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Max Lunch Club – January 29, 2021 – Classical Italy

Max Fish is pleased to announce the next installment of

The Friday Lunch Club

featuring

Classical Wines from Italy

Italy is a massive wine producing country with exceptional wines from just about everywhere – leaving us with almost boundless opportunity for discoveries. It is also a favorite wine destination for American consumers; we like Italian wine and food. Diving a little deeper into that wine culture this month brings us some discoveries from places not often visited, even though they are quite within reach of the typical stops. Marche, Friuli, Langhe and the Maremma in lower Tuscany are each places of tremendous wine production, but you have to know a little to find the good stuff. This month we have done the work for you and have a great selection of classical wines from just off the beaten path.

Join us as we kick off the new year with a great Italian focused lunch pairing showcasing regional wines from Italy with Chef Nick Stinziani’s menu.

Hosted by Brian Mitchell – Max Restaurant Group’s Sommelier

And as always, we will be spaced out and socially distanced for this luncheon.

Friday January 29, 2021

12:45 arrival | 1:00pm lunch

1st

Prosciutto Crostini

Toasted focaccia, goat cheese, arugula, fig marmalade

Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi D.O.C. Classico, 2019, Marche

2nd

Seared Scallops

Crème-fraiche semolina mashed, wild mushrooms, charred green onions, saba

La Vis Chardonnay, 2019, Trentino

3rd

Grilled Salmon

Toasted fregola, escarole, slow roasted tomatoes, grilled artichokes, smoked tomato butter

Parusso Nebbiolo DOC, 2017, Langhe

4th

Short Rib Ravioli

Roasted winter vegetables, truffle cauliflower puree, red wine reductions

Querciabella Mongrana Maremma DOC, 2018, Tuscany

Sweet

Chocolate Espresso Panna Cotta

Amaretto biscotti

Food

$49.00 per person

(not including tax or gratuity)

Seating is limited, and all guests for the event will be spaced and socially distanced

Please call Max Fish in Glastonbury for reservations

(860) 652-3474

Max Fish | 110 Glastonbury Blvd | Glastonbury

Menu subject to change

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Willamette Valley Vineyards Annual Wine Dinner at Trumbull Kitchen – 1/31/20 ~ SOLD OUT! 2nd Night Added – February 7, 2020

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Founder, Jim Bernau, purchased the Estate site in 1983 and cleared away the old pioneer plum orchard hidden in Scotch broom and blackberry vines. He planted Pinot Noir (Pommard and Wadenswil clones), Chardonnay (Dijon and Espiguette) and Pinot Gris.

In the beginning he hand-watered the vines with seventeen lengths of 75′ garden hose!

Willamette Valley Vineyards has come a long way since then.

Today, the stylistic emphasis is on pure varietal fruit characters, with attention to depth, richness of mouthfeel, and balance. The wines are truly a collaborative effort of the entire vineyard and wine-making staff. We always look forward to taking a look at the new vintages and selections available from WVV.
Join us at Trumbull Kitchen as we host this annual event and a fabulous dinner, pairing Willamette Valley Vineyards wines with Chefs’ menu by Chris Torla and James Dillon.

Friday January 31st
6:30 Seating

Guest Speaker
Howard Asadow
Fine Wine Manager – Allan S Goodman

1st
Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, 2017
Smoked Salmon
avocado espuma, corn chip crumbs, cilantro

2nd
Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, 2018
Confit Duck
quince & apple glaze, parsnip

3rd
Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, 2017
Crab Legs
balsamic glass, tomato consume, basil oil

4th
Willamette Valley Vineyards Elton Pinot Noir, 2016
Seared Venison
soy glazed baby beet root, juniper berry, quinoa, roasted chestnuts, cranberries, turnip puree

Final
Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling, 2018
Anise Semifreddo
strawberry & lemon ice, candied thai basil

$89 Per Person
(Not Including Tax or Gratuity)

Please Contact Trumbull Kitchen for Reservations
(860) 493-7412

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Max Lunch Club 2019 Season Dates

“One of the best value food and wine events around, period.”

I am very pleased to announce the dates for our upcoming season of Max Lunch Club events at Max’s Oyster Bar, in West Hartford Center.

For years, we have been presenting great offerings of wine and food combinations in essentially what is a trimmed down wine dinner, but delivered at lunch (and always on a Friday). I try and make sure that we are visited by winery and industry processionals that have an interesting perspective on the topic at hand, and can give our Lunch Club guests some great insight to the wines we are featuring. All of this paired with Chef Bob Peterson’s creations make for a great way to enjoy an afternoon, and a civilized luncheon.

Additionally, I take a lot of professional pleasure and pride in making these selections and pouring the wines that I have hand-selected for each event. Bringing the various guest speakers to our market and introducing them to the Lunch Club members is such a great way to work with wine that I have discovered and enjoy – I hope you agree.

Here is the list of dates that will be filled for the 2019 season, and while all topics have not been filled in quite yet – I am working to get these topics filled shortly, and will be updating as I gets commitments.

As always we ask our guest to arrive at 12:45, and generally plan to start the event at 1pm. We will also be continuing our partnership with the Wise Old Dog wine shop in West Hartford on all of these events.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or comments.

Cheers!

Brian Mitchell, Director of Wine and Beverages for the Max Restaurant Group

January 25th – Rhone Wines through the lens of the Famille Perrin

For this date we venture to the Rhone Valley and taste selections from the Perrin family, owners of Chateau de Beaucastel, perhaps considered to be the premier Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate. The Perrins have been a long-standing favorite of mine, and they continue to develop new wines and regions to show the diversity of the wine regions of southern France. Paul Nerz of Vineyard Brands, the import company responsible for the Perrin wines in the US, will be on hand to present.

Click here to see the full menu.

February 22 – Thom Horsey of Ste. Michelle Estates

Wine Educator Thom Horsey of Ste Michelle Estates pays us a visit and will be presenting wines from the larger portfolio of this top producer. Stay tuned for the specif wines and menu.

March 25 – TBD

April 12th – Matteo Bolla from Valdo Winery – a Perspective on Prosecco

Prosecco is about the hottest wine category going over the past ten years, only surpassed perhaps by Rose (who would have thought?). The Bolla family has been making exceptional Sparkling wines north of Venice since the 1930s, and the current generation has been working hard to make it event better. Matteo Bolla is an exceptional ambassador for the family winery and the region as a whole. See why Prosecco is not just a note wine, but a diverse region with complex wines.

May 17th – TBD

June 14th – TBD

July 12th – Loire Valley from Sancerre to Saumur

This past year I had the pleasure to travel to the Loire and experience some phenomenal wines from regions that are familiar to some, but less well-known to others. For this lunch I will be presenting a selection of wines from top producers I met on my travels.

August 9th – TBD

September 13th – TBD

October 4th – TBD

October 25th – TBD

November 22nd – 6TH Annual Beaujolais Luncheon

This has become an annual favorite, and a lunch that I personally really enjoy. Each year I present a Beaujolais Nouveau from the current release, which is allowed to be released just the day before to the world. This is followed by a selection of top wines from smaller producers that have contributed to the absolute turn-around in everyone’s view of the Beaujolais region. The leader in authentic and pure wines, this is the new frontier of exceptional value and food-friendly wines from France. Chef usually pairs with some classic French dishes, making this all the better for foodies!

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Napa Valley Wine Dinner with Venge Vineyards – January 30, 2019 at Max Downtown

MAX DOWNTOWN is very pleased to present a winemaker dinner featuring one of Napa Valley’s most storied producers


Kirk Venge – Owner and Winemaker, Venge Vineyards

The Venge family has farmed in Napa Valley for nearly half a century. It is a journey that began when Knud Venge emigrated from Denmark to the United States in the early 1900’s. Knud’s son, Per Venge, found his passion in the wine and spirits industry and started Vencom Imports, focusing on the importation of Western European fine wines and spirits. It was Per’s son, Nils Venge, who left the family business in the 1960’s with a vision to study viticulture at UC Davis and establish the family name as an icon in the winegrowing community.

The family’s viticultural roots flourished in 1976 with the purchase of a 17-acre vineyard in the Oakville District that was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This fortunate development cast the family among the winemaking pioneers of Napa Valley.

Nils’ and Dianna Venge’s son, Kirk Venge, gravitated to winemaking at an early age. He proved to be as talented a winemaker as his father, making wines in his own style, with a vision to build on the family legacy. In 2008, Kirk achieved his lifelong dream and acquired full ownership of Venge Vineyards. Today, Kirk continues the Napa Valley heritage, focusing on select vineyard sites that produce fruit worthy of bearing the Venge family name.

Both traditional and progressive wine production techniques are embraced, and they remain focused on a core belief: only fruit grown from select vineyards that has been handled gently and naturally produces wine worthy of bottling under the Venge family name. We are very excited to pair these wines alongside Chef Chris Sheehan’s menu.

January 30th 2019

6:30 Seating

Course 1

Ora King Salmon Crudo

 Asparagus, Ossetra Caviar, Lemon Brown Butter Crumble

Croix Estate, Chardonnay Narrow Gauge (2016) Russian River Valley

Course 2

Pork Belly Terrine

Sicilian Pistachio, Giardiniera, Violet Mustard

Croix Estate, Pinot Noir Narrow Gauge (2016) Russian River Valley

Course 3

Bone Marrow Potato Gnocchi

Shaved Périgord Truffle, Chive Creme

Venge Vineyards, Scout’s Honor Proprietary Red (2016) Napa Valley

Course 4

Roasted Prime Sirloin

Black Garlic Confit, Charred Onion, Romanesco, Sauce Poivrade

Venge Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Bone Ash Vineyard (2016) Napa Valley

Cheese

Tête de Moine AOP

Venge Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux (2016) Napa Valley

$149 Per Person

(Not Including Tax or Gratuity)

Please Call Max Downtown for Reservations

P: 860.522.2530

or purchase tickets directly by clicking this link

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Max Lunch Club: Winemaker Edition with Bob Bertheau of Chateau Ste Michelle

THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT

PLEASE CALL MAX’S OYSTER BAR IF YOU WISH TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST IF ANY SEATS BECOME AVAILABLE.

Max’s Oyster Bar is pleased to announce the next installment of

Featuring wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle

With Special Guest Speaker:

Bob Bertheau
Head Winemaker ~ Chateau Ste. Michelle

Friday March 16th

12:45 arrival | 1:00pm seating

Menu by Executive Chef Hunter Morton

Arrival

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Pinot Gris

Deviled Crab
crostini

First Course

Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Hills Sauvignon Blanc

Shrimp Salad

arugula, fennel, cucumber, radish, lemon-horseradish dressing

Second Course

Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot

Local Mushrooms

ricotta gnocchi, garlic confit, sunchoke soubise, mushroom “bacon”, watercress

Third Course

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

Grilled Salmon

curry ginger lentils, spiced butternut puree, braised radicchio, curried cashews

Something Sweet

Marmalade Cake
crème fraiche

$49.00 per person

(not including tax or gratuity)

Please call for reservations

860.236.6299

Max’s Oyster Bar | 964 Farmington Ave. | W. Hartford, CT 06107
www.maxsoysterbar.com

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Winemaker Dinner with Chad Melville at Max’s Oyster Bar

 

Winemaker Dinner – Santa Barbara Style

In 1997, working side by side with his father Ron and brother Brent, Chad helped to establish Melville’s Estate vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills, a journey that began and continues to endure with tremendous passion and dedication. Since that time, Chad has received great critical acclaim for his wines. Through both his intimate knowledge of the vineyards and his relentless commitment to winemaking practices that honor tradition and the land, Chad understands the magical evolution each bottle of wine undertakes from vine to glass.

“Off-the-charts good… these are some of the greatest values in the world of wine today”

The Wine Advocate

Guest Speaker

CHAD MELVILLE – HEAD WINEGROWER

“WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN BEING AN ESTATE…

OWNING, FARMING, AND GROWING WINE FROM OUR LAND”

Thursday March 29, 2018

6:30pm

 Menu by Chef Hunter Morton

1

Melville Winery, Chardonnay Estate, Sta. Rita Hills, 2014

Smoked Trout

Horseradish Panna Cotta, Watercress, Beet Root Gel, Cucumber, Brown Bread

2

Melville Winery, Pinot Noir Estate, Sta. Rita Hills, 2013

Foie Gras Torchon

Blood Orange Marmalade, Smoked Duck, Pistachio, Brioche, Minus 8 Vinegar

3

Melville Winery, Pinot Noir Sandy’s Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, 2014

Walden Hills Pork Presse

Garlic Lentils, Savoy Cabbage, Pickled Mustard Seed

4

Melville Winery, Syrah Estate, Sta. Rita Hills, 2015

Roasted Dry-Aged Striploin

Smoked Butter Potato Puree, Seacoast Mushrooms, Baby Carrot, Onion Jus

D

Chocolate Cake

Malted Milk Ice Cream

$99.00 per person

(not including tax or gratuity)

Please call Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford for reservations

860-236-6299

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Justin Winery & Landmark Vineyards at Max’s Oyster Bar: April 21st

 

Landmark-Email-REVISED

Reception
Main Lobster Lettuce Cup
mango, pineapple, rice noodle, peanuts, nuoc mam sauce
Justin Sauvignon Blanc, 2013

I
Spring Vegetable “Pizza”
melted leeks, fava beans, artichokes,
oak hill farm goat cheese, puff pastry
Landmark Chardonnay, 2012

II
Surf & Turf
Hudson Valley Foie Gras & Pan-seared Hawaiian Tuna
roasted pineapple, ginger sauce, pea tendrils
Landmark Pinot Noir, 2012

III
Roasted Pork Belly
espresso bbq sauce, cheddar cheese, green garlic buttermilk biscuit
Justin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012

IV
Cold Smoked Rib Eye of Steak
spring onion bread pudding, pink peppercorn jus
Justin Isosceles, 2011

Dessert
Red Velvet Beet Cake
crème fraiche
Justin Port-style Wine

$95.00 per person
not including tax or gratuity

For Reservations – 860-236-6299
Max’s Oyster Bar | 964 Farmington Ave. | West Hartford

MAXSOYSTERBAR.COM

…about Joseph Spellman, MS

Joseph Spellman, MS is Winery Sommelier for JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery of Paso Robles, CA. He has been sommelier in several Chicago restaurants, including Tango, Maxim’s, Pump Room, Park Hyatt Hotel, and Charlie Trotter’s.

Joseph earned the Master Sommelier Diploma in 1996, held now by 95 Americans, and 160 individuals worldwide. He was elected Chairman of the American Chapter of the Court in 2005. He also won the 1997 title “Best Sommelier in the World in French Wines and Spirits” in Paris.

He wrote the critically praised wine notes featured in three Charlie Trotter books. He also wrote grape descriptions for the Wine Grapes posters produced by Ten Speed Press, and he has written pieces for many magazines.

He is frequently a featured speaker and panel moderator at wine events, with a particular interest in wine’s historical and cultural contexts. As a former English major at the University of Chicago, Joe enjoys writing and critiquing well-employed words about wine and food.

He also loves opera, film, food history, baseball, and beer.

Landmark-Email-EDIT-2 

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New Chablis By-The-Glass at Max Downtown

The Dauvissat family has been hand-crafting wonderfully precise and complex Chablis for many years.  This is a fabulous style from a great vintage.  We are very pleased to be able to offer this wine through the Spring, although supplies are fairly limited and we will run out by summer.

Jean & Sebastien Dauvissat
Chablis Saint Pierre, 2010
Sebastien Dauvissat works a two hectare parcel of vines at the village level. The vineyards are situated on the “back side” of the 1er Crus. The soil here is infused with a particularly high percentage of limestone which permits this cuvée to make a clear statement of its origins.

Jean Dauvissat, and his son Sebastian, are the most recent in an extended line of the Dauvissat family that has been in possession of this notable domaine since 1899. The cave is positioned under the family house which dates from the 17th century and where the road to the hamlet of Chichée begins. The first formal bottling of wines under the Dauvissat label occurred on a limited scale in 1963. Then, in 1978 and 1979, Jean Dauvissat increased production to 3,000 bottles per annum. The physical expansion of the domaine under his management, along with ever-increasing quality and accompanying renown, has resulted in the cessation of sales to negociants and the bottling of the entire annual production of approximately 50,000 bottles. An unfortunate accident resulted in the untimely death of Jean Dauvissat several years ago. Sebastien Dauvissat continues the work of this historic domaine in collaboration with Evelyne Dauvissat, Jean’s wife. The domaine encompasses slightly less than 10 hectares of vineyards. The Grand Cru vineyards are south-facing; the 1er Cru vineyards have a full southeast exposure; and the village property faces northwest. All are hillside sites with an “argilo-calcaire” soil composition heavily marked by small stones that provide for excellent drainage. Of course, the entire vineyard surface is underlain by the Kimmeridgian limestone that makes Chablis one of the most unique wine-producing areas in the world.

The domaine encompasses slightly less than 10 hectares of vineyards. The Grand Cru vineyards are south-facing; the 1er Cru vineyards have a full southeast exposure; and the village property faces northwest. All are hillside sites with an “argilo-calcaire” soil composition heavily marked by small stones that provide for excellent drainage. Of course, the entire vineyard surface is underlain by the Kimmeridgian limestone that makes Chablis one of the most unique wine-producing areas in the world. Harvest levels vary extensively according to age of vines and vintage conditions. Levels for the village wine may reach 60 hectoliters per hectare in particularly generous years whereas the 1er Cru vineyards usually yield approximately 45 to 50 hectoliters per hectare. However, the old vines section of Vaillons (composed in large part of vineyards in excess of 65 years of age) frequently yields less than 25 hectoliters per hectare. The other vineyards are planted to vines between 20 and 40 years of age. The cellars of the Dauvissat domaine are equipped with the most modern materials. Fermentation and elevage of the village and premier cru wines occurs for the most part in stainless steel. The old vines cuvee of Vaillons and the Les Preuses are partially barrel fermented and barrel aged with about 25% of the oak being new. The wines are traditionally bottled 18 to 20 months after harvest. On occasion, certain of the other 1er Crus may pass part of the elevage in barrel as well, particularly when harvest levels are low.

 

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