I recently attended the Alpha Estate winemaker dinner at Cork & Fin in Gastown. The dinner featured Winemaker Angelos Latridis who talked about the wines and the area in Greece where they make their wine. The winery is located in Amyndeon  in the North western part of Greece a unique area with 2 lakes, in the winter there is snow and people can ski in the area. His selection of award winning wines was paired with each of the courses during this superb dinner at Cork & Fin.

Now on to dinner and the pairings!

First Course:

Artichoke – braised artichoke, quails egg, white asparagus, citrus

Paired with Alpha Estate Alpha Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Second Course:

Calamari with piquillo peperonata, crouton and olives

Paired with Alpha Estate Malagouzia 2012

Third Course:

Mushrooms – house-made cavatelli with wild mushroom ragout

Paired with Alpha Estate Xanomavro 2008

Fourth Course:

Mackerel – Bbq mackerel, Greek sausage, lemon potatoes

Paired with Alpha Estate Syrah 2008

Fifth Course:

Lamb – braised lamb, spanakopita with braised vegetables and legummes

Paired with Alpha Estate – Alpha Red xinomavro/syrah/merlot 200

Sixth Course:

Greek Yoghurt Panna Cotta with citrus mousse

Comments:

I loved the different elements of the Artichoke course and the colours on the plate, this dish had great flavours for the palate and paired well with the Alpha Estate Alpha Sauvignon Blanc 2012. My favourite courses and pairings were the Mushrooms and the house-made cavatelli with wild mushroom ragout that was richly paired with Alpha Estate Xanomavro 2008; as well the Bbq mackerel, Greek sausage, lemon potatoes was the perfect match to the Alpha Estate Syrah 2008 pairing. The braised lamb, spanakopita with braised vegetables and legummes was outstanding with the Alpha Red xinomavro/syrah/merlot 2008. For dessert, the Greek Yoghurt Panna Cotta with citrus mousse was the ideal finish to a beautiful dinner.

Kudos to Chef Dan Marcenko of Cork & Fin who prepared a fabulous meal.

Cork & Fin is located at 221 Carrall Street in Vancouver.

Alpha Estate Winery is located in Amyndeon, NW Greece.

By: Richard Wolak