Leap Day Wine Dinner

Four Italian reds. Four delicious courses. Wine dinner at Enoteca Sogno.

We finally attended one of these celebrated events! and now that Enoteca Sogno has moved to the Northside, we can even walk there.

Communal Table

The Veneto region was highlighted for this evening with wines from Nicolis. The winemaker, speaking Italian, and the distributor, who translated gave explanations that were amusing and informative. Gary, the restaurant owner, was also on hand to explain the paired dishes.

2007 Nicolis Testal with Pasta and Bean Soup - The wine featured corvina grapes. The soup was an intersection of elegance and peasant (at least to my mind) with some of the soup being pureed with whole beans and pasta added. Both simple and tasty.

Bean and Pasta Soup

2008 Seccal Valpolicella Ripasso and Baccala with Polenta and Radicchio Gratin - This was my favorite wine. Hearty and in-your-face, but still displaying fruit. Baccala consisted of dried, salted cod reconstituted. The cod by itself was a bit too salty. The polenta a bit on the corny bland side. The marriage of the two, divine. And the radicchio gratin balanced bitterness with the richness of the cheese. Lots of taste sensations going on and the wine held it own throughout.

Hearty Ripasso

2006 Amarone della Valpolicella and a Cheese Plate - The Amarone was smooth and supple. We enjoyed it with a trio of cheese - taleggio, gorgonzola, and aged asiago. The simplicity of the strong cheeses with the sensuousness of the wine was perfect after the somewhat heavier second course.

Sensuous Amarone

2006 Recioto della Valpolicella and Tiramisu. A lovely little dessert wine that took on a few port-like qualities. The tiramisu was some of the best I had ever had. The lightness and freshness of it amazed me. This is why folks should rave about this dessert. I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience it.

Heavenly Tiramisu