Last Thursday I had a chance to hop on Texas Daily with Gary, and Gina Willamen of Aveniu Brands to talk through a few of the wines we will be pouring at Dallas Uncorked 10th anniversary birthday celebration on April 16.  As always, TV with Gary is awesome (both because I love him and because he is so good,) and the wines are truly exceptional!
Here is a link to the show segment; details on the wines and our pairings from Chef Andrew Ormsby are below.

Tickets for the international wine tasting, walk around event are April 16 are $45 each and available here.  We hope to see you there!!!

Anna de Codorníu Brut – Pale straw yellow, clean and brilliant. Fine bubbles with continuous beads and a persistent mousse. Displays delicate aromas of tropical fruit such as pineapple as well as citrus, grapefruit and lime. It is soft on the palate with elegant citrus notes. Well balanced and refreshing. It is an ideal apértifs, and will start our celebration in style.

Terras Gauda Albarino “O Rosal” – Terras Gauda flagship white that elevates a blend to the next level, showing how special Albarino can be, especially blended with indigenous Spanish varieties from the O Rosal Valley, located on the Galician riverbanks of the Miño River in Rías Baixas. 70% Alabrino, the white variety of the region, is blended with Loureira and Caiño Blanco creating a wine with a complex mix of aromas, combining white fruits, orange pips and peel with fresh balsamic notes, supported by subtle floral and mineral hints. It enters the mouth smoothly, progressing toward a pleasant, sticky sweetness, accompanied by fresh, bright acidity, concluding with a fleshy finish.

Chef Andrew Ormsby will pair a fruity and fresh White Gazpacho with the selection.

Piccini Memoro Italia – Latin for “remember” this blend of Primitivo from Puglia, Nero d’Avola from Sicily, Montepulcianno from Abruzzo and Merlot from Veneto brings the flavors of Italy to life in a rustic, red fruit, espresso and spice filled wine that is reminenscent of an Italian family and the pride of Codorniu, blending varieties from throughout the country.  Lush and rich on the palate, but not overwhelming or overly earthy, this food friendly wine is approachable and tasty!

Our pairing will be one of our favorite bites from Chef Andrew, Jalapeno Parmesan Polenta Wrapped in Prosciutto with Tomato Marmalade from his grandmother’s recipe….delicious!

Bodegas Bilbainas Vina Zaco Rioja – This Tempranillo, filled with juicy red cherry and blackberry flavors is always a crowd pleaser as it is both interesting and complex, while being approachable and easy to drink on its own or with food.  A modern take on the traditional, from one of the finest wineries in the region.

Chef Andrew will pair his Wild Mushroom and Jalapeno Strudel with pesto cream….another one of our favorites.

Bodega Septima Malbec – The 7th winery Codorniu purchased, this on in the heart of Mendoza, Argentina in Uco Valley with their vineyards planted at 3600 feet above sea level, this wine celebrates how special the Malbec variety is with robust dark cherry, plum and cassis notes enhanced with mocha and tobacco. The wine is aged 6 months in American oak barrels adding in notes of vanilla, spice and a hint of coconut, inherent with American oak.

Chef Andrew will pair his spicy Argentine Empanadas of Ancho Chicken and Blue Corn.

We’ll finish the night with a celebratory birthday toast with another bubbly –

Anna de Codorníu Brut Rose – Delicate cherry color with strawberry tones. Fine and persistent bubbles. Aromas of red fruit, strawberries, cherries and woodland fruits with hints of green apple. Elegant and light on the palate with a good between acidity and sweetness with a refreshing finish.

Paired with Molten Chocolate Valhrona Lava Cakes