December 07
We've been talking about this dinner for a long time, and now it's finally
here. On Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. in the Petroleum Club, you'll
have the chance to taste some extraordinary wines paired with an an
extraordinary menu at our second-ever international winemaker dinner.
Champagne Deutz of Ay, France, and Delas of Tournon sur Rhone, France will
be featured in a winemaker dinner that, I simply have no doubt, you will
remember for a long time.
And the president of both Champagne Deutz and Delas, Fabrice Rosset, will
join us from his home in France for the occasion. Carol and I have become
friends with Fabrice, and I am quite sure you will be as enchanted with him
as we are. He is one of the most generous people we have ever met, and it's
a great opportunity for you to get to know him as well.
The name Deutz should be familiar to many of you: Deutz partnered with
Beringer and a Central Coast grower to found Maison Deutz near Arroyo Grande
in 1983. The winery enjoyed a sterling reputation, and was widely recognized
for its methode champenois sparkling wines. The partnership dissolved in
1997, and the grower renamed the winery Laetitia.
Two key figures in Maison Deutz, founding winemaker Christian Roguenant,
now the winemaker at Baileyana in San Luis Obispo; and marketing director
Mark Laderriere, now sales director at Vina Robles in Paso Robles, will join
us for the evening for a reunion with their longtime friend and former boss
Fabrice.
Also joining us that evening will be Dirk Smits, southwest regional
manager for Maisons, Marques & Domaines, the company's sales arm in the
United States.
To read some background on the two wineries, read my February 2007 wine
column in Bakersfield Magazine that I hope you'll find helpful. You'll find my
descriptions there of most of the wines we'll be tasting on Jan. 19.
The Petroleum Club's executive chef, Robert Alimirzaie, was inspired by
the opportunity to match a menu to these splendid wines. He wanted to match
California's bounty with the elegance and tradition of the wines, so came up
with what I call a true California-French fusion. Here's the lineup:
We'll open the evening with a reception featuring the Champagne Deutz
Brut Classic.
Our first course will be Country-style patι served with wilted herb
salad and lingonberry compote, served with the Champagne Deutz 2002 Blanc de
Blancs.
The second course will be Smoked salmon and butternut squash ravioli
served in seafood bisque garnished with quail egg, paired with the Delas
2005 Condrieu La Galopine, a delightful viognier.
Third course will be Pistachio and almond-crusted rack of lamb
accompanied by beluga lentil ragout and winter squash finished with
pomegranate and honey molasses, paired with the Delas 2005 Crozes-Hermitage
Les Launes Rouge.
Fourth course will be a cheese plate, chef's choice, paired with the
magnificent Delas 2004 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette.
Our dessert will be a chef's special presentation, paired with the Delas
2004 Muscat de Beaumes de Venise.
As you can see, a remarkable evening awaits you.
Cost for the Deutz/Delas dinner is $99 per person, which includes all
wines, food, tax and tip. (People ask me how I'm able to bring winemaker
dinners such as this to Bakersfield at such reasonable cost; all I can say
is that I am blessed to work with people as committed as I am to bring the
highest quality experiences to you at the best price. I'm confident in
telling you that no one in the state matches what we do.)
Reservations must be paid in advance. Please mail check(s) payable to
Bakersfield Wine Society to 13015 Queen Palm Court, Bakersfield 93314.
Questions? Call Mike at (661) 588-0783, or (661) 342-2339.
E-MAIL: Know someone who wants to join the Bakersfield Wine Society, or need
to update your e-address? Send new e-addresses to Mike at
mstepanovich@bak.rr.com.
