As wine pairing experts, we had the honor of working with a talented chef to design a one-of-a-kind dining experience. It highlighted the wines of the prestigious M. Chapoutier winery. With roots dating back to the late 1800s, the Chapoutier family began as coopers, crafting barrels for winemakers, before evolving into vineyard ownership and winemaking. Today, under the visionary leadership of Michel Chapoutier, they are pioneers in biodynamic farming. They are known for their deep respect for terroir and innovation in winemaking. Each wine selected for the evening told a unique story, perfectly paired with the chef’s curated dishes.
Appetizer Pairing: Trenel Cremant de Bourgogne Extra Brut NV
We started the evening by pairing the bright and refreshing Trenel Cremant de Bourgogne with a trio of appetizers: Salmon Crudo, Compressed Watermelon, and Steak Tartare. Acquired by Chapoutier in 2015, this Cremant is produced in the traditional method. It showcases flavors of green apple, white peach, and a touch of nuttiness from aging on the lees. The sparkling wine’s crispness highlighted the fresh flavors of the crudo, the sweet-spicy balance of the watermelon, and the rich, savory notes of the tartare. An unforgettable opener.
Soup Pairing: 2021 Mathilde Chapoutier Provence Rosé
Our second course, a refreshing Chilled Tomato Soup with a parmesan crisp, was paired with the 2021 Mathilde Chapoutier Provence Rosé. Mathilde, an eighth-generation Chapoutier, continues her family’s legacy by producing wines that reflect her passion for travel and terroir. The Provence Rosé, with its aromas of peach and citrus and lively acidity, was a perfect match for the soup’s savory richness, adding brightness to the dish and making for a beautifully balanced pairing.
Entrée Pairing: 2020 M. Chapoutier “La Ciboise” Rouge, Luberon
For the main course, we paired the Apricot Glazed Hen, served with apple-potato hash and Brussels sprouts, with the 2020 M. Chapoutier “La Ciboise” Rouge, a blend of Grenache and Syrah from the Rhône Valley’s Luberon AOC. Named after Michel Chapoutier’s grandfather’s home, this wine is aged in concrete vats, allowing the fruit to shine. Its flavors of blackberry and spice, combined with a medium tannic structure, beautifully enhanced the sweetness of the apricot glaze and the savory notes of the hen and vegetables. The wine’s rich fruit and balanced acidity made this pairing stand out.
Dessert Pairing: 2012 M. Chapoutier Banyuls
We closed the evening with a Seasonal Berry Crumble, paired with the 2012 M. Chapoutier Banyuls. This fortified dessert wine comes from the steep, sun-drenched vineyards of Roussillon. The grapes are hand-harvested, often with the help of mules. With flavors of ripe berries and a luxurious sweetness, the Banyuls perfectly complemented the warm, fruity crumble. It provided a decadent finish to the evening. The addition of a neutral spirit halts fermentation, leaving the wine sweet yet balanced. An ideal dessert pairing.
Event Partners:
House of Margot Blair
City Boots
Leave it to KievIt
Super Duper Custom
Nuage Design
Photo Credit: Wisteria Jade Photography
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