11/20 – Our L’Auberge Chez Francois “Goes Italian” Wine Luncheon Experience Featuring Four Fine Wines of Gradis’ciutta, Presented by Hugues Beaulieu, Elite Wines & Alex Bardsley, Sommelier

Please join us Thursday, November 20th, for an Afternoon of Chef Jacques Delectable Cuisine and Scrumptious Italian Wines as we feature the wines of Gradis’Ciutta from the Collio Goriziano in Italy. We have added to our special events, more afternoon Wine Lunches and other Experiences based on popular demand.

Joining us today is our longtime friend, colleague and collaborator, Hughes Beaulier, former sommelier and wine director of the Inn at Little Washington. Our sommelier, Alex Bardsley, visited the region last July and tasted at the winery, discovering what makes the wines of Collio so fresh and vibrant.

Located in the far northeast of Italy on the border with Slovenia, this gorgeous hilly region (“collio” means hills) rests between the Julian Alps to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south.

The wines grown there have wonderful energy and style, and include some of the most exciting whites in Italy. Gradis’Ciutta was founded by Robert Princic, who decided it was time for his family to make their own wine, instead of selling the fruit from their vineyards to other producers. Robert farms organically and makes a range of wines from local and international varieties, garnering some truly impressive reviews.

Chef Jacques has crafted a menu to showcase the qualities of the wine, and Hugues and Alex will be on hand to present them and evoke the land they came from. Chef Jacques recently as his fried and fellow Frenchman, do they really make wines in Italy, and the reply was “oh yes they do and these are fantastic wines and would also be great at your Thanksgiving Table!

Join us on Thursday November 20th at L’Auberge Chez Francois Goes Italian for a Luncheon Experience! Ciao!

Italian Wine Luncheon Experience Menu

Greeter: Gradis’Ciutta, Collio Pinot Grigio 2022

Chef Jacques Seasonal Amuse Bouche

Corbeille de Pain (Bread Course)
Basket of Multi Grain & Sourdough Breads, Local Butter

Second Course
Sauteed Norwegian Salmon, Saffron, Tomato Coulis
Gradis’Ciutta Collio Friulano 2022
Gradi’Ciutta Collio Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Main Course
Elysian Fields Farms Herb Crusted Lamb Chop, Black Garlic Flan, Our Own Garden Wilted Spinach
Gradis’Ciutta Collio Cabernet Franc 2020

Dessert Course
Pastry Chef Pascal’s French Version of the Classic Tiramisu
Julius Meinl Coffee and a Selection of Harney & Sons Fine Teas

Event Price: $106.00 (Excludes Tax & Gratuity); For a Total of $136.00 Per Person.

We are happy to accommodate guests’ dietary concerns so all may join the festivities. Please email chezlauberge@aol.com with special requests. Tickets are non-refundable. Patrons will have an opportunity to purchase these wines today at a very special price.