Last month at Parthenon Grille in Murfreesboro, Lipman Brothers and R.S. Lipman beverage distributor presented an evening of wine tasting featurng four wines produced in Germany and recently released to the United States market.
In a warmly lit, private dining room, patrons took in the flavors and aromas of a sparkling Riesling, non-sparkling Riesling, Pinot Noir and Dornfelder. Lipman Sales Representative Eric Bates began his presentation with a brief background on wine in Germany and proceeded to introduce the wines individually with a healthy pour into every glass and a description of the wine and producer as we tasted away.
Dr. L Sparkling Riesling led off with a touch of sweet fruitiness balanced with natural acidity. Sparkling wine has a long tradition in Germany, where it’s called Sekt. Germans are the biggest consumers of sparkling wine in the world, and most of the Sekt they produce is sold at home.
Next to the palate was Prinz Salm “P2” Two Princes Riesling 2009, displaying light flavors of apricot and nectarine with a crisp finish. Prinz Salm is the oldest documented family-owned wine estate in Germany, dating back to 1200.
Following the “P2,” we transitioned to red with TXT Cellars WTF!!! Pinot Noir, a delicately spiced and fruity melody of berries with notes of raspberry and a cherry sweetness. As it’s officially stated in the wine’s food pairing suggestion, “Enjoy this unique and versatile red with cheese dishes, fondue, spicier stews, beef jerky and chocolate desserts—WTF, just drink it by itself.”
Lastly, the 2008 Valckenberg Dornfelder, a sweet and silky red with low tannins and a smooth finish, brought flavors of cherry and vanilla. P.J. Valckenberg produces its Dornfelder in Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine region, situated in an elbow formed by the Rhine River making for favorable climate.
Following the final drop of wine, Bates treated us to a nightcap of Schwartzhog, a medieval 11th century recipe krauter liqueur from the heart of Germany. Resembling Jagermeister, it’s crafted with selected fruits and roots such as wormwood (the legal amount by US restrictions, boo!), ginger and pomegranate, and a special botanical component the producer calls “sauwurz” or “hog root.”
Throughout the tasting, central European-themed food was provided by Parthenon Grille, including Turkey Reuben Rolls with Thousand Island, Fried Sausage and Sauerkraut Balls, and assorted cheeses and crackers. A delicious evening, indeed, all around. And this wasn’t the first tasting hosted by the restaurant. Parthenon Grille Owner and General Manager Kathy Laris Darsinos typically plans at least one per month, whether it’s wine, liquor or even food samplings.
“More than just having a restaurant, I like to help people understand about food and wine,” said Darsinos. Growing up in a Greek family, meals were momentous family events. Her father owned a vineyard, where she helped him by stepping on grapes and checking the barrels. “For me it’s a way of life.”
“Our focus of these tastings is to showcase wines that are not on [Parthenon Grille’s] list already, hopefully to spark interest in [Darsinos] finding a place for them on her wine list,” said Bates.
Parthenon Grille, located at 1962 South Church Street, “provides a fresh, new fine dining experience that spans across cultures and gives each guest a taste of the big city atmosphere without leaving Murfreesboro, Tenn.” More info at parthenongrille.com.
Headquartered in Nashville, Lipman became the first beverage alcohol distributor licensed in the state of Tennessee after prohibition. Bates will present a beer tasting entitled “Evolution of the Can” on April 23 at Five Senses restaurant (1602 West Northfield Boulevard, Suite 515). Participants will sample beers by Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada, Genesee and Abita breweries in their new canned packaging. Admission is $10 and the tasting begins at 6 p.m.
