A Tour of Rhone Valley

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: October - 2022

There can be little question of the gustatory reward one can receive from a meal of French food and wine. So, this is one for the diehard Francophile, who longs for a meal true to the regional cooking of the country. On Friday, November 11, The Vineyard at 37 High Holly presents “A Tour of the Rhone Valley”, classic French cuisine from Chef Tim Lundy of Rosewood Market paired with the award-winning wines of Ferraton Peres & Fils Vineyards. For the pastoral setting of The Vineyard, Lundy has fashioned a scrumptious menu inspired by the traditions of every foodie’s paradise – Provence, and its neighbor Languedoc. A glorious start to dinner is a plate of “Escargot mode du Lundy “– that is snails in the style of Chef Lundy – bathed in a broth of Pernod, tucked into a tiny bouchée (pastry case). Ideally paired with the dish and invigorating the palate is Bernard Gaucher champagne, remarkable for its bright acidity and refined mousse. What follows is the planet’s very finest kettle of fish, bouillabaisse. Classically prepared with a tomato and fennel base, its infused with saffron and enriched with the garlicy mayonnaise of the region, rouille. It’s a delicious companion to the white fruit notes and soft mouth feel of the 2020 Cotes du Rhône Samorens Blanc A wonderfully fatty duck breast strewn with slightly sweet, seasonal stone fruit is simply seductive with one of the great wines of Southern Rhone, 2020 Gigondas Les Murailles – full and long in the mouth with complex aromas of ripe cherries, and silky tannins. The centerpiece of the meal is cassoulet – the famous dish of the Languedoc. Along with bouillabaisse from neighboring Provence, it is the regional dish which has most conquered the culinary world. Or as one Samuel Chamberlain described, “the region’s epic contribution to the contentment of mankind.” Its foundation is the toothsome white bean of the region, artfully orchestrated by Lundy with duck legs and spiced sausage. A recipe that is powerfully transportive when served with the 2018 Ferraton St Joseph “la Source” – a supple wine with a long and spicy finish and nose of black currant and violet. Cheese in profusion comes next – luscious French cheese, creamy and firm, pungent and mild. The finale is a brilliant composition of delicately poached pears with a vibrant Poire William Sorbet. A splendid conclusion to a memorable meal, paired with the exquisite Condrieu “Les Mandouls” 2019- a ripe and honeyed wine with delicate tastes of orange and white flowers, it’s elegant and balanced on the tongue. Cost is $150 per person. Call Rosewood Market for reservations, – (828) 526-0383.

by Marlene Osteen