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

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

------

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

Peay Vineyards Wine Dinner on March 26

A tremendous thank you to Andy Peay and to everyone that joined us on Monday, March 26 for our Peay Vineyards wine dinner; what a great evening!

reception

Rosé of Pinot Noir, Cep Vineyards, Russian River Valley 2011

first course

Seared New Bedford Jumbo Sea Scallop

passion fruit, serrano and red onion

Sauvignon Blanc, Cep Vineyards, Hopkins Ranch
Russian River Valley 2011

second course

First of Spring White Asparagus

butter poached maine lobster and blood orange hollandaise

Chardonnay, Peay Vineyards, Sonoma Coast 2009

third course

Slow Braised Berkshire Pork

green olives, preserved tomatoes and crispy egg

Pinot Noir, Peay Vineyards, Scallop Shelf
Sonoma Coast 2009

Pinot Noir, Peay Vineyards, Ama
Sonoma Coast 2009

entree

Grilled Sliced Kobe Flank “Cheese Steak”

portabello, aged gruyere, celery hearts &  chips, syrah foie gras sauce

Syrah, Peay Vineyards, La Bruma, Sonoma Coast 2009

dessert

Early Georgia Strawberry Angel Cake

peppermint ice cream

Our next wine dinner will be on May 23 with South Africa's own Neil Ellis.  Hope to see you then.

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!

See What’s Cooking with Chef Gerry at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market on 6/25

Chef demos can be seen every Saturday at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, but this upcoming Saturday, June 25 is the only day you will be able to see our very own Chef Gerry Klaskala there in action.  Set the alarm and grab your basket, because the market opens at 8:30 a.m. and Chef Gerry will be sharing culinary tips at his demo at 10 a.m. While you’re grabbing all your in-season fruits and veggies, don’t forget to stop by!

Have to miss out on the Farmers Market? Catch Chef Gerry again at the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival on July 17. Last year, Chef Gerry won “Best Taste”, so you never know what he’ll win this year…

It Is Atlanta Food & Wine Time!!!!!

Hey Everyone,  It is time to let it be known!!
The South's next great event is happening in a week and a half. The 1st Annual Atlanta Food & Wine Festival has too many chefs to count. Be a part of tasting some of the most delicious offerings from the South's most talented. You probably missed the first Super Bowl, don't miss the First Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. Hope to see you all there.

Sincerely, Gerry

A Sweet Day! ARIA's Gerry Klaskala at Vidalia Onion Museum

What a sweet day!  A great time was had by all at the Grand Opening of the Vidalia Onion Museum in Vidalia, Georgia last Friday and Chef Gerry was proud to take part.  Take a look at Chef Gerry and the festivities in the slideshow and plan your visit to learn more about Georgia’s sweet onion crop.

Peter Michael Winery Dinner

Our Second wine dinner in partnership with The Fine Wine Connection is Peter Michael Winery on April 20th at 6.30pm.  We will feature new releases of their award-wining Chardonnays as well as their acclaimed Bordeaux style blends “Les Pavots” and “L’esprit des Pavots”

Reception

Champagne Pierre Morlet, France NV 

First Course

East Coast Halibut Fillet

vidalia spring onion & yukon gold gratin, pea shoots

2009 Chardonnay Belle Cote, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

 2009 Chardonnay La Carriere, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Second Course

Breast of South Carolina Squab

baby spinach, golden oak mushrooms, sweet garlic

2006  L’Esprit de Pavots, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

2007 L’Esprit de Pavots, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Entree

Roasted 1st Chop of Spring Lamb

fava beans, babette carrots, leeks

2007 Les Pavots, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

2008 Les Pavots, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Dessert

Valrhona Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

crisped chocolate and drambuie crème anglaise

Please keep in mind that all availability and payments are handled directly by Chris Soluri at The Fine Wine Connection.

$190.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity).
For further information and reservation, please contact Chris at 770.984.9663

TABLAS CREEK WINERY DINNER

It’s time again to mark the calendar for another great wine dinner at Aria!


Join us on April 6th at 7 p.m. for our Tablas Creek Winery Dinner.  We’ll be joined by the Tablas resident foodie, Tommy Oldre, who will tell us more about these organic, award-winning wines, all of which are 100% estate grown and bottled on their 120 acre property in California.  Chef Gerry will be preparing a delicious menu to perfectly pair with each vintage from Tablas Creek.

Wines featured include:

-Patelin de Tablas Blanc 2010
-Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2009
-Cotes de Tablas Red 2008
-Esprit de Beaucastel Red 2008
-Vin de Paille “Quintessence” 2006

$100 per person (includes tax and gratuity)
Please call 404-233-7673 to reserve your spot for the evening!

Update:

Dinner Menu

Amuse 

Chilled White Asparagus Soup

soft whipped cream, sevruga caviar

First Course

Seared Sea Scallop

cumin roasted celeriac , carrots, avocado, fennel vinaigrette

2010 Patelin de Tablas Blanc

Second Course

Shallot Roasted Maine Lobster

spring peas, pea shoots, preserved tomato

2008 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc

Third Course 

Cold Smoked & Then Roasted Breast of Duck

red cabbage, applewood smoked bacon, ginger lemongrass 

2009 Côtes de Tablas

Entree

Braised Shank of Colorado Spring Lamb

parsnip puree, fava beans, royal black trumpets, natural jus

2008 Esprit de Beaucastel

Dessert

Black Plum Tart

ginger brown butter

lemon ice cream

2006 Vin de Paille, Quintessence

Upcoming Wine Dinners - IL POGGIONE

We are happy to announce that our first wine dinner of 2011 is almost upon us, with the second one coming up not far behind this February!  From Italy to California, there is much to explore about both of the wineries coming to visit, and we hope you can join us.

IL POGGIONE

February 2 at 7 p.m. marks the first wine dinner of the year, with our featured winery Il Poggione coming to Aria all the way from the village of Sant’Angelo in Tuscany, Italy.
We are honored to have Alessandro Bindocci join us to tell us more about the wonderful history of this legendary winery in the heart of Tuscany.

'Il Poggione owns approximately 250 acres of vineyards in the Brunello di Montalcino zone, with 118 acres producing the Brunello Riserva and Brunello wines. The remaining 132 acres are planted to Sangiovese for Rosso, Cabernet Sauvignon and several white varietals'

Enjoy five courses paired with four wines from Il Poggione, including Rosso di MOntalcino, Mazzoni (Sangiovese-Merlot blend), Brunello di MOntalcino and Brunello Riserva. $100 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

You can reserve your spot by calling us at 404-233-7673.
All featured wines will also be available for purchase through Perrine's Wine Shop

SAVE THE DATE
We’ll be revealing more details about our second February wine dinner very soon, but for now please save the date for February 23!  The wine dinner, focusing on all single vineyard Pinot Noirs from Santa Lucia Highlands and Russian River Valley, is in partnership with Chris Soluri of Fine Wine Connection.  We are excited that Brian Loring of Loring Wine Company, who has a self-diagnosed obsession with Pinot Noir, is joining us for this wine dinner from California to tell us more about each wine.

Stay tuned for more details to come!





Cheers!

A recipe from the files of Gerry Klaskala

The Holiday Season is quickly approaching, and we here at Aria would like to wish you and your families a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.  Although we will be closed Thursday evening, we will reopen Friday with regular business hours and we look forward to seeing you.

    -Bring a bit of Aria to your Thanksgiving table this year with Chef Gerry’s Warm Wilted Arugula, Chanterelle, and Cranberry Salad recipe.

Enjoy!

MARTINELLI WINERY DINNER - Wednesday September 22 @ 7pm

Summer of 2010 has brought some of our favorite wineries to Aria for our wine dinners – with featured winemakers from Susana Balbo, Pio Cesare and Hugel & Fils gracing our tables.
 
We’re excited to kick off fall with our next wine dinner, in partnership with Perrine’s Wine Shop,  featuring Martinelli Winery.  This event will be held on September 22nd at 7 p.m.  and we hope you can join us!

Juliana Martinelli will be our special guest at Aria as we feature several of Martinelli Estate’s finest wines.  The Martinelli family has being producing wine in Sonoma County since 1896, through five generations; and their wines are legendary.
 
We look forward to a great evening of delicious food and wine as we learn more about Martinelli’s winemaking techniques and the legacy the family has created.

Some of the featured wines include:

Chardonnay, Zio Tony Ranch, Russian River Valley
Pinot Noir, Moonshine Ranch, Russian River Valley
Syrah, Terra Felice, Russian River Valley
Zinfandel, Giuseppe & Luisa, Russian River Valley
Muscat Alexandria, Jackass Hill, Russian River Valley

Five courses/Five Wines, $100 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

Please call us at 404-233-7673 for reservations; we look forward to seeing you!

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