It’s been said that wine pairs nicely with good friends. This past Thursday evening it couldn’t have been a truer statement other than to add to good friends; new friends and great food. It was the Tucson Rotary Wine Tasting Committee’s first event of the year, held at Jonathan’s Cork. Chef Jonathan Landeen couldn’t have done better with his selection of five incredible wines and their spectacular food pairings.
The theme of the evening was “Summer Drinkability” and his selection was based on their ability to help us through a hot Arizona summer.
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The evening started with a Santa Julia Blanc De Blancs Champagne from NV Argentina paired with a light salmon salad, next a clean and crisp Sisters Forever Chardonnay, 16’Central Coast paired with the best blackened chicken and waffle bite I’ve ever had. Then a Kim Crawford Rose’, 18’ New Zealand with a grilled tomato and cheese sandwich point (believe me, your mother never made a grilled cheese like this). Ernesto Catena Padrillos Malbec, 17’ Argentina came next with a BBQ pork kabob and an incredible twice baked baby potato. If you were a red wine drinker it all could have ended there and you were completely taken away, but no, there was one more pour and it was an elusive Field Recordings “Franc”, 17’ Paso Robles. Chef Landeen out did himself by pairing it with a savory lamb slider with chipotle mayo.
It appears that everyone who attended had a great time, gained some wine knowledge and are all looking forward to what event the Wine Tasting Committee brings next to the Tucson Rotary. Make sure you reserve your spot when it’s announced because you won’t want to miss it.
