"Winemaking and filmmaking are two great art forms", says Francis Ford Coppola. Coppola, famed for his classic films including The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker's Dracula, has indeed mastered the art of winemaking.
Coppola Wines recently visited Chicago and hosted a fantastic tasting of six expressions of Coppola Wines paired with succulent dishes prepared by the staff of Giuseppe Tentori's GT Fish & Oyster restaurant.
The evening began with a pre-dinner reception of passed canapes complemented by the light, refreshing Sofia Blanc de Blancs (pictured above).
An interesting story surrounds this sparkling wine. When his daughter was a little girl, Francis Coppola made her a promise that he would someday make a sparkling wine and name it after her.
Today, this Blanc de Blancs is one of their most popular offerings, a favorite for parties and weddings.
Fruity and refreshing, Sofia Blanc de Blancs is a rare blend of Pinot Blanc, Muscat, and Riesling. Mellow flavors of apples and pears are topped by a hint of citrus and honeysuckle.
Elegant in character, this wine is lightly textured and vibrant through the finish.
The next expression was the Rosso & Bianco Pinot Grigio paired with Tuna Poke, Sunfish Ceviche, and Baja Shrimp Bruschetta.
Rosso & Bianco is a refreshing Pinot Grigio modeled after the white wines on the Coppola dinner table.
The fruit is harvested in the late evening and brought into the winery in the early morning to ensure fermentation occurs under cool conditions.
Rosso & Bianco is light, crisp, and versatile.
The third expression was the Director's Cut Sauvignon Blanc paired with Petite Clam Chowder.
Fermented and finished exclusively in stainless steel, this Sauvignon Blanc boasts zesty notes of lime, tangerine, and pink grapefruit layered with juicy flavors of peaches and guava—all kissed by a hint of minerals to create a contemporary wine that is luscious and vibrant.
Our fourth tasting consisted of Sofia Chardonnay paired with stuffed squid and Alaskan Halibut.
Sofia Chardonnay enjoys an excellent balance, a supple texture, and bright flavors of crisp green apple, white peaches, juicy pears, spices and a hint of citrus.
The fifth tasting was the Director's Pinot Noir. Enjoyed with Berkshire Pork Belly, Allen Brothers Beef Tenderloin and GT's Mac and Cheese, Director's Pinot Noir offers a luscious perfume of strawberries, pomegranate, and cloves, which is accented with a pervasive floral note that broadens as the wine opens.
Rich and complex, the dark juicy flavors of cherries, cranberries, licorice, herbs, and toasted wood create a beautiful wine with real dimension and complexity.
The final expression came from the 'family jewels' itself. The Diamond Collection Claret paired excellently with the Chocolate Pie with Vanilla Cream.
Claret is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, blended in the classic Bordeaux style.
This signature red wine is layered with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and roasted espresso.
Overall, each Coppola wine is an experience in itself! Even more expressions are available and each is reasonably priced, yet delivers an award-winning performance to your taste buds.
To find out more about the Coppola Wines featured here, other expressions, and all the great activities available during a visit to the Coppola Winery, visit www.franciscoppolawinery.com.
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