Autumn drapes itself over the mountains like a soft felt patchwork of copper and yellow and serenity. Clusters of white aspens with leaves of shimmering gold coins stand in silent prayer to a blue topaz sky, crested by snow-capped peaks that crown the valley below. Wine enthusiasts gather in this beauty, and mingle with master winemakers from around the world for the annual near Salt Lake City, while savouring the most incredible showcase of over 500 different international wines, beer and spirits.
A glass of Sparkling Rosé, paired with pop-in-your-mouth hors d’oeuvres of salmon and duck, sets the tone for our opening-night dinner at . My place setting is lined with a beautiful row of wines in ruby, violet and garnet. Our sommelier, Jim Santangelo, is the founder of the .
His infectious enthusiasm guides us through our tastings and pairings, themed “Better off Red.” The pale pink Whispering Angel Rosé from Provence underscores our salad of endives, radicchio and rosé-poached pear with cranberries and chevre, adding a subtle perfume of strawberries and light balance of acidity. Local Utah trout is delicately pan-seared and set on a velvety carrot and ginger purée.
Its pairing with the dark plummy notes of a New Zealand Pinot Noir, with hints of cloves and smoke, makes a bright confluence of flavours on my palate. This is followed by a squid ink tortellini stuffed with duck confit and lavished in truffle cream cut by a complex Nebbiolo that bursts with earthy inte.