Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors

Sommelier Smackdown!

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EDT

This time you be the judge: Sommelier Smackdown

Who has the sharpest nose, an impeccable, palate, the widest breadth of knowledge for all things food & wine?.find out at the Sommelier Smackdown! If you think Sommeliers are all frilly, posh, and high-brow, think again. On this night, the sleeves will be rolled up, the corks popped, and the pairing wars will begin! Chef Paul Turano of Tryst Restaurant will be cooking/mediating while the winner of the February Smackdown Michael Meagher will go up against challenger Brahm Callahan of Post 390. Both will be grappling for the satisfaction and agreement of your taste buds. Four courses, 8 wines, two wines with each course?.you be the judge of who is the master of food & wine pairing. Let the games...begin!

Coriander Crusted Scallop
Ahi Amarillo

Warm Potato & Leek Soup

Slow Roasted Lamb
Spiced fruit tart

Warm Chocolate Brownie
Coffee ice cream

See Sommelier Smackdown article in the Weekly Dig.

For all culinary center events after 6 PM, we ask that you park in the fenced-in lot behind the culinary center off of Prospect St. You can enter the culinary center through the doors under the maroon awning. If you park in the Main St lot, you will be asked to move your vehicle. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Date: 3/18/2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11672

Burgers & Burgundy! (is back)

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EDT

Finally, these two objects of our (collective) affection have found each other...it was only a matter of time. Join us for this shabby chic version of a food & wine pairing, featuring a selection of ~15 Burgundys from 3 different suppliers, along with some casual fare, featuring burgers and more prepared by Chef Matt Maue of Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro in Foxboro in our culinary center. (These guys did a Sicilian wine dinner here back in January and it was awesome! We're psyched to have them back!)

Featured Wines:

2008 Burgaud Beaujolais-Villages
2007 Adamas Bourgogne Rouge
2007 Parize Givry 1er Cru "Les Grandes Vignes"
2006 Raquillet Mercurey 1er Cru "Les Vasees"
2007 Robert Groffier Bourgogne Rouge
2006 Chandon de Briailles Pernand Ile de Vergelesses 1er Cru

2006 Bouchard Pere et Fils Pouilly Fuisse

2007 Bouchard Pere et Fils Bourgogne Rouge

2006 Bouchard Pere et Fils Savigny Les Beaune

2006 Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau Rouge 1er Cru

2006 Bouchard Pere et Fils Aloxe Corton

2007 J.J. Vincent "Marie Antionette " Pouilly Fuisse 2007 Olivier Leflaive "Les Setilles" BB 2008 Potel - Aviron Julienas 2006 Nicholas Potel Cote du Nuits Village VV 2007 Chateau de Chamirey Rouge ALSO, you'll be welcomed with some Henriot Champagne! Bubbles never hurt :-)

Black Bird Farms Angus Sliders

red onion jam / Berkshire Blue cheese dressing

Port Clydes Fresh Catch Shrimp Sliders

Maine shrimp patty / romesco / baby arugula / sherry dressing

Narragansett Creamery Salty Sea Feta Kebabs

beets / micro basil

Native Popcorn

brown butter / sage

*This will be a casual walk-around style event. Online registration is required. Hope you can join us! Special discounts will apply to featured wines.

Date: 3/20/2010
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11787

Passover Tasting

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EDT

Walk around tasting of over 100 kosher for Passover wines! And not just your Bubbie's Manischewitz. Worth checking out! You'll be the hit at your seder.

*registration not required

Date: 3/21/2010
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/12108

Bourbon for Beginners

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EDT

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The rationale for the course title is exactly that: a chance to experience small batch and single cask Bourbons and ask questions. And who doesn?t need to ask a question in this expanding world of fine spirits. What is Bourbon? What percent corn? What else, a little barley and wheat or rye , but not both? How is it distilled? How is Bourbon aged, and what is the strange relationship between Kentucky and Scotland? What is Tennessee whiskey?

We will sample at least 8 different bottlings, maybe more. But the main theme is Drink Better and Drink Less. We will nose our way through the offerings and put a little in your glass. I?ll suggest a little water to open up the spirit, bottled not Branch, and we will try to express our common reactions to what is in the glass before us.

Date: 3/22/2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11126

Italian Series, Class 1: Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, Basilicata, and Campania

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EDT

Beyond the popular Pinot Grigio's, Chianti's, Barolo's and "Super Tuscans," there is a myriad and surprising array of wines in the Twenty provinces of Italy. And in additions to the over three hundred classified wines, there are proponents of the traditional, modern, international, modern traditionalist. So, to deal with the profound complexity of Italy, in April we are offering Six classes that will focus on most of Italy's wine provinces. Furthermore, these classes will be taught by six different professionals from the world of retail and wholesale with a combined experience that will present a comprehensive view and taste of this complex wine area.

Italian cheeses, sourced by our good friend Mike Clark of River St Whole Foods in Cambridge, will accompany the wines.

Single classes available for $25 a piece, package of three for a discounted $65 (1st half, 2nd half), or package of six for a discounted $130.

*Special discounts will apply to the featured wines.

Tu Mar 23 - Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia

Tu Mar 30 - Lazio, Marche, Abruzzo, Apulia

Tu Apr 6 - Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto

Tu Apr 13 - Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Friula-Venezia Giulia

Tu Apr 20 - Trentino-Alto Adige/Suditrol, Valle D'Aosta, Liguria

Tu Apr 27 - Piedmont

Date: 3/23/2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11856

Port & Chocolate

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EDT

A crowd favorite! Thought we'd squeeze one more in before the weather (maybe) turns warm...

This time around Didier Boutet will be showing off some stellar ports from Quinta Santa Eufemia.

And a representative from the River St Whole Foods in Cambridge will be showing an array of artisanal chocolates to pair with the ports.

*Special discounts will apply to featured wines

Date: 3/24/2010
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11862

Food & Wine of Dordogne with Lora Brody

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EDT

We are very excited to have culinary superstar, Lora Brody, here for a wonderful food & wine tour through the lesser-known region of Dordogne in southwest France.

Best known for its signature sweet wine, Monbazillac, Dordogne is also home to dry red wines from the Bergerac appellation, made mostly from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and dry white wines from Montravel, chiefly from Semillon.

Dordogne is also known for its culinary delights, particularly truffles. Lora will be preparing and serving a few Dordogne-inspired dishes including a cream of asparagus soup, truffle risotto, and sumptuous chocolate cake. Dordogne wines will accompany each dish.

Lora Brody has taken her place among America's most respected culinary personalities as an author, spokesperson, lecturer, cooking instructor and multi-media personality. For nearly two decades she has been an influential force in American food trends, as well as a guide and mentor for the home cook. Read more...

Date: 3/25/2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11791

Sideways Viewing & Wines from the Movie

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EDT

The ideal date night or Friday out with friends...

Get inside the head of Miles (Paul Giamatti), the protagonist of Sideways as we view the 2005 dark-comedic hit on our 50-inch plasma screens. We'll watch the ground-breaking film, set in Santa Barbara County, which demoralized merlot and put pinot noir on the map, while pausing periodically to highlight and assess the featured wines. We'll simultaneously analyze the subtlety, dryness, and development of both the characters and the vino! If that's not up your esoteric wine alley, I don't know what is! Come one, come all Pinot Noir snobs and novices alike...you're in for a real treat!

Wines will include Fess Parker, Hitching Post, Andrew Murray, Firestone, and more...bottles will be available for purchase at a discount after the event. Also, we'll be popping popcorn, fresh for the viewing!

Date: 3/26/2010
Time: 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11133

3 Hours of Sour Power: A Sour Beer Tasting with Cheese Pairings

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EDT

Gordon's Beer Department presents...3 Hours of Sour Power! Come celebrate the beginning of spring and get your sour on! Multiple tables will be set up with an array of sour beers. Cheeses will also be paired with the beers.

A perfect way to spend the afternoon!

*This is a walk-around tasting, similar to the Black Beer Affair back in January. Come and go at your leisure. Registration required.

Date: 3/27/2010
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11916

Italian Series, Class 2: Puglia, Abruzzo, Marche, Lazio

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EDT

Italian cheeses, sourced by our good friend Mike Clark of River St Whole Foods in Cambridge, will accompany the wines.

Single classes available for $25 a piece, package of three for a discounted $65 (1st half, 2nd half), or package of six for a discounted $130.

*Special discounts will apply to the featured wines.

Tu Mar 23 - Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia

Tu Mar 30 - Lazio, Marche, Abruzzo, Apulia

Tu Apr 6 - Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto

Tu Apr 13 - Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Friula-Venezia Giulia

Tu Apr 20 - Trentino-Alto Adige/Suditrol, Valle D'Aosta, Liguria

Tu Apr 27 - Piedmont

Date: 3/30/2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11858

Dessert & Dessert Wine Pairings with Sweet Solutions

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EDT

THIS EVENT WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH, BUT WAS POSTPONED TO THIS DATE, DUE TO IMPENDING INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Join Judy Mattera, pastry chef/owner of Sweet Solutions for a pairing of desserts with dessert wines just in time for Valentine?s Day. Judy will be presenting categories of dessert wines, along with producers, styles, and numerous possibilities for creating memorable end-of-dining experiences. Class will include demonstrations, recipes, and four dessert tastings with paired wines.

Something sweet for your sweetie! A unique gift you and your loved one can share. Special gift certificates can be issued for this class, along with any other class/event.

Pairings:

Mixed Berries with Cassis Sorbet

Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui

Passion Fruit Cheesecake Gelee

Innisklillin Vidal Ice Wine

Apple Raisin Cake

Chateau d'Arche

Chocolate Hazelnut Torta

Graham's "Six Grapes" Reserve Porto

*Special discounts will apply to the featured wines.

For all culinary center events after 6 PM, we ask that you park in the fenced-in lot behind the culinary center off of Prospect St. You can enter the culinary center through the doors under the maroon awning. If you park in the Main St lot, you will be asked to move your vehicle. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Date: 3/31/2010
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11775

First Friday at Gordon's

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:30:00 EDT

Not your average tasting...First Friday is a new institution at Gordon's!

Ditch the sweats, pizza, movie, (kids, if applicable), and join us for a sexy, sophisticated tasting!

Come out in style and taste this fabulous spread of over 20 wines from Carolina Wines. Great for a date, group outing, or pre-dinner activity.

A jazz duo will be here to entertain throughout the evening.

Cocktail attire encouraged.

Hors d'ouvres will be served.

This is a complimentary walk-around tasting. Come & go as you'd like. Register in advance to make sure you're on the list!

Date: 4/2/2010
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/12202

Italian Series, Class 3: Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EDT

Italian cheeses, sourced by our good friend Mike Clark of River St Whole Foods in Cambridge, will accompany the wines.

Single classes available for $25 a piece, package of three for a discounted $65 (1st half, 2nd half), or package of six for a discounted $130.

*Special discounts will apply to the featured wines.

Tu Mar 23 - Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia

Tu Mar 30 - Lazio, Marche, Abruzzo, Apulia

Tu Apr 6 - Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto

Tu Apr 13 - Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Friula-Venezia Giulia

Tu Apr 20 - Trentino-Alto Adige/Suditrol, Valle D'Aosta, Liguria

Tu Apr 27 - Piedmont

Date: 4/6/2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/4125

Bar Wars! Episode 8

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EDT

A new series for la creme de la creme, Boston bartenders. Putting their cocktailing and improvisational skills to the test, then deciding who shakes, mixes, and stirs the best!

How it works:

The first Wednesday of each month, two bartenders from different high profile bars & restaurants will take part; this month: the winner of March's Bar Wars will go up against a "challenger" (TBD). Each month a different liquor brand will be featured; this month: Vermont Vodka

First, each bartender will have the opportunity to create and serve a ?signature cocktail? using the featured liquor. Meanwhile everyone votes on ingredients the bartenders will have to incorporate into a new drink on the spot (a la ?iron chef?). They?ll have 20 minutes to conceptualize and perfect the drink, after which everyone will taste, vote on their favorite, and the winner will go on to battle a new challenger the following month.

We like a good competition here, and so hope you'll come to cheer on your favorites and witness all the hard work and creativity that goes into a truly great cocktail. Let the games begin!

And our friendly grocer next door, Hannaford's, has graciously offered to provide all the ingredients potentially needed.

Snacks will be served.

Date: 4/7/2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11131

DBR (Lafite) Around the World!

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EDT

Chateau Lafite Rothschild has long been one of the great wines of the Bordeaux region of France - and of the world. The Lafite vineyard, first planted by the Segur family in the 17th century, was purchased by Baron James de Rothschild in 1868, an investment that continues to pay off, generations later. Chateau Lafite was deemed Premier Cru (the highest classification) at the French Expo of 1855, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild, the appellation of another branch of the family, was elevated to the same status in 1973.

The Rothschilds have continued to grow their empire over the years to diversify their brand and make it more accessible for some. This includes developing a range of wines labeled "Reserves," which are more for everyday drinking, and establishing vineyards in South America. To explore the diversity and versatility of this household name, we're putting together a wine dinner, with a variety of DBR (Domaines Barons de Rothschild) wines, and food to complement the wine styles and reflect the respective region of origin. A great exercise in terroir, history, and tasting! We hope you'll join us.

Featured (food menu TBD - check back soon):

� Aperitif: 08 Lafite Reserve Speciale Reserve Bordeaux Blanc

� Course 1: 08 Val de L'Ours Vin de Pays d'Oc Chardonnay

� Course 2: 07 Los Vascos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile & 08 Amancaya Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec

� Course 3: 06 Lafite Reserve Speciale Pauillac Rouge

� Dessert: 07 Chateau de Cosse Sauternes

Our special guest chef James Kenji Lopez-Alt is making a trip up from New York where he now lives to cook for this event. His food is unparalleled and we're very excited to have him back for a visit. He prepared food for the BIG Night of Burgundy last year and has also conducted sushi classes in the culinary center.

For all culinary center events after 6 PM, we ask that you park in the fenced-in lot behind the culinary center off of Prospect St. You can enter the culinary center through the doors under the maroon awning. If you park in the Main St lot, you will be asked to move your vehicle. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Date: 4/8/2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
URL: http://center.gordonswine.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/12189