Eatrenalin Sommelier Dinner

Pomino Bianco DOC

Castello Pomino, Rufina, Florence/Italy

The Frescobaldi Pomino Bianco is an elegant, fresh white wine from the historic Pomino area of Tuscany. 
A traditional cuvée made mostly from Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. This is not a typical, boisterous, oaky wine, but one that focuses on freshness, white flowers, green apple and a vibrant, almost salty minerality on the finish. The Gillardeau oyster is very meaty and almost creamy. The Pomino Bianco’s pronounced yet perfectly integrated acidity cuts elegantly through this texture and refreshes the palate. It brings a natural saltiness to the table. The wine's chalky minerality goes perfectly with the iodine note. The sharp, acidic flavour of the mustard is balanced by the subtle creaminess of the Chardonnay component in the wine, without the wine tasting of brandy.

Conte della Vipera Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon

IGT Umbria | Marchesi Antinori | Florence | Italy

The Conte della Vipera combines the fresh, citrus and passion fruit aromas of Sauvignon Blanc with the smoothness, structure and delicate notes of peach and honey found in Sémillon. A mineral, elegant white wine that has character and depth. Paired with delicately blanched Charolais beef, the meat’s subtle, elegant character comes to the fore. The crisp freshness and minerality of the Sauvignon Blanc cut precisely through the fine marbling and the aromatic dashi stock, whilst the Sémillon component provides an elegant counterpoint with its creamy texture. A surprising, highly refined interplay of juicy freshness, umami and silky elegance.

Archimedes Cabernet Sauvignon

Francis Ford Coppola Estate, Alexander Valley, Napa Valley California/USA

The estate’s flagship wine: A monumental, profound Cabernet Sauvignon with intense aromas of dark currants, blackberries, cedarwood, tobacco and subtle toasted notes from barrique ageing. On the palate, it captivates with a powerful yet perfectly refined tannin structure, opulent body and a remarkable, long-lasting depth. 
Veal | Artichoke | Tomato and porcini | Truffle
A dish of great aromatic density and textural diversity: The tender, elegant veal forms the refined base, whilst the artichoke contributes subtle bitter notes and the tomatoes a delicate umami acidity. The porcini mushrooms and truffle introduce a profound, warm forest aroma and intense earthy facets.

Earthy resonance (truffle & porcini mushrooms): The deep, autumnal notes of truffle and porcini mushrooms find a perfect echo in the ripe woody, tobacco and graphite notes of the Archimedes. The wine and dish enhance each other’s aromatic complexity without overpowering one another. Tannin structure and texture (veal & artichoke): Although veal is more tender than beef, the rich mushroom sauce and truffle call for a wine with structure. The Cabernet’s ripe, velvety tannins elegantly envelop the meat. The artichoke, otherwise feared as a ‘wine killer’, is perfectly integrated here thanks to the wine’s richness and the combination with the mushrooms.

The balance of acidity and umami (tomato): The subtle acidity and natural umami of the tomato in the porcini stock cut through the intensity of the heavy Cabernet and lend the pairing an unexpected, invigorating freshness that clears the palate for the next bite. A majestic interplay. The powerful structure of Archimedes masterfully captures the intense, earthy umami wave of truffles and porcini mushrooms, whilst the refined restraint of the veal allows the wine to take centre stage and unfold its full complexity.

Oremus Tokay Aszu 5 Puttonyos

Bodega Tempos Vega Sicilia | Tolcsva | Hungary

An iconic sweet wine with a perfect balance of opulent noble sweetness (Botrytis, candied citrus fruits, apricot, linden blossom honey) and a world-class, racy acidity. The Tokaji’s lively acidity effortlessly complements the intense, tangy freshness of the sea buckthorn, keeping the pairing lively and elegant despite its richness. The Aszú’s dense, silky texture envelops the rich, buttery character of the brioche. At the same time, the Tokaji’s multi-layered notes of ripeness and delicate spices harmonise superbly with the warm, slightly woody and subtly tart spicy notes of the rooibos tea. A regal interplay of concentrated fruit, invigorating acidity and the exquisite creaminess.