Thursday, April 8, 2010

ST. INNOCENT WINE MAKER DINNER (Updated)


Mark your calendar - April 22nd will bring another very special wine dinner to Aria!
This time, winemaker Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent Winery in Oregon will be joining us with a selection of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from terrific vineyards in the Willamette Valley.

Vlossak’s love for wine began as a young man, when he learned to taste and enjoy wines daily with his father, a wine importer. He started St. Innocent Winery in 1988 and has been producing small lot, handmade wines in the southeast corner of the Eola Hills in Salem, Oregon ever since.

St. Innocent’s philosophy is that the primary function of wine is to complement and extend the pleasure of a meal – a principle we couldn’t agree with more! Many of their wines tend toward higher acid levels with diverse and balanced flavors to enhance different food and flavor combinations, and we are excited to taste Chef Gerry Klaskala’s pairings with each one.

The St. Innocent Wine Dinner will begin at 7pm on April 22nd and will be $85 per person, five courses with wine pairings excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling 404-233-7673.

Menu Update: from the evening of April 22nd



Pacific Oysters
served warm with buttery leeks, lemon and chives
Pinot Gris, Vitae Springs Vineyard, Willamette 07



Pan Roasted Columbia River King Salmon
spring peas and beans, guanciale and thyme
Pinot Noir, Zenith Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills 07




Pappardelle with Niman Ranch Pork Bolognese
reggiano parmigiano
Pinot Noir, Temperance Hill Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills 07



Painted Hills 10 Hour Brisket of Beef
young collard greens, black truffle polenta
Pinot Noir, Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville 07




Oregon Hazelnut Chocolate Cake
chocolate sauce and crispy chocolate
Oregon Hazelnut Shortbread