Kronick Wino

My Tasting Around the World @ Zinc, New Haven

Thursday, March 12th, 2009 | Food Pairings, Wine Stories | 2 Comments

It was a remarkable thing the other night - went to Zinc in New Haven, CT for dinner to find in front of me my own, personal wine tasting from around the world.

It started with Italy, then to France, to Spain and off to Argentina.

Italy brought me a lovely extra dry Brut sparkling wine - Dry, crisp, toasty bubbles that tickled my nose. Great as the starter….just needed a strawberry or two. Of course, being playfully fed will suffice as well.

France started with a wonderfully fragrant Pinot Blanc from the Alscace region. Honeysuckle, light citrus notes, lemon, some spring flowers, and a delicate light flavor. Not acidic, not sweet; just smooth and refreshing. Fantastically paired with some Salmon gravlox and capers. Also a plate of Fried Crab & Shiitake Spring Rolls really brought out the floral notes of the wine.

Spain presented me with a fruity Tempranillo from the Rioja region, one grape of which I’m quite familiar. (I’d like to think that I’ve been there just from knowing the wines so well.) But alas, it is on my list of places to visit soon enough!

The winner of the evening to pair with dinner, however, was a Crios Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina. Susan Balbo knows her wine and how to create great ones. Fantastic with my leg of lamb and sauteed brocolli rabe and sweet potato gratin. The glass of wine gracefully led me into the chocolate dessert tasting of assorted housemade chocolate truffles served on a cold piece of marble tile. What a wonderful finish…….

Some upcoming events to keep you interested:

CHEF’S TABLE TASTINGS - December 2008 - May 2009!

The Chef’s Table Tastings will run once each month [usually the first Wednesday of the month, holidays permitting] and will always feature a unique tasting menu. Even better, the cost is $35 per person all-inclusive [food, wine, tax and gratuity]. Or buy the whole series, 4 events for $100.

April Chef’s Table: Tuesday, April 7, 6:30pm at CHOW — Greek Wines, Meze-Greek Appetizers + Small Plates

Cheers!

Tags: around the world wine, chefs table event, custom wine pairing, New haven restaurants, wine pairing dinner, world wines, Zinc New haven