Everything was Big(ger) and Bubbly in ATX

There is a reason that this event sells out every year. This year marked the 12th annual Big Reds and Bubbles sponsored by the Wine and Food Foundation, but it was my first time to attend. It won’t be the last. Held at the historic Driskill hotel, this event exudes every bit of refinement and elegance you would expect from this organization at this venue.

Any event that is this extensive means that you need to be purposeful in your tasting. If you were fast and furious, you might have time to taste every wine, but I know that my palate would feel punished. One would likely be able to taste each appetizer, but I know I would be ready for a nap if I tried. So when I was invited to attend a little preview with June Rodil, one of Food and Wine’s Sommeliers of the year, I jumped at the chance.

We began, as all evenings should, with bubbles. Specifically, French, June suggested. The lighter, clean bubbles awaken your palate without being heavy or interfering with what is to come. Our first taste of the evening was one of my favorites, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. This wine is 100% Chardonnay and retails for about $80. Yeast and a touch of citrus on nose, structured bubbles and pear, acidity. A beautiful Champagne.

We moved onto one of Italy’s standout sparklers, Bellavista Brut Cuvee. This was mostly Chardonnay, but the addition of 10% Pinot Nero gave it a softer mouthfeel. The bubbles, a little more subtle, the fruit a little less so. At about $45, this is a great alternative to Champagne when you want elegant bubbles at a more approachable price point.

As we moved to the third taste, the doors opened to the general public which meant that both the positive energy and volume increased. We all angled to hear the full scoop on the next Champagne, Pol Roger Brut. This family-owned Champagne house was established in 1849. The wine is equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier which creates a fuller, balanced wine. This wine also was the official Champagne served at William and Kate’s wedding. You can wow your guests with that tidbit.

It didn’t take long for the room or the glasses to fill. Each room buzzed with “oohs” and “mmmms.” When it was time to eat, my focus turned to pairing and we found a few brilliant ones. We also found some dishes that required no accompaniment to shine. Here were a few that stayed with me:

Vox did it again. They were a favorite at Tour de Vin and they created another whimsical bite with their play on a Twice baked potato served in cigar boxes.

Chavez created a sweet potato huarache with cochinita pibil and pickled red onion. I had two and I NEVER have two.

Moonshine created a lamb shepard’s pie that paired brilliantly with Banfi’s biodynamic blend from Chile, Emiliana Coyam.

Bonneville’s cassoulet with duck confit was just the thing to warm you on a chilly night. Yum.

Lick’s sea salt caramel gelato paired perfectly with Gloria Ferrar’s Royal Cuvee.

Dolce Neve’s flavors were everything you want in gelato. Pure and rich and delicious.

I am sure there were many fabulous dishes, wines, and pairings that I missed.

Throughout the evening, my husband kept reiterating what a wonderful job the The Wine and Food Foundation did with the event, from start to finish. Even the next morning, when I asked him about his birthday dinner menu, his response was that his mouth was still singing from the night before. It was that good.

Many thanks to June Rodil for the great tips, to The Wine and Food Foundation for the invitation to attend as media, and to all to great chefs and staff that made the evening possible. Every person pouring and serving was knowledgeable and smiling. It is that kind of attention to detail that makes events stand out.

{I was given a media pass but no additional compensation to attend. Thoughts and opinions are my own}