Ferrari-Carano Wines at Phil Trani's

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Good thing Phil Trani's has open seating. Started out with 5 people and it came down to just me. Most of the people at this dinner and not done a wine dinner at Trani's before. On the way out I saw two people that I knew. Total attendance was about 34. Seems the staff has a problem with sending emails out to everyone. After listening to how they do it, I explained how it should be done. Frankly it was down right stupid on how they do their emails. And these girls are younger than me so they should be more computer savvy. I will let CJ know and perhaps he can help the girl set up her email list to be more efficient.

I ended up with a good group of people and one lady sitting next to me, during the evenings conversation, I found out knew two people that I did. A very small world indeed.

Started off with a Sauteed Calamari in a Garlic White Wine Sauce, paired with a Ferrari-Carano "Bella Luce", which was a blend of white grapes. Nice wine, very slightly oaked but paired quite well with the food. The calamari was cooked very nicely and was tender. The sauce was very good. So far off to a good start.

Second course turned out to be Pesto Flatbread with Arugula Salad and Buffalo Mozzarella topped with Phil's fresh herbs. Otherwise it was a bruschetta with a pesto sauce, and finely chopped black olives. The Mozzarella had an olive tapendae on top. Good flavors. Wine was a 2011 Ferrari-Carano Reserve Chardonnay. Too oaky for me. It paired with the dish but it was not that great of a pairing.

Third course was served. Halibut Thermador- Halibut with Asparagus and a Harveys Bristol Cream Hollandaise Sauce. Food was very good. I would order this if it was on the menu. But the wine fell way short - a Ferrari-Carrano Siena, 80% Sangiovese with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Wine was good, food was good but they were not good with each other.

Last course was Pollo alla Filippo. Feta and Spinach stuffed Chicken Breast with Dill Pickle and Bacon. Again a very tasty dish and something I would order off the menu. Unfortunately the wine was Ferrari-Carrano, Prevail West Face. 60% Cabernet and Syrah. No way did this go together. When they asked about the dish and wine I said that it was not the best pairing. Dish was good, wine was good but the marriage was more like a divorce. A bubbly twit at the end of the table, gushed that she thought it was a perfect pairing. She also was trying to impress everyone with her knowledge and really playing up to the wine rep. She was entertaining.

Dessert was a Sicilian Cannoli with Carmelized Fruit drizzled with Chocolate. Nice dessert, just the right size and good flavor. They poured a Ferrari-Carano Eldorado Noir,  which was not overly sweet. A Black Muscat from 100 year old vines in the Russian River.

After talking with the wine rep, he indicated that they thought that certain tweaks with the food would make good pairings with the wines. It did not work, Again what is penciled in not what ends up in the mouth.

A  good dinner for $59 inclusive. Inrteresting people to talk with and few interesting to observe.