aria . the wines of Joan d'Anguera. a winemaker dinner

Brothers Joan and Josep Anguera will be on hand to discuss their newest vintages, transition to biodynamic agriculture and new direction in the Montsant appellation.

Their father was an early pioneer, growing grenache, carignan & syrah, who helped define the Montsant growing region in Catalunya. Now Joan and Josep are carrying on the legacy and taking that vision to the next level with the release of the 2012 and 2013 vintage.

More about d'Anguera

Featured Wines:

Cava Avinyó, Nature NV
Do Ferreiro, Albariño, Rias Baixas 2013
Joan d'Anguera "Altaroses" Granatxa, Montsant 2013
Joan d'Anguera "La Planella" Carinyena/Syrah/Garnatxa, Montsant 2012
Joan d'Anguera "Finca L'Argata" Garnatxa/Syrah, Montsant  2012
Joan d'Anguera "Bugader" Syrah, Montsant  2012

aria . bouchard pere & fils wine dinner with luc bouchard

Featured Wines
Henriot But NV
Bouchard Pere & Fils, Beaune du Chateau Blanc 2012
Bouchard Pere & Fils, Puligny Montrachet 2012
Bouchard Pere & Fils, Savigny les Beaune 2012
Bouchard Pere & Fils, Volnay Caillerets 2012
Bouchard Pere & Fils, Beaune Greves L’Enfant Jesus 2010

About Bouchard Pere & Fils

The name Bouchard Pere & Fils is familiar to Burgundy lovers around the world.

Founded in 1731 in Beaune, the Bouchard tradition spans over 280 years and 9 generations.  In 1775, Joseph Bouchard acquired his first vineyards in Volnay in the famous “Les Caillerets” climat and started to develop the family’s vineyard holdings.

During the French Revolution, property belonging to the clergy and nobility was confiscated and put up for sale.  Joseph’s son, Antoine Philibert Joseph Bouchard, seized the opportunity to extend the family’s vineyard holdings in Beaune including the famous “Beaune Grèves Vigne de l’Enfant Jesus.”

Today, Buchard Pere & Fils wines are produced from 80 different Burgundian appellations with nearly 70 percent  designated as Grand or Premier Cru wines.

More about Bouchard Pere & Fils

About Luc Bouchard
Luc Bouchard, a ninth generation descendent of the Bouchard family, is responsible for the Americas for the distinguised Burgundian house of Bouchard Père & Fils.

Bouchard grew up in the vineyards of Burgundy and took part in the annual harvest since childhood. In fact, following family tradition, Bouchard was baptized with one of the house's most famous wines, the Beaune Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus . His love of wine developed early in life, as Bouchard spent his vacations in the house's extensive cellars, and later working in the vineyards of the Rheingau region of Germany.

aria . foggy ridge cider dinner with diane flynt

About Foggy Ridge

after a long cold winter . . . spring has arrived

aria . wine dinner | plumpjack & cade in partnership with canoe's cellar door

Wednesday January 8th at 7pm

Join us for our first wine dinner of 2014 featuring the wines of Plumpjack & Cade, along with guest sommelier Matt Bradford from Cellar Door, the new wine store from our sister restaurant Canoe.

Chef Gerry Klaskala will prepare 6 delicious courses to pair with 5 wines from these iconic Napa Estates.
$100.00 (includes tax and gratuity)

Featured Wines include:

Cade, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2012    
Plumpjack, Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2012    
Cade, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cuvee 2009  
Cade, Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2010    
Plumpjack, Syrah, Napa Valley 2011

We look forward to seeing you.  

aria . wine dinner | randall grahm of bonny doon vineyard

On Tuesday November 5th at 7pm, Aria welcomes the legendary Randall Grahm of California’s Bonny Doon Vineyard.
Chef Gerry Klaskala will prepare five courses to pair with five of Randall’s wines for a delicious evening.

$100.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

Limited seating; for reservations, please call 404.233.7673

Featured wines include:

¿Querry? Sparkling Hard Cider, California 2011
Albariño, Central Coast 2012
Le Cigare Blanc, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2010
Le Cigare Volant, Central Coast 2008
A Proper Claret, California 2012

A word about Randall Grahm:

Photography by Alex Krause

Randall was born in of Los Angeles and has been a champion of sustainable agriculture, and an ambassador of Rhone Varietals grown in the Santa Cruz Mountains since the mid 1980’s.  He released the first vintage of Le Cigare Volant (an homage to Chateaneuf-du-Pape) in 1986.  Since then, his passion and work have been recognized with multiple awards from the James Beard Foundation, Wine & Spirits Magazine and Bon Appetit Magazine among others.
Randall lectures all around the country, writes a witty winery newsletter, and is the author of the book Been Doon So Long.

James MacPhail - Wine Maker Dinner

On Wednesday February the 20th at 7 p.m., we will proudly welcome acclaimed Pinot Noir producer James MacPhail from Mac Phail Family Vineyards and Sequana Vineyards.

After working with California Pinot Noir leaders like Merry Edwards and Garry Farrell, and with a firm belief in traditional, old world techniques and minimal intervention, James launched MacPhail Family Vineyards in 2002 focusing on the cooler regions of the Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley in Mendocino County.

Later in 2007, he launched Sequana Vineyards to focus on Pinot Noir from the Green Valley of Russian River Valley, and Santa Lucia Highlands.

Featured wines include:

MacPhail Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2011
Macphail Gap’s Crown’s Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2010
Sequana Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir, Green Valley of Russian River Valley 2010
MacPhail Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2010
MacPhail Wildcat Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2010

Guest will enjoy five courses prepared by Chef Gerry Klaskala paired with each wine.

Cost is $100.00 per person (excludes tax and gratuity).  To reserve your seat, please call 404.233.7673.

We look forward to seeing you.

Neil Ellis Wine Dinner on May 23

Please Join us at Aria for an evening of delicious food and wine as we experience the wines of the South African districts of Stellenbosch and Elgin with wine maker Neil Ellis.

Wednesday May 23 at 7pm.

Neil Ellis began his career at Groot Constantia Estate and Zevenwacht, and before at KWV, a South African co-op.  In 1986, he set out on his own as a negociant, buying and vinifying grapes,  and selling  the wines under his own label .  That same year, Hans Schroder purchased Oude Nektar Farm, 98 acres of vines in the deep, red clay soils of Jonkershoek , Stellenbosch.

In 1993, after great demand and accolades, Neil and Hans formed a joint venture to produce Neil Ellis Wines.  Today Oude Nektar is the primary source for Neil Ellis reds.

Reception

Groenkloof, Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Dinner

first course

Georgia White Shrimp

georgia peach, vidalia onion salad

white balsamic vinaigrette

Elgin, Chardonnay 2009

second course

Pan Roasted Carolina Quail

foie gras and brioche

Stellenbosch, Pinotage 2008

third course

Garganelli with Ragu of Wild Boar & Mushrooms

reggiano parmigiano

Elgin, Shiraz 2008

entree

Porcini Crusted Loin of Spring Lamb 

creamy leeks and fava beans

Stellenbosch, Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

dessert

Blueberry Creme Fraiche Cake

lemon custard  buttermilk ice cream

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Dinner will be $100.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity).
For reservations, please call 404.233.7673.

We hope to see you then.

Cheers

From the Cellar: Nicolas Girard, Menetou-Salon 2010

Located in the heart of France, on the banks of the Loire River is the tiny village of Menetou-Salon. Specializing in producing elegant and mineral driven whites wines from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. 

We are featuring Domaine Nicolas Girard and his 2009 Menetou-Salon. The wine is made from 100% estate grown grapes, and a tiny estate it is, coming in at just 1.2 acres in Menetou-Salon and an additional 2.4 acres in Sancerre. This tiny amount of production allows the winemaker to take the utmost time and care in making the wine. 

Try it with Chef Gerry's flash fried Beau Soleil oysters with whole grain mustard remoulade and pickled shallots.

jacob gragg - certified sommelier

aria wine team

Buckhead Restaurant Week 2012

It’s time for Buckhead’s restaurants to shine during Buckhead Restaurant Week from Saturday, February 25 to Sunday, March 4!

Visit Aria throughout the week to enjoy a three course, prix-fixe menu for $35 per person.  (Our regular nightly dinner menu will be available as well). Be sure to call us for reservations at 404-233-7673.

And remember that when you dine at the bar, you receive 20% off your food bill.

Hope to see you this week!

Eyrie Vineyards Wine Dinner

It’s time for our first wine dinner of the year, and we’re pleased to feature Eyrie Vineyards on February 22 at 7 p.m.

After earning a degree in viticulture and enology from U.C. Davis, 25 year old David “Papa Pinot” Lett planted the first Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley back in 1965. Since 1970, Eyrie Vineyards has been producing wonderfully classic wines, all based on the philosophy of trying to interfere as little as possible with what nature had in mind.

We’re proud to have David’s son, Jason Lett, joining us for this wine dinner.  Jason took over his father’s role as winemaker and vineyard manager in 2005, and we look forward to hearing firsthand about his family’s legacy.

Featured wines include:


- Pinot Blanc, Estate, Dundee Hills 2009
- Pinot Gris, Estate, Dundee Hills 2009
- Chardonnay, Original Vines Reserve, Willamette Valley 2009
- Pinot Noir, Original Vines Reserve, Dundee Hills 2009
- Pinot Noir, La Luz, Oregon NV
- Equation of Time vII (A blend of 40 vintages of Chardonnay)


Chef Gerry is pairing five special courses with these fantastic wines.
Dinner will be $100.00 (excluding tax and gratuity). Call us at 404-233-7673 for more details or to make your reservation.

Hope to see you then!

Aria - Bravo, February!

Hope to see you this month at Aria!

From the Cellar: Chateau Pradeaux, Bandol Rouge 2005

From one of the oldest and most traditional wine estates in Bandol (which is itself one of the oldest growing regions in France) comes this week’s highlight from Aria’s wine list.

Offered on half bottle (375mL), this bottling from Pradeaux is made almost entirely from Mouvedre, and from vines which have been under the careful watch of the Portalis family since before the French revolution.

The wine has a core of ripe fruit, tempered with smoked meat under tones and firm tannin.  Fantastic with Chef Gerry’s braised beef short ribs. Cheers!

andrés loaiza – certified sommelier
aria wine team

From the Cellar: Au Bon Climat "Hildegard" 2007

From Santa Maria Valley, in California's Central Coast, comes this bold and delicious blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté.

Au Bon Climat's winemaker, the legendary Jim Clendenen, uses Burgundian-inspired techniques to produce this 'chardonnay alternative' which we now offer by the glass at Aria.

Toasty, mineral and fresh, 'Hildegard" is extremely versatile with food.  Cheers!

andrés loaiza - certified sommelier
aria wine team

From our Cellar: Giaconda Estate Chardonnay 2008

Giaconda is quite possibly my favorite wine producer in Australia; winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner has been producing wine in the tiny little region of Beechworth Australia in northern Victoria since 1985.

Before returning to the land down under, Rick studied enology at UC Davis and during the 1970’s helped make wine at Stag’s Leap, Matanzas Creek, and for Bordeaux legend Christian Moueix of Chateau Petrus fame.

The 2008 Giaconda Chardonnay is a beautiful wine that bursts with apple and tree fruit and shows an amazing minerality and sense of place. The wine is tasting great now, but has a longevity that will allow it to age for a decade or longer.

jacob gragg - certified sommelier
aria wine team

From our Cellar: Clos de Ursules 2007

We are really excited to have a few Magnums of 2007 Domaine des Heritiers Louis Jadot 1er Cru 'Clos de Ursules'. The 2007 vintage of 'Clos de Ursules' marks the 150th anniversary of the Jadot's sole ownership of the historic walled vineyard and the entire production from 2007 was bottled solely in Magnum in celebration. Planted in the 17th century by the Ursuline Convent, 'Clos de Ursules' is one of my favorite Vineyards in all of Burgundy, producing rich deeply colored Pinot Noir with ripe succulent red cherry and fresh raspberry notes with great acidity year after year. The wine is a versatile match for the lighter fare on Chef Gerry's ever changing menu.


jacob gragg - certified sommelier
aria wine team

Happy Holidays from all of us at aria

Hirsch Vineyards Wine Dinner

From the extreme Sonoma Coast, high above the Pacific Ocean, we are pleased to announce our next wine dinner at Aria on Tuesday, October 18th at 7 p.m. with Hirsch Vineyards.

Hirsch Vineyards was founded in 1980 by our very special dinner guest David Hirsch.  Since then, the Hirsch Family and their team have focused on growing fruit (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) with profound respect for vineyard site and vintage character.

Our wine dinner guests will enjoy five courses prepared by Chef Gerry Klaskala, to pair with each of Hirsch Vineyard’s  wines. Cost will be $110.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity). To reserve your spot or find out more, please call the restaurant at 404-233-7673.


Dinner Menu

Chilled Maine Lobster
fennel, green apples, creamy lime tarragon vinaigrette
Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 09

Lasagnette
chanterelle mushrooms, jerusalem artichokes, veal ragu
Pinot Noir, Bohan Dillon, Sonoma Coast 09

Carolina Quail
duck confit stuffed savoy cabbage
Pinot Noir, “M”, Sonoma Coast 08

Twelve Hour Brisket of Beef 
slow cooked baby collards, smoked tomatoes, tobacco onions
Pinot Noir, San Andreas Fault, Sonoma Coast 09

Red Bartlett Pear Tart
puff pastry, orange cream, vanilla iceam
Gewurstraminer/Sauvignon Blanc, Lemon’s Folly by Littorai Vineyards, Sonoma Coast 08


**All wines will be available for purchase that evening via Perrine's Wine Shop

August at Aria: Groth Vineyards Wine Dinner

August is here and it’s time again for another wonderful wine dinner here at Aria.  This time, we are excited to welcome Groth Vineyards on Wednesday, August 24 at 7 p.m.

Located in the heart of Oakville in Napa Valley, Groth Vineyards is a family owned winery with a real understanding of how sustainable farming can translate into world-class  wine, both now and for our future.  We’re pleased to have Marco Esposito as our guest from the winery to tell us more about Groth Vineyard’s 27-year history.

Our wine dinner guests will enjoy five courses and four wines from Groth, including:

Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2010
Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley 2008
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley 2007

$120.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

For more details and to make your reservation, please call 404-233-7673.

The Attack Is Back !!!

Last summer’s Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival was a moment of reigning glory as Chef Gerry walked away with the title of 'Best Taste'.  This year’s competition will be as fierce as ever, with many of Atlanta’s best chefs coming up with their most tempting tomato creations and libations for all to sample.

The festival is held at JCT. Kitchen on Atlanta’s Westside and proceeds go to to support Georgia Organics.  The event is July 17 and tickets are going fast, so be sure to get yours online soon!