HILL COUNTRY EVENTS: VinoCadre Organising Lavish Wine Tasting Dinners

Appetizer: Potato and Leak Vichysoisse with Seared Sea Scallop, OrangeBlossom, and Caviar

by Andrew Chalk

VinoCadre, a Hill Country wine tasting and event company of professional sommeliers held one of their lavish wine tasting dinners recently at the Feast and Merriment event space in Stonewall. Chef Ashley Odom prepared a five-course meal and VinoCadre's Andre Boada paired five wines. Ashley’s culinary style might be described as modern New American. The wines for this menu heavily emphasized sparkling styles. Three Champagnes, one Napa sparkling wine, and a full-bodied red for the main course made down the road in Kerrville from Hill Country grapes by Turtle Creek Olives and Vines. The winemaker is a young man to watch. Kyle Allen studied oenology here in Texas and was mentored by some of the best winemakers in the state. Check out the latter’s web site as they have regular wine tastings.

One thing I have learned is that the best way to take someone through a wine and food tasting is in pictures. So jump on and enjoy the tour!

Hamachi Crudo with Yuzu-Pickled Jenske Strawberry

Seared Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Honey Peaches, Caramelized Shallots, Morels and Shaved Fennel

The red wine was the Turtle Creek Vineyard 2020 'Estate Bottled' Red Blend, Texas Hill Country a blend of 70% Montepulciano, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. This was a fruity, full-bodied red wine with layers of complex fruit, softly chewy tannins, and a long soft finish. Turtle Creek is an emerging Texas winery to watch.

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Honey, Fennel Pollen, and Caramelized White Chocolate

I have to mention the dessert. It was absolutely ethereal and one of the best desserts that I have had for a long time.

Not only was there great food and wine, but Andre Boada of VinoCadre provided expert commentary on each of the wines and Ashley Odom described her food. All in all a great night. Check VinoCadre's web site for the next event.