Wino Files: Olivadi

Overview:

Okay, so we at The Second Glass have come to realize that the areas surrounding Boston have a lot more to offer than people may realize… For instance, Olivadi in Norwood, MA – only 31 minutes from the center of Boston – offers a wine list, culinary dishes and atmosphere that can tango with any Boston restaurant!

The Wine List:

Olivadi’s Wine Director, Bruno Marini, earns a gold star the size of Texas for not only creating an amazing Wine List that is longer than Star War’s opening credits, but also for offering exciting Wine Dinners every month. On the night of Thursday February 26 my guest and I attended our first Wine Dinner appropriately entitled “Battle of California Wineries” where each meal was accompanied by two different wines from California (duh). The meal ran four wonderful courses long; so if you can add that would mean each guest was able to sample eight glasses of wine, not counting the glass of Cuvee Brut passed during the reception (and they were not shy when they poured). This is one of the many reasons The Second Glass praises Bruno – for this event allowed everyone to sample and enjoy eight different types of wine, an occasion most worthy of applause.

Eight Amazing Glasses:

Let’s follow the timetable of the event and take a closer look at each glass…

Kenwood ‘Yulupa’ Cuvee Brut from Sonoma, California.

Bruno definitely knew that they needed to set the stage for a night full of amazing wine, great conversation and mind-blowing food. So what was most appropriate to start the evening you ask? A glass of Kenwood ‘Yulupa’ Cuvee Brut from Sonoma, California. The sparkling wine first hits you with a great fruity flavor, peaches and hints of citrus. Best part? It’s light and refreshing without being annoying, like your neighbor’s yippy dog.

2007 Cakebread Chardonnay from Napa with a glass of 2006 Lincourt Chardonnay from Santa Barbara

After relaxing a bit due to the bubbly Yulupa it was easy getting to know your neighbor’s and settle in for the first course. Paired with phenomenal Homemade Potato Gnocchi Bruno had us compare a glass of 2007 Cakebread Chardonnay from Napa with a glass of 2006 Lincourt Chardonnay from Santa Barbara. Cakebread had a unique blend of flavors including melon, peach and apple and a fresh but velvety body that made it easy to tip back the glass. Although it was greatly appraised, Lincourt’s Chardonnay won over our group with its subtle tropical flavors of coconut and orange and bright taste. With a slight taste of oak and a creamy mouth feel, Lincourt’s Chardonnay was superb and perfectly complimented the decadent-melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi.

2005 Benziger Family Winery Pinot Noir from Sonoma vs. 2006 Lane Tanner’s “Julia” Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley

Moving on to our second course we were served Grilled Maine Diver Scallops and to fight for the affection of the crowd – 2005 Benziger Family Winery Pinot Noir from Sonoma vs. 2006 Lane Tanner’s “Julia” Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley; and let me tell you each bottle fought tooth and nail for first place. The rich and bold Benziger had great flavors of fig, currant, cherry and even chocolate with the right balance of oak. Silky like my favorite pjs, Benziger had a creamy mouthfeel and was strong but faint enough to match the smoky scallops like old friends.

Lane Tanner’s Pinot Noir didn’t win the round, but its deep and smoky body made quite the impression. Lane Tanner even realizes its seduction as she calls it The Haunting Other Woman “because it is dark, sensual and rather scary”. Well, obviously it didn’t scare us away – just the opposite! We were drawn to the powerful wine for the berry and cherry flavors, general spiciness and earthy essence.

2004 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley vs. 2005 Chalk Hill “Imagine” Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma

It was impossible to decide a champion when it came to the Entrée round between 2004 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley and 2005 Chalk Hill “Imagine” Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma. Paired with the staggeringly good veal cutlet stuffed with prosciutto, sage and mozzarella no one was able to choose one wine over the other. Jordan’s perfectly balanced body with flavors of cherry and cocoa caught you off guard but had a beautiful earthy finish that lingered in your mouth.

Chalk Hill’s “Imagine” first grabbed our attention as Bruno explained that a portion of the proceeds would go towards helping children and their families that are most in need. What kept our attention was the cherry and berry flavors and subtle hints of mocha and vanilla. Along with a complex texture and oaky subtlety, “Imagine” was a wine hard to put down. A tossup between the two wines I guess I’ll just have to try them again to make an informed decision – for now, the lesson is that they’re both amazing and you should definitely try them!

2004 Firestone Vineyard “Late Harvest” Riesling from Santa Ynez Valley vs. 2007 Ironstone “Xpression” Rose from Murphys

Finally, (yes we’re almost done) at the end of the night came Bruno’s Special Dessert tasting – possibly my favorite part of the entire night. The special dessert was an intense chocolate cake with a chocolate coating served with apricot gelato – mmmmm. Striving for equal attention was 2004 Firestone Vineyard “Late Harvest” Riesling from Santa Ynez Valley and 2007 Ironstone “Xpression” Rose from Murphys. The glass of golden Riesling promised greatness, and with a rich honey flavor, tropical fruit essence and apricot sweetness it clearly lived up to the expectation. The late harvest embodied the feeling of fall and literally made you imagine red and yellow leaves falling to the ground.

The contender – Ironstone’s “Xpression” Rose gives off quite a different feeling compared to Firestone’s Riesling. Instead of falling leaves, “Xpression” brings you into the future – to summer days sitting barefoot on a front porch and enjoying every sip of the sweet wine. A pretty pink color, the wine is made up of strawberry, cherry and vanilla flavors with a silky but bright texture and helps remind all of us that summer is only a few months away.

Bottle List:

There is not enough time in the day to discuss all the different bottles Olivadi offers – including half bottles. Bottles range in region from Italy, California, New Zealand, Australia, Oregon, France, Argentina and many many more. All I can say is that the list has so many different types and regions to offer that the hardest part of the night will be choosing a bottle of wine.

The Food Menu:

Every dish was literally so good enough that President Obama, the Queen of England and even Anthony Bordain would have swoon in their seats with every bite – which is exactly what I did. Upon arrival we were offered several different types of Hors d’oeuvres; each one leaving me licking my fingers (secretly of course). The night kept us nearly fainting away from

The Setting and Service:

When we first arrived at Olivadi and our jackets were graciously taken we were welcomed into a large dining room. Within seconds of entering two words came to mind – classic and modern. Olivadi does a great job keeping the décor simple but pleasing with beautiful wooden floors and furniture, a well placed wine cabinet in the middle of large glass cupboards where wine glasses catch the light, and a fascinating counter top that separates the kitchen from the dining room. The contemporary but cozy dining room offered the ideal setting for a night of conversation, excitement and great wine.

The entire evening couldn’t have been pulled off without the knowledgeable and friendly host and staff. Bruno was a wonderful host with a humorous and professional disposition that regaled us with tidbits of information about each wine and vineyard. The wait staff treated the night like a grand opening of a Broadway play where each person had a role and brilliantly kept up with both the culinary and wine courses. All I can say is “Bravo”!

Special Events:

“Battle of California Wineries” was a special event by definition – there was lots of amazing wine, great people and inspirational dishes – this wasn’t a normal night out in the slightest! Best of all, there is another one coming up this Thursday! This time guests will be led through a Tour of Italy where each glass is perfectly matched with mouth watering dishes. These events are a great way to drop a little dough but truly have a night out that offers a great deal more excitement than the standard movie and dinner.

Two words can wrap up this evening – simply amazing.

Shout out goes to Joshua Wilcox for the awesome pics!