On May 2, Legal Harborside will host a four-plus-course dinner with Ponzi Vineyards and its owner-president, Maria Ponzi. Dick and Nancy Ponzi moved their young family to the Willamette Valley in the late 1960s with a spirit of adventure and a passion for making world class Pinot noir. After many research trips to Burgundy and an extensive search for the ideal location, they purchased 20 acres on a small farm just southwest of Portland, Oregon. It was a daring risk — at the time, the Pacific Northwest was not thought to be a place to grow Pinot noir, but Dick and Nancy realized the Northern Willamette Valley's climate was ideal for cool climate varieties. Pinot noir cuttings were planted, and in 1970 Ponzi Vineyards was founded. The methods, philosophies and winemaking passion established nearly 50 years ago are still practiced today under the family's second generation.
The menu will be presented as follows on Legal Harborside’s scenic second level overlooking the Boston Harbor:
HORS D’OEUVRES
Carrot Custard, Tarragon
Bone Marrow Churro
Scallop Crudo, Green Apple-Gin Granita
Carrot Custard, Tarragon
Fava Bean Hummus, Naan
Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley, 2015
FIRST COURSE
Octopus
patatas bravas, white soy, creamed honey
Ponzi Vineyards “Avellana Vineyard” Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, 2013
SECOND COURSE
Bass
speck tortellini, morel mushrooms, strawberry jus
Ponzi Vineyards “Classico” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2014
Ponzi Vineyards “Aurora Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2013
THIRD COURSE
Salmon
espelette pepper biscuit
Ponzi Vineyards “Vigneto” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2013
Ponzi Vineyards “Madrona Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2013
Alp Blossom
CHEESE COURSE
Toma Della Rocca
Alp Blossom
Ponzi Vineyards “Reserve” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2012
