On Tuesday, June 24th, Varanese Restaurant at 2106 Frankfort Avenue is hosting a Chilean Wine Dinner. A reception at 6:30pm precedes the dinner at 7pm.
Wine from Chile goes back to the 16th century when the Spanish colonists brought grape vines with them to the New World. Later, French grapes were introduced including the famous ones like Cabernet, Merlot, Carmenere and Sauvignon. However, it took until the 1980’s before wine production exploded in the country. Today, Chile is the fifth largest exporter and ninth largest producer of wine.
Even with Chile’s odd, elongated shape running north to south, there is a temperate zone that is akin to the climate of France and California that makes it perfect for wine production.
A special guest speaker, John Samaritano of Huneeus Vintners, a Chilean wine provider, will talk you through what you’re enjoying while you partake of the wine along with the dinner pairings from Chef John Varanese.
Here’s a preview of the courses:
First Course
Ritual Sauvignon Blanc
Shrimp Carpaccio with Melon and Cured Ham
Finished with Chipotle Emulsion and Cilantro
Second Course
Vermonte Chardonnay
Cold Smoked Heirloom Tomatoes with Shaved Iberico Goat Cheese, Oregano, Olive Oil and Pickled Onions
Third Course
Ritual Pinot Noir
Chilean Seafood Stew with Mussels and Whitefish In a Spicy Tomato Broth
Served with Grilled Saffron Crostini
Fourth Course
Primus Carmenére
Chili Rubbed Skirt Steak
Served with Pan Fried Fingerling Potatoes Tossed with Chorizo Sausage and Caramelized Onions
Finished with a Chimichuri Sauce
Fifth Course
Neyen Carmenére/Cabernet
Espresso Encrusted Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb
Served over Twice Fried Plantains and Charred Beans
Topped with a Blackberry Lamb Sauce
Sixth Course
Primus Red Blend
Bitter Sweet Chocolate Torte with Salted Caramel and Nuts
Topped with a Red Wine Fruit Syrup Compote
The Chilean Wine Dinner is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and reservations are required. Call 502-899-9904 or e-mail letsdine@varanese.com.
Photo by Tim Girton
Cover photo courtesy of Varanese
