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!