Thursday, September 9, 2021

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely and tips well.
******************************************************
1) Starting yesterday, and continuing every Wednesday night, Chef Michael Serpa is excited to launch "Date Night at Grand Tour" every Wednesday evening. Featuring a shareable, prix fixe menu of delicious, French classics for only $45 per person, guests will be transported to the city of love by way of Newbury street at Serpa's Parisian-inspired bistro. Grand Tour is great for a romantic date night out on the town.

With a la carte wines and dessert available for additional purchase, the rotating, five-course menu will initially feature:
--Pâté de Campagne: classic pork & bacon terrine, mustard, frisée
--Bok Choy with whipped avocado, kimchi vinaigrette, cilantro, sesame
--Cauliflower with harissa labne, golden raisins, toasted almonds
--Mussels with leeks, fennel, créme fraiche, grain mustard, country toast
--Steak Frites: Savenor’s prime bavette, frites, maitre d’hôtel butter, watercress salad

To make reservations, please vcall (857) 277-0800.

2) The Croatian Wine Alliance, a group of global teams promoting Croatian wines led by the US-based duo, Aroma Wine Co., and Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc., has announced that September 21st will now be known as International Plavac Mali Day. This collaboration is a public and private partnership among organizations from the US, Canada, Australia, Europe and Croatia – all dedicated to telling the many stories of this indigenous and predominant Croatian red variety. To learn about all celebrations worldwide and the participating organizations, follow there Facebook page and the #internationalplavacmaliday hashtag.

Plavac Mali is a predominant red wine variety growing in Dalmatia which is very recognizable for its distinct aroma and tannins, and deserves a celebration around the time it is typically harvested,” said Mirena Bagur, co-founder of Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc., an importer, online retailer, and advocate for wines of Croatia. “This day will be recognized annually in the week surrounding September 21st, with various events, educational and promotional content in local geographies where Plavac Mali is presented. For example, in Boston we are organizing a wine pairing dinner featuring various Plavac Mali wines and a few tastings in boutique wine stores.”

The UC Davis and University of Zagreb conducted a DNA study of the variety only to discover that Plavac Mali is a descendant of Zinfandel (aka Tribidrag or Crljenak kaštelanski) creating a natural hybrid with another indigenous variety, Dobričić. Plavac Mali produces several styles of wines, from medium-bodied and easy-drinking, to elegant and robust wines. The aromas in Plavac mali are predominantly dark berries and Mediterranean herbs with expressive tannins, and mineral on the palate. Plavac Mali means ‘little blue’, referring to its appearance, small and dark blue berries.

The annual production of Plavac Mali is over five million bottles annualy, which is 7.5% of the total Croatian wine production, and due to its distinct taste and a capacity to age well is the most likely red wine purchased and exported by both the wine industry and the consumers.

Leo Gracin, Doc. Dr. Sc. of Oenology, president of Vino Dalmacije Association and assistant professor at the University of Split, Studies of Mediterranean Agriculture, stated. “Plavac Mali achieves a distinctive quality on the steep, southern slopes of the islands and coast of Dalmatia. The wines from Plavac mali are full-bodied, strong with ripe tannins and pronounced aromas of dark-berry fruit. In addition, by maturing in wooden barrels, this varietal acquires an additional structure and, with its delicate oak aromas, achieves its full potential that only the world's best wines from warm areas can be proud of.”

I've tasted numerous Plavac Mali wines, and have been impressed with its myriad of styles, complexity and taste, In my numerous Croatian articles, you'll find plenty of information and reviews of Plavac Mali wines. However, many people still know little about Plavac Mali so it's a worthy candidate for its own wine day, to promote this compelling grape and bring it much greater recognition.

How can you celebrate International Plavac Mali Day? There's plenty of ways, including: 
• Follow Plavac Mali’s adventures on its Facebook page. And you can Tag that page if you post your own content and use hashtag #plavacmali
• Create your own tastings, wine pairings, giveaways or educational events – in person or virtually, and tag the social media handles
• Write articles about #plavacmali
• If you are part of the media, you can register for a free virtual event on September 20, at Noon (EST). To register, go to this link, here: http://eepurl.com/hGY1xf

No comments: