of Mendoza where Organica is the largest family-owned winery in Argentina and practices sustainable winegrowing.

The evening began with passed hors d’oeuvres and Santa Julia Sparkling Rose – a unique 100% Pinot Noir that can be purchased for less than $15. The first course of an ensalada de palmitos primavera, (springtime hearts of palm salad) with a flavorful lemon Dijon vinaigrette was paired with Santa Julia ‘Organica’ Chardonnay 2008 and ‘Organica’ Torrontes 2008. Both of which were fermented in stainless steel without oak. The night’s next taste sensation of gnocchi with quail medallions, demi-glace and swiss chard matched well with Santa Julia Reserva Tempranillo (a wine becoming more and more popular) and Zuccardi Serie ‘A’ Bonardo 2007 (a premium wine I’ll definitely want again). Even though I’m not a fan of hangar steak, the ancho and coffee rubbed hanger steak served with “the polo” chorizo, chimichurri, and sweet potato puree had me sold. The Familia Zuccardi ‘Q’ Malbec 2006 and Familia Zuccardi ‘Zeta’ 2005 balanced the flavors nicely. The sweetest course was a brulee of dolce de leche a la sous vide with raspberry compote, leche dust, and churro. In other words, crème brulee prepared in a water bath and served with raspberry compote, foam and a Spanish version of a donut. Yum! And it was even yummier with the Malamado Malbec Fortified Wine 2004 along with all the other wines that were starting to be poured about that time by the other guest winemakers.

Mario Bollag, owner and creator of Terralsole in Italy’s Brunello de Montalcino growing district and Achille Boroli, the 3rd of 4 Boroli brothers generously shared their wines and time with guests. Bollag is a 1st generation winemaker who fell in love with Sangiovese as an art student in Tuscany. Guests were treated with deliciously rich Terralsole Brunello 2003 and Terralsole Pasticcio 2006, a bold meritage). Achille Boroli graciously mingled with guests. His wines from Northern Italy include Barbero, a smooth every day wine with a cherry finish. Boroli shared his great respect for the soil which he deems the most important of winemaking.

In case you haven’t figured it out already, it was a great night filled with heavenly tastes, fragrant aromas, and lots of happy faces amongst a very interesting group of people. Make plans to attend the Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival this week-end. Otherwise, you are definitely going to be missing out on a good time.