Recently wine appreciators Tony Giovanzana, Mike L. McColgan, David Behring and Jeff Behring enjoyed a special luncheon in the Blackhawk Lakeside French Room which was a favorite place to dine for Blackhawk founder Ken Behring.
The wine
appreciators enjoyed a four-course wine pairing with fabulous food prepared by
Chef Miguel and professionally served by Jessica and Ono.
Tony
Giovanzana organized the wine appreciators to bring some great wines from Spain
and Portugal. This was the second Ken’s Table-Wine Appreciators luncheon.
We began
with an interesting 2017 white wine from Spain called El Zarzal. It was an elegant
and refreshing blend to prepare our palates for this special luncheon. In
addition, these wines we tasted are available for purchase at Draeger’s in
Blackhawk.
The first
course was a White Bean Fabada with Pork Belly Olive Crostini. It was paired
with a 1996 Vega Sicilia Unico Ribera del Duero and a 2016 40th Anniversary
Keenan Syrah.
Course 2
was Chorizo and Mozzarella Flatbread with Green Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and
Cilantro. We enjoyed this with a 2006 Muga Prada Enea Gran Reserva Rioja and a
2009 Muga Prada Enea Gran Reserva Rioja.
Course 3
was Grilled Lamb Chops with Hint of Rosemary and Goat Cheese Sauce. It was
paired with Portugal varietals 2014 Luis Duarte Rubrica and 2015 Prats
Symington Chryseia.
Course 4
was Braised Oxtail, Red Wine Reduction and Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes. It was
paired with a 2015 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape and a 2018 Rene
Ristaing Cote-Rotie Ampodium.
Ken’s
spirit was definitely felt as many stories of his interesting life were shared
by his sons David and Jeff.
We
concluded this luncheon with Chef Miguel’s sensational Grand Marnier Soufflé.
We look
forward to planning another Ken’s Table-Wine Appreciators Luncheon in 2022.
