The Old Vicarage is scheduled to host a "Fine Wine Dinner - France Versus USA."  Vicarage Wine Cellars is the sole UK importer and wholesaler for several boutique winemakers around the world.  Diners get to sample 'Michelin Star' food and compare Prestige Classics from traditional Vignerons with the best Cult Winemakers of the New World  (See listed below wines, taster menus & price).

This event is scheduled for: 22nd May 2008 at 7.30 pm.  Booking: 0114 2475814. Strictly limited places – so please book early! 

THE WINES

Are the cult winemakers of the New World as good as they are made out to be? Do the classics deserve their reputation in today’s marketplace? We take the best from traditional vignerons and compare these against a couple of the most respected winemakers of the USA. In the interests of fair comparison all wines are from the 2005 vintage.

Navarro Estate Anderson Valley Riesling 2005

Riesling Réserve Rolly-Gassmann 2005, Rorschwihr

Navarro Estate Première Réserve 2005

Pouilly-Fuissé, La Soufrandise 2005, Nicolas Melin

Navarro Pinot Noir Méthode à l’Ancienne 2005

Volnay, Vendanges Séléctionnées 2005, Michel Lafarge

Navarro’s world-renowned estate wines represent the ultimate in cool climate single-varietal winemaking. Ted and Sarah Bennett’s wines are classy and understated, with harmonious fruit, purity and elegance. These self-effacing modern winemakers frequently embarrass the great names of Bourgogne and Alsace in international blind tastings and now have a cult following. The wines are only available on strict allocation.

From Alsace we have the family concern of Rolly-Gassmann, an organic, biodynamic estate in Rorschwihr. They are well respected for their concentrated, intense wines with fine balance and freshness.

Nicolas Melin’s wines represent the best of Pouilly-Fuissé: racy, complex chardonnay with mineral purity and good structure.

REAL CLASS

Finally, from Volnay we have the highly regarded Michel Lafarge. He makes subtle, elegant wines with clear fruit and tremendous complexity, capturing the essence of fragrant Pinot Noir. As good Burgundy is now frighteningly expensive we shall see just how it compares to its modern day competition!

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TASTING MENU 

GRILLED ISLE OF SKYE LANGOUSTINE

CRUSHED PEAS AND PANCETTA

RAVIOLO OF HEBRIDEAN LOBSTER

FENNEL AND CHIVE

LEMON GRASS VELOUTÉ

FILLET OF WILD CORNISH SEA BASS

RED PEPPER AND TOMATO FONDUE

SAUTÉED SQUID IN BASIL OIL

CONFIT OF LEMON

ROASTED FILLET OF CHATSWORTH LAMB

SAUTÉED SWEETBREADS AND MORELS

POTATO RÖSTI

EUCALYPTUS FOAM

ENGLISH STRAWBERRY DESSERTS

Strawberry and mint soufflé

Shortbread tart with Fraise D’Alsace Eau-de-Vie

Strawberry sorbet with bitter chocolate croquant

SUMATRAN COFFEE

Hand Made Chocolates and Petits Fours

Fully inclusive cost for menu and all wines: £95.00

There will also be an opportunity to buy small quantities of the

wines at the wholesale trade price, for collection on the night or

delivery to any UK address.

Please reserve as soon as possible by telephone or e-mail.

We hope to see you on 22nd May………