Alsace wines at Wild Ginger

What comes to mind when you see one of those tall, skinny bottles of Riesling or Gewurztraminer with long names containing lots of “Zs” and “Echts?” If you’re like me, images of large, jolly, red-faced German men in lederhosen immediately form in your brain. In my mind, these happy Germans are only on this planet to perform rousing songs accompanied by accordions and to make me clap my hands and try to sing along even though I have no clue what they’re singing about. I’m fairly certain it has something to do with getting drunk on some delicious white wines I can neither spell nor pronounce, but who really knows, or cares, what they’re singing about? Just bring me some more of this delicious white wine!

What?? These wines aren’t German? They’re French? They’re from Alsace? What are you talking about? Alsace is in Germany, isn’t it? It’s on the border of France and Germany? What the frack? You say it was part of Germany, then the French owned it, then Germany, then the French, then Germany, and now it’s owned again by France? I’m not confused at all, are you?

Confused or not, I was fortunate enough to attend an unforgettable private dinner at Wild Ginger in Seattle last Monday evening featuring wines from Alsace. By the way, if you’re not familiar with Wild Ginger, it’s one of the best Asian restaurants in the Seattle area. Haven’t been there? Don’t believe me? Go. You won’t be sorry. Anyhoo, the evening featured older vintages of Zind Humbrecht (yes, there’s an aforementioned “Z” and an “echt,” in the name), the finest producer in Alsace, France, paired to an amazing menu tailored to the wines.

This was the incredible menu with the paired wines we enjoyed throughout the evening.

Passed course upon arrival:
Zind Humbrecht, Riesling Brand Grand Cru, 2000 vintage (97 points Parker)
Miang with Shrimp on La Lot Leaf
Imperial Tuna

Appetizer course:
Zind Humbrecht, Pinot Gris Vielles Vignes, 2002 vintage (89+ points Tanzer)
Zind Humbrecht, Pinot Gris Rotenberg, 1998 vintage (92 points Tanzer)
Zind Humbrecht, Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl, 1995 vintage (95 points Parker)
Stuffed Mussels
Thai Chicken Satay

First entree course:
Zind Humbrecht, Gewurztraminer Hengst, 1999 vintage (92 points Parker)
Zind Humbrecht, Gewurztraminer Guelbeschwihr, 2001 vintage (89 points Parker)
Zind Humbrecht, Gewurztraminer Heimbourg VT*, 2002 vintage (94 points Tanzer)
Beef in Green Curry
Malacca Scallops
Cauliflower Curry Malay-style with Rotie Bread

Second entree course:
Zind Humbrecht, Pinot Gris Clos St. Urbain VT*, 1999 vintage (93+ points Tanzer)
Zind Humbrecht, Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl VT*, 1994 vintage (98 points Parker)
Zind Humbrecht, Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl VT*, 2000 vintage (97 points Parker)
Halibut in Banana Leaf
Roast Malay Duck
Cambodian Seafood Noodle

Dessert:
Zind Humbrecht, Pinot Gris SGN** Clos Jebsal, 1999 vintage (95 points Tanzer)
Roasted Pear Tartlet with Honey Pastry Cream

* VT = Vendange Tardive - late harvest
**SGN = Selection des Grains Nobles - single berry picked with Noble Rot

The evening was absolutely incredible for a foodie and self-professed wino like me. Arnie Millan, a local Seattle wine god and the European Buyer at Esquin Wine Merchants on 4th Ave S. in Seattle, hosted the evening and hand-picked the wines. Arnie is a charming host who is multi-lingual and a history buff so his events are fun, informative, and always filled with delicious wines.

Speaking of Arnie hosting amazing dinners with delicious wines, Arnie is hosting a dinner on April 27 at Bricco Wine Bar on upper Queen Anne featuring Washington Wines, including a vertical of Delille wines from 2001 – 2005! Delille fans won’t want to miss this! Other local legendary Washington wines will include Matthews, Andrew Will and Cayuse. To see the full details on Arnie’s upcoming dinner and wine tasting at Bricco Wine Bar, and to register for the dinner, click this link: http://www.arniemillan.com/winetalk/static.php?page=static090410-100545

Happy Easter, everyone and thanks for reading!


Esquin Wine Merchants – http://www.esquin.com/
Arnie Millan – http://www.arniemillan.com/winetalk/index.php