Seghesio Winemaker Dinner - Perfect Pairings at Manzanita, Ritz Carlton-Northstar

Attention to detail is one of the hallmarks of a good winery, and Seghesio Family Vineyards proves the point.   That is a compelling reason that Manzanita, the fine dining restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at Northstar, chose to host a winemaker dinner featuring Seghesio’s fine wines.

One of Seghesio's Vineyards

Don’t despair if you did not attend this particular event, because Manzanita will be offering these wines on an ongoing basis.  The Seghesio Family Vineyards in Sonoma County’s northern  Alexander Valley grow fine Italian varietals like Sangiovese, Barbera and Aglianico at their Home Ranch property,  and Pinot Grigio, Arneis and Fiano at Keyhole Ranch.  Amazing Zinfandels come from 300 acres assembled in preeminent growing regions in Sonoma County.  You simply cannot go wrong with these wines!

It is so sad that you can’t buy the 2011 Arneis, Russian River, in stores.  You must go to a fine dining restaurant like Manzanita to experience it.  This white grape hails from Piedmont, Edoardo Seghesio’s home region.  A difficult grape to cultivate, it has flavor of pear, stone fruit, mineral and nice citrus notes.  Aroma of apricot and white flowers leads to a crisp and smooth mouthfeel.  Although paired with a California peach salad for the special dinner, it would go well with so many dishes.  13.3 percent alcohol.  $13/glass, $50/bottle at Manzanita.

The 2011 Pinot Grigio, Russian River, is an old vine wine that’s very tasty and not too sweet.  Grapes are handpicked in early morning and pressed immediately.  With flavor of honeydew melon and spiced apples with some floral notes, it paired well with the diver scallop dish.  12.7 percent alcohol.   When you find this wine at retail, you’ll pay about $22/bottle.

An absolutely perfect food-wine pairing was Manzanita’s prime filet with Seghesio’s Cabernet/Sangiovese blend, the 2008 “Ommagio”, Sonoma County.  In 1920, Eduardo planted what is now America’s oldest and most acclaimed Sangiovese vineyard using a proprietary clone.  It is too easy to call this wine a Super Tuscan, because it has refinement and elegance.  Black currant and cassis flavors from the Cabernet Sauvignon combine with the ripe blackberry and acidity of the Sangiovese.  15.2 percent alcohol.  $20/glass, $76/bottle at Manzanita.

A beautiful and exquisite triple chocolate gateau dessert was magnificent with the 2010 Zinfandel “Rockpile”, Sonoma County.  Bramble is the taste sensation that comes to mind, with intense fruit flavor.   15 percent alcohol.  $38/bottle at retail.

Manzanita is at 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, mid-mountain in Northstar,  Truckee, CA 96161. Let sommelier Gail Oversteg guide you in your wine selections. Absolutely call for reservations 530.562.3050 or book on Open Table.  More information on Seghesio wines at www.seghesio.com