Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point is hosting a unique opportunity for guests to experience first-hand wines from both France and California that are made from the same grape variety, hence a “horizontal” wine tasting.
The inspiration for this dinner is an event in 1976, when English wine merchant Stephen Spurrier organized a Wine Tasting Event in Paris that featured a blind tasting comparing French and Californian Wines. The result of this publicity stunt shocked the wine world due to the success and top ranking of California Wines, and subsequently inspired the 2008 film “Bottle Shock.” Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point will pay homage to this historical event, and relive the flavor of old and new world wines coming together for one magical evening.
The French & California Horizontal Wine Dinner at Saybrook Point will be held on Saturday, February 20th beginning with a cocktail reception at 6:30pm, followed by an exceptional five-course dinner served at 7:15pm. Bill Monahan from Allan S. Goodman Wines of East Hartford, Connecticut will lead the wine tasting portion of the evening, and point out variables in the wines such as soil, non-fruit complexity, oak as a flavoring agent, and food compatibility. Each participant will be provided a scorecard to compare and rank his or her wine experience, and an overall vote will be tallied at the end of the dinner.
Guests will also savor Executive Chef John Cortesi’s creative dishes expertly prepared using the finest ingredients. The first course features Corn Meal Crusted Fried Local Oysters with Vindaloo Remoulade and Julienne Boston Bibb Lettuce, paired with Grandes Perrieres, Sancerre, Loire Valley, 2014 (France) and Groth Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2014 (California). The second course offers a wonderful Pan-seared Monkfish Fillet, Napa Cabbage Spring Roll with Herb-encrusted Vine-ripened Tomatoes, and Drizzled Avocado Vinaigrette, paired with Maison Albert Bichot, Les Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru, Burgundy, 2013 (France) and Chateau St. Jean, Chardonnay, Belle Terre Vineyard, Alexander Valley, 2011 (California).
The third courses features Slow-braised Ox Tail, Celery Root, Mashed Yukon Potato, and Sautéed Wild Mushrooms, paired with Pierre Amadieu, Vacqueyras “Les Gangeliere,” Southern Rhone Valley, 2012 (France) and Zaca Mesa, Rhone Blend “Z Cuvee,” Santa Ynez Valley, 2009 (California). The main entrée course of the dinner includes Rabbit Two Ways: Confit Flatbread with Goat Cheese & Roasted Tomato; and Loin wrapped in Prosciutto with shaved Fennel, Blistered Grape Tomatoes, and Crisp Leeks, paired with Peyredon Lagravette, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, 2011 (France) and Conn Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2013 (California).
The evening concludes with an outstanding Layered French Crepe Cake with Grand Marnier Whipped Cream and Drizzled Chocolate Glaze.
Seaside Wine and Spirits from Old Saybrook will be in attendance, and guests can place orders for their favorite wine of the evening at specially reduced prices. The French & California Horizontal Wine Dinner at Saybrook Point’s Fresh Salt is $99.50/person plus tax and service charge. Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling 860.395.2000.
About Saybrook Point
Situated along the picturesque shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Saybrook Point features a collection of 100 elegantly-appointed guestrooms, a rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt, as well as a unique waterside Lighthouse Suite. In addition, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses offer exquisite rooms that convey the story of famous local residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serves as a focal point for the Inn. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.
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