Last Wednesday we attended the Southern France Wine Dinner at Boulevard 18 in New Canaan. We were warmly greeted at the bar (already bustling with eager foodies and Oenophiles) and handed a chilled, delicious Cave de Pomerols, Picpoul de Pinet. The Picpoul grape was a new one on me, but is actually one of the oldest varieties that grows in the Languedoc region of France. Floral aromas are complemented by delicate fruit flavors in this delicious, easy drinking white wine. With hints of honeydew melon, pear, and lime zest it was the perfect accompaniment for the hors d'oeuvres, expertly prepared by Chef David Raymer. The Brandade Crostini – salt cod and olive oil toasts, and Gougeres - airy French cheese puffs, flavored with Gruyere cheese and a hint of nutmeg were delicious!
We were soon seated in the lively dining room for the appetizer of Organic Duck Egg Salad. The duck egg was perfectly cooked and when cut into released the creamy, rich yolk over the frisse and salty strips of prosciutto beneath it. This was paired with a Castelmaure col des Vents Corbieres 2012. A blend of 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah - brimming with berries, cherry and a snap of black pepper. This is a very typical and utterly authentic French country wine.
Each wine was expertly introduced by Jennifer Young of Kysela Pere et Fils, whose experience and enthusiasm for her subject was informative and infectious. The next course was where the wine pairing really came into play. We were presented with three different reds to sample alongside a traditional Cassoulet of duck confit with Toulouse sausage, pork shoulder and breadcrumbs. The first wine, a 2012 Cotes de Rhone Rouge “Les Champauvins” – was the lightest of the three, but still a delicious full-bodied fruity red. The second, was an Alain Jaume et Fils Vacqueryras “Grande Garrique” 2012 – deep red in color with a long finish on the palate. The third, was in my opinion the star of the show – a 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape – a smoky black-cherry and licorice powerful wine that was smooth, syrupy and balanced. Simply wonderful.
A fantastic rack of lamb was up next, accompanied by a 2010 Domaine del la Mordoree, Lilac Rouge Cuvee la Reine des Bois – another full-bodied, spicy number that was the perfect accompaniment to the rich lamb dish.
The evening was informative and really fun! Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a novice, it was a very social evening. There was a great buzz in the restaurant, and the wine tasting made a great talking point among the diners. We even befriended the people at the next table.
Keep an eye out for future events, but do book your table quickly because they sell out fast! And quite rightly so.
Boulevard 18 Bistro & Wine Bar
62 Main Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 594-9900