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WEEKEND WINE PAIRING

For the of Weekend December 5, 2015 
 

It's Champagne time again. Our annual Champagne tasting is coming up Tuesday December 8th 5 - 8 pm. We will taste some of our favorite Sparkling producers from around the world. Everything from Cava to Champagne, Franciacorta to Cremant - almost 50 producers in all!

Champagne (and Sparkling wines) are the perfect way to start a party. Classic Hors-d'oeuvre like Deviled Eggs, Smoked Salmon Mousse, Caviar, Shrimp Cocktail and Oysters Rockefeller all pair exceedingly well with Champagne. There is something classy and sophisticated about Champagne and Oysters that is also elemental and primal. 

Oysters Rockefeller are easier than you think. With the help of a food processor you can prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven when your guests arrive. Named for John D. Rockefeller and created during the turn of the last century at Antiones in New Orleans and quickly became a staple in restaurants through the middle of the century. Antoine's has never given out the recipe and there are many variations, here is my interpretation of this classic.
Oysters Rockefeller

2 dozen oysters, shucked on the half shell
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 shallots, chopped
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1/4 cup Pernod
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dash red pepper sauce
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

There are many great wines to pair with oysters but this dish calls for something that can hold up to the richness as well as the briny oysters - Champagne is perfect. 

As you well know we are big fans of Grower Champagne. Simply put, Grower champagne is made by hand by the people who grow the grapes. If you are interested in Terroir there really is no better expression of place than Récoltant Champagne. But, also by definition these wines are very limited in their production.

Lenny's Top Ten "Favorite" Grower Champers (not in any particular order)

Pierre Gimonet et Fils 1er Cru Blanc de Blanc 'Cotes du Blanc' NV $44.99 (93 ST)

Marc Hebrat Selecion Brut 'Valle de Marne' NV $42.99 (92 AG)

Pierre Péters "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut, 'Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger' NV $53.99 (92 ST)

Gaston Chiquet "Tradition" Brut, 'Dizy- Vallée de la Marne' NV $41.99 (92 WS)

L. Aubry Fils Brut, 'Jouy-lés-Reims' NV $36.99 (92 W&S)

Chartogne-Taillet Brut, 2008 $65.99 (92 AG)

Pierre Gerbais Brut Champagne Cuvée de Réserve NV $33.99 (92 WS)

P Louis Martin Bouzy Montagne St Riems $28.99 (90 WE)

R.H. Coutier Brut Ambonnay Grand Cru $49.99 (90 ST)

A. Margaine Premier Cru A Villers Marmery $44.99 (92 WS)

We hope you enjoy the recipe and find time to share some good food and wine with some friends and loved ones.

 
Thanks for your time and consideration,   

Lenny

206 682-7374


Saturday Tasting 
2 pm to 5 pm

Woodward Canyon 
& 
Allegrini di Valpolicella