Texas Fine Wine Dinner at Duchman Winery

The Texas Fine Wine Dinner was held at Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood, Texas on Friday evening. The group of four Hill Country wineries hosted this gathering to celebrate Texas Wine Month. The meal was served family-style with open seating and the atmosphere was festive. Guests were treated to a glass of the light and refreshing Duchman Trebbiano upon arrival which was served with passed baked gruyere cheese puffs while they mixed and mingled before choosing their seats.

As each course was served, winery representatives shared the stories behind the wine being poured. Many of the guests were expecting to enjoy a full Texas culinary weekend with plans to attend the Fredricksburg Food and Wine Fest the following day. Table talk revolved around tales of Texas winery visits and comparisons on favorite Texas wines.

The dinner:

1. Lump crab salad with orange slices, crisp fennel and avocado served with the 2014 Brennan Vineyards Mourvedre Dry Rosé- lighter bodied, fruity strawberry aromas with a light tropical note.
2. Seared king salmon on spaghetti squash with blistered tomato and mushroom in a butternut squash broth served with the 2012 Pedernales Texas Valhalla- a non-traditional blend of Tempranillo, Montepulciano and Aglianico- medium bodied, plum aromas and flavors with a peppery finish.
3. Smoked crispy duck with dried cherry and peppers alongside meyer lemon grilled brussel sprouts served with the 2012 Duchman Aglianico- full bodied, good acidity, light floral aromas with black plum and baking spice.
4. Braised pork shank with duck fat mascarpone mashed potatoes and maple carrots served with the 2012 Bending Branch Texas Tannat- full bodied, ripe tannins, good acidity with aromas and rich flavors of black cherry and tobacco.

After the dinner, guests took the opportunity to talk wine a bit more and photo-op with Duchman and
Bending Branch winemakers, Dave Reilly and John Rivenburgh. For dessert, attendees were given small boxes of assorted baked goodies to go. It was a fun evening of good food and wine enjoyed by everyone. Many events and dinners like this one have been happening all over the Hill Country, it is a highly recommended way to celebrate Texas Wine Month. The dinner was priced at $75.