The afternoon was filled with so many wonderful moments that I thought it best to write three exclusive features celebrating the 10th Anniversary of World Wine Synergy.
So I present to you the fantastic dishes that were served by the La Quercia team at the wine pairing lunch. I have listed the wines paired under each image of the dishes. I hope you are tempted to try them for yourself on your next visit to La Quercia. Make sure to reserve ahead as the restaurant is very popular.
If you have not yet read my review of the fifteen wines served you can see that by clicking here.
The dishes:
– Reception –
~ Ascolana Olives ~
Wine poured:
Sorelle Bronca ‘Particella 232’ Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Farro
Extra Brut, Veneto, Italy 2022
A perfect pairing: the briny olives were the perfect bite to go with the Valdobbviadene Prosecco.
– 1 –
~ Seared Scallop, Lardo, Cauliflower ~
It doesn’t get any better than a rich and delicious fresh, seared scallop. Plump and juicy it was best savoured and enjoyed with the trio of white wines.
~ Charcuterie ~
Salty and rich and so good. These fresh entrees were excellent with the white wines, especially the Riesling which had its own salinaty notes.
Wines poured:
Domaine Dirler-Cadé Alsace Grand Cru ‘Kessler’ Riesling, Alsace, France 2018
Bodega Los Bermejos Malvasia Volcánica Seco Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain 2023
Tiberio, ‘Fonte Canale’ Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy 2019
– 2 –
~ Sausage-Stuffed Morels, Polenta ~
~ Porcini Mushroom Strudel, Parmigiano Fonduta ~
Where to begin with this dish? I am a big fan of Morels and these were so fresh with just the right amount of earthy flavour. The sausage was perfectly suited with its softness and herby goodness. Finishing with the balance of the Polenta.
The Strudel was perfection with a tender and flaky pastry stuffed with delicious Porcini mushrooms and the Parmigiano added to the rich goodness of this delicacy. Both dishes were wonderfully matched to the wines.
Wines poured:
Domaine Louis Chenu & Filles ‘Les Lavieres’ Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru, Burgundy, France 2022
Domaine Baron de L’Ecluse ‘Les Garances’ Côte de Brouilly, Beaujolais, France 2022
Kir-Yianni ‘Kali Riza’ Amyndeon, Macedonia, Greece 2021
– 3 –
~ Spruce Tip Risotto ~
Is there anything more delicious than a creamy Risotto cooked to al dente? I don’t think so. This dish was just what we needed as we worked our way through so may glasses of exceptional wines. I really enjoyed the accent of the Spruce Tips that put this dish over the top in flavour.
Wines poured:
Domaine Duseigneur ‘Yamakasi’ Vin de France, Rhone, France 2022
Domaine La Barroche ‘Julien Barrot’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France 2021
– 4 –
~ Stinging Nettle Rotolo, Brown Butter ~
I know you shouldn’t play favourites but pasta this good is my weakness. The richness, the perfectly formed purse of pasta, this is as good as it gets. Absolutely superb and just the tastiest morsel ever to grace a plate. Not to mention how artfully beautiful it is.
Wines poured:
Chiara Condello Romagna Sangiovese Predappio, Emilia-Romagna, Italy 2022
Casale del Giglio Cesanese Lazio Rosso, Lazio, Italy 2022
– 5 –
~ Elk Sirloin, Currant Sugo ~
Absolutely the best dish for the accompanying wines. Game meats are so rich they just cry out for the right wine pairing. Chef curated all of the dishes specifically to pair with the chosen wines. The dish and the pairing were an exciting and delicious match.
~ Cheese Board ~
Ending with a cheese board was a stroke of genius on Chef’s part. The wines were so rich and so numerous that a sweet would have been a disservice. The Cheese Board was a palate cleanser that paved the way for the bolder wines to finish a most delightful culinary journey.
Wines poured:
L’Erta di Radda Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy 2020
Baricci Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy 1.5L 2018
Domaine Capelanel ‘Amphút’ Cahors Malbec, Cahors, France 2017
Eugenio Rosi Cabernet Franc, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2017/2018/2019 *
About La Quercia
La Quercia provides a comprehensive, seasonally focused menu framed within the slow cooking tradition expressed in northern Italian cuisine. With the addition of a complete a la carte menu, Chef Adam Pegg features an impromptu ‘small’ or ‘large’ family style preparation made to involve the entire table in a convivial ‘alla famiglia’ dining experience. Drawing from the deep roots of northern Italian cuisine, La Quercia reflects the culinary heritage of continental Europe, an honest reflection of the true to day offerings of the region.
We partner with exceptional boutique wineries that embody passion and environmental stewardship. By cultivating strong relationships with these families, we can offer you exclusive and extraordinary wines for your pleasure.
By focusing on wines crafted from indigenous varieties, we honour the heritage and history these grapes embody, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local ecosystems and communities that nurture them.
Together, let’s celebrate the stories, cultures, and philosophies that make our drinking experiences profound and heartfelt.
With thanks to Grace, Richard and Kristie for the invitation and supplying the information about the wines served, to La Quercia for the wonderful food, to all the other wine writers for their good company and to MyVanCity contributor Shelley Hayashi for the images of the Elk Sirloin and Cheese Board. (except as noted) all images MyVanCity.
This wine is available exclusively to diners at La Quercia.*
