0
Wines of Washington (state)
Chefs Poteaux present a wine dinner featuring Hedges Estate
On Tuesday, June 26th,, Chefs Christophe & Michelle Poteaux present a spectacular dinner featuring the wines of Hedges Estate, presenting a $79 ($50 without pairings) prix fixe four-course dinner paired with wines from this acclaimed winery located in the Yakima Valley of Washington state.
The menu begins with an aperitif of La Bourgeoisie” Independent producer Chardonnay 2010; and continues with a first course of crab salad; yellow cherry tomatoes, tomato gelee and lemon thyme paired with CMS “Sauvignon Blanc” Hedges Cellars, 2009; followed by sausage & peppers with CMS Red Hedges Cellars, 2009; beef brisket BBQ with “Three Vineyards” Red Mountain Hedges Cellars, 2008 and topped off by Michelle’s fabulous Valrhona Nyangbo chocolate tart with Syrah reduction, caramelized bacon and black pepper & thyme ice cream married to DLD Syrah Hedges Cellars, 2009.
The history of Hedges Family Estate begins in June of 1976, with the marriage of Tom Hedges and Anne-Marie Liégeois in a 12th century church in Champagne, France. The convergence of separate cultural upbringings provides a strong backdrop for creating a modern day, but traditionally inspired wine estate. Ten years after their wedding, an opportunity to become entrepreneurs seemed like a positive move to economic independence, contrasting from the previous decade of working for large multinational agricultural firms. In 1986, this unique opportunity presented itself; Tom and Anne-Marie created an export company called American Wine Trade, Inc., based out of Kirkland, Washington State; they began selling wine to foreign importers. As the company grew, it began to source Washington wines for a larger clientele leading to the establishment of a negociant-inspired wine called Hedges Cellars. This 1987 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot was sold to the Swedish Wine and Spirit Monopoly, Vin & Sprit Centralen, the company's first major client. Authentic wine estates must live on for centuries to achieve acceptance amongst the world great properties. The second generation has begun to make its mark at Hedges Family Estate. Tom and Anne-Marie's children, Christophe and Sarah, are now involved in the business, and each has a special set of skills for understanding the terroir.
The Chefs Poteaux take pains to source organic and sustainably raised produce for their intimate bistro in Old Town Alexandria. The restaurant regularly features humanely raised beef, pork and poultry from Smith Meadows Farm and Bassett Farm, both in Virginia, as well as, using local farmer’s markets and farmer co-ops to select locally grown fruits and vegetables at their seasonal peak.
Bastille, named to Washingtonian’s top 100 restaurants in 2008-2011, winner of the Wine Spectator’s award of excellence since their opening 5 years ago and RAMMY nominated for ‘Best Neighborhood Gathering Place” in 2012 for is located at 1201 N. Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Bastille is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and dinner. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703-519-3776; or online at Open Table: http://www.opentable.com/bastille. For more information, log onto www.bastillerestaurant.com.
###
Hedges Estate Menu
Aperitif
“La Bourgeoisie”
Independent producer Chardonnay 2010
First Course
Crab salad
Yellow cherry tomatoes, tomato gelee, lemon thyme
CMS “Sauvignon Blanc”
Hedges Cellars, 2009
Second Course
Sausage & Peppers
CMS Red
Hedges Cellars, 2009
Third Course
Beef Brisket BBQ
“Three Vineyards” Red Mountain
Hedges Cellars, 2008
Fourth Course
Valrhona Nyangbo chocolate tart
Syrah reduction, caramelized bacon, black pepper & thyme ice cream
DLD Syrah
Hedges Cellars, 2009
