Join us Wednesday October 23rd
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Join us for a Glimpse into the Rhone Valley
Embark on a journey through the Rhône Valley as we present an exclusive wine dinner showcasing the remarkable wines from some of the most celebrated appellations: Saint Joseph, Cornas, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These iconic regions, steeped in history and blessed with diverse terroirs, offer unique wines that reflect the character of their land and the dedication of their winemakers.
Saint Joseph – Known for its steep granite slopes that run alongside the Rhône River, Saint Joseph produces elegant and refined Syrah-based wines. The granite soils impart a striking minerality, while the region’s cooler climate ensures fresh acidity and complexity. Expect wines with notes of black currant, olives, and pepper, underpinned by a fine, silky texture. According to local folklore, Saint Joseph himself is said to have blessed the vineyards, ensuring their exceptional quality for centuries to come.
Cornas – A small but powerful appellation, Cornas is famed for its robust, full-bodied Syrahs. The region’s vineyards are planted on ancient terraces of granite, known as “gore,” which contribute to the wines’ intense concentration and depth. These wines are often described as muscular, with rich flavors of blackberry, smoke, and leather. Locals speak of the “blood of Cornas,” a mythical connection to the strength and vigor of these wines, which were once believed to bestow warriors with courage.
Gigondas – Located in the southern Rhône, Gigondas offers rich, Grenache-dominant wines that are full of warmth and spice. The diverse soil types, ranging from limestone to red clay, result in wines with ripe fruit flavors of raspberry and plum, complemented by hints of garrigue herbs and pepper. Gigondas wines are known for their robust structure and age-worthy qualities. According to legend, Gigondas wines were a favorite of Roman soldiers who believed the local vineyards were a gift from Bacchus, the god of wine.
Vacqueyras – Often seen as an under-the-radar gem of the Rhône, Vacqueyras produces expressive, value-driven wines. The vineyards, composed of rocky soils and alluvial deposits, produce wines with a distinct minerality and structure. Vacqueyras reds, made primarily from Grenache and Syrah, are characterized by bold fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and notes of earthy spices. Folklore tells of a local nobleman who once wagered his estate on a single vintage, believing it to be the finest wine in all of France – and won.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape – The jewel of the southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is renowned for its opulent, Grenache-based wines. Its distinctive “galets roulés” or large, round stones, cover the vineyards and retain heat, allowing for optimal ripening of the grapes. The wines are rich and complex, with layers of dark fruit, licorice, and Provençal herbs. The region is rich with history, from being the summer residence of the Avignon popes to the legend that these stones were believed to have been cast down from the heavens, blessing the vineyards.
At this special dinner, we will introduce you to the exceptional producers and vineyards we’ve carefully reviewed. Each wine is a reflection of its unique terroir and the passion of its makers, offering you a chance to taste some of the Rhône’s best-kept secrets. Discover bold and complex reds, explore the intricacies of each region, and take advantage of the opportunity to purchase these wines to enjoy at home.
The Black Olive
Presents
Rhône Wine Dinner Menu
First Course:
Courbis St. Joseph Les Royes 2022
Charbonniere Vacqueyras 2021
Courbis Cornas Champelrose 2022
Choice of
Aromatic Chicken Kebab:
Chicken marinated with rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender, grilled
Rockfish Tahini Kebab:
Fresh rockfish seasoned with tahini and spices, grilled
served with basil-tarragon pesto and a delicate spinach pasta.
Second Course:
Domaine Rostaing ‘La Bonnette’ Condrieu
Selection of Greek Graviera Cheeses with of Peach Brandy Compote.
Intermezzo:
Lemon Mint Sorbet
Third Course:
E. Guigal Gigondas 2019
E. Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape 2018
Choice of
Braised Moroccan-Style Lamb Shank:
Slow-cooked with traditional Moroccan spices, and a hint of cinnamon, served with saffron-infused couscous.
Shrimp Saganaki:
Spicy feta shrimp with tomatoes, basil, rice and a touch of ouzo, baked.
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Santorini Master Tasting
November 6
Experience the finest wines from Santorini, one of the world's most storied wine regions, in an exclusive tasting event. This volcanic island's winemaking heritage, spanning millennia, produces wines of unparalleled depth and longevity. We'll explore rare, small-production Santorini wines, with only a few bottles imported each year. Stelios Spiliadis, a dedicated scholar of Greek viticulture, will share his insights into the island's rich wine history. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to purchase these extraordinary wines, unavailable in retail. Don't miss this rare chance to discover Santorini's best.
Reserve your space at the Master Santorini Tasting
Catoctin Creek Cocktail Dinner
November 21st
Join us as we explore the depths of one of our favorite local women owned and operated organic distilleries that make up our craft cocktail program that brings spirits made with the passion and purity that is the spirit of our food. . We will also feature guest speaker and Catoctin Creek Spirit Expert: Avalon Oona Haas, named Brand Ambassador of the Year Finalist for The National Bourbon Woman Association Becky Harris is the Founder and Chief Distiller of Catoctin Creek, a women-owned and operated craft distillery since 2009. As a chemical engineer, and President of the American Craft Spirits Association, Becky is regarded as one of the best distillers in the country, having won multiple international medals for her spirits. She is also a tireless advocate for the entire craft spirits industry.
Join us for our annual Catoctin Creek Cocktail Dinner
The Black Olive Wine list represents a history of relationships with winemakers, vineyard owners, importers, distributors, farmers, and most importantly with you our reason to be. We strive to bring you the finest wines from the entire world with a special eye on the wines that come from the tradition of Greek winemaking. These are wines that show exceptional value and qualities that compliment our cuisine. We look carefully for responsible farmers and producers of wines as we feel that good agricultural practices are essential to good wines. Many of our selections are from certified organic grapes and we intensely will question our producers about their use of pesticides and non-organic fertilizers. Wine after all begins with good soil.
We have tasted through numerous wines to make each selection and patiently cellared over 5000 bottles to make sure that we have an extensive collection capable of satisfying our customers’ most demanding tastes in wines. We are committed to the best glassware to properly show our wines and will work hard to accommodate your every wine service need.
