Tasting menu near Hungerford
Written By Andrew Kojima
Date
Friday 24th September 2021
7.30pm
Occasion
Entertaining
Location
near Hungerford
Dietary requirements
No shellfish
TASTING MENU
Nasu dengaku
Canapes
Takoyaki
Nasu dengaku
Agedashi tofu
Amuse bouche
Chicken, chanterelles, tarragon
Appetiser
Tuna tataki, ponzu, avocado
Starter
Rabbit, squash, corn
Fish
Black cod, pak choi, radish
Main
Duck, plum teriyaki, celeriac
Palate cleanser
Yuzu, raspberries, sesame
Dessert
Sticky toffee pudding, roasted white chocolate and miso icecream
WINE PAIRINGS
Canapes
I've worked with Nyetimber and done these kind of sweet/salty/umami-rich Japanese canapes
Amuse bouche (Chicken)
I particularly like sherry (Oloroso / Manzanilla?) or sake, but I sense you may have a very dry buttery Burgundy in the cellar
Appetiser (Tuna)
Dry Riesling is a common pairing with sashimi, but perhaps not what you've been acquiring for your cellar. Have a look at Gyutaku - I sent a link to Lucy. Others to consider... Chablis, Muscadet-sur-lie or Grüner Veltliner. If you have a Chablis, you can cover both amuse and appetiser together
Starter (rabbit)
I like Viognier or White Rioja with rabbit, but there'll be enough butter and salty-sweetness in the corn that you could continue with oaky whites.
Fish (black cod)
I'd move away from buttery whites here and move back to Viognier, or Riesling for acidity to balance the rich oiliness of the fish. Or throw a curve ball of some sake? Or even go to a chilled light red (Pinot Noir) which could also serve the main course
Main (duck)
I chose duck because you said you were having beef on Saturday (and can have claret with that). I like Chateauneuf du Pape with duck - it usually has fruitiness from Grenache and spiciness from Syrah
Pre-dessert (yuzu tart)
I put this in as a palate cleanser - I wouldn't try to pair it
Dessert (white chocolate icecream)
A lot of options... aged tawny port / Maury spring to mind. Or figs and raisins in PX sherry would add something. Even the citrussy dessert wines like Tokaji or Moscatel