Wine and food enthusiasts recently indulged in an extraordinary evening of wine and gastronomy at Halifax, a renowned restaurant situated on the picturesque Hoboken waterfront at the W Hotel. The event featured a specially prepared dinner by Halifax’s executive Chef Seadon Shouse, perfectly paired with the exquisite South American Catena Zapata Grand Cru wines.
Discovering the Catena Zapata Wines
Catena Zapata, a legendary winery founded in 1902, took center stage during the evening. The winery played a pivotal role in reviving the Malbec grape variety and uncovering the untapped potential of high-altitude terroirs nestled in the Andean foothills of Mendoza, Argentina. The visionary behind this wines, Nicolás Catena Zapata, explored the influence of altitude on grapes, meticulously dividing the family vineyards into distinct parcels that reflect their unique soil composition. The crown jewel of their vineyards, the Adrianna Vineyard, situated at nearly 5,000 feet elevation, has earned the esteemed reputation of being South America’s Grand Cru.
The Wine and Culinary Pairings
Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Seadon Shouse, the Wine Tasting Dinner commenced with a delightful selection of hors d’oeuvres, followed by a delicious White Gazpacho soup sprinkled with almonds, green grapes, cucumber, Jonah crab, and a touch of smoked paprika. This appetizer was beautifully complemented by the Adrianna Vineyard White Stones 2020 Chardonnay.
The second course showcased Lamb Ravioli enriched with blackberry spiced red wine butter, herb crumbs, and truffle pecorino, accompanied by the Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2020, enhancing the luscious flavors of the dish.
Continuing the culinary journey, the third course presented a Mini ‘Parilla,’ featuring dry-aged striploin, sweetbreads, house-made chorizo, chimichurri, crushed fingerlings, and fried herbs. To enhance this robust combination of meats, the Adrianna Vineyard River 2019 Malbec was the perfect addition.
Concluding the evening was the delectable Chocotorta, a decadent creation of coffee-soaked chocolate cookies, dulce de leche cream cheese, ganache, and cocoa pearls. This irresistible dessert was impeccably accompanied by the Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019 Red Blend.
Upcoming Dining Adventures
While you can currently enjoy Halifax‘s superb seasonal menu and crafted cocktails, be also sure to visit their website regularly for updates on special wine pairings and culinary events.
