| Restaurant |
Ecco
40 7th Street
Atlanta, GA 30308 |
| Who |
Coming
from three generations of restauranteurs, Vajra Stratigos’
interest in wine was sparked as a kid when he spent time at
the family restaurant. But Stratigos is anything but old school.
At Ecco, his goal is to make the wine scene as accessible
and enjoyable as possible. His method? A well-organized, reasonably
priced wine list and a series of paper-thin cedar cards printed
with wine notes that arrive with every glass or bottle ordered.
But this commitment to educating diners on bottles, origins
and varietals is only the beginning of the wine experience
for Stratigos, who puts thought into his pairings to create
a complete dining experience without stealing the show. |
| Wine |
Les Cailloux, Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc,
France ‘05 |
| Price
per Bottle |
$68 |
| Dish |
House-Made Garganelle, Braised Rabbit, Chanterelles,
and White Asparagus |
| Pairing
Notes |
The earthiness of the wine
matches the mushrooms without overpowering the delicate flavor
of the rabbit meat. The round, brilliant acidity and notes of
honeycomb cut the richness and creaminess of the dish. And while
this wine has some real weight, it doesn't overbear the simple
and delicate pasta. |
| Wine |
Château du Trignon, Gigondas, France ‘03 |
| Price
per Bottle |
$48 |
| Dish |
Fig-Glazed Lamb Loin, Grilled Domestic Frisée,
Goat Cheese, and Roasted Piquillos |
| Pairing
Notes |
This particularly tender and
mild cut of lamb with a sweet glaze pairs well with a fruitier
and more floral wine. The Château du Trignon is smooth,
with dark, rich fruit and a hint of gaminess that picks up the
smoky flavors of the grilled frisée, amplifies the lamb
and sweet peppers, but doesn’t devastate the delicate
goat cheese. |
|
Wine |
Alain Jaume, “Grande Veneur,” Côtes
du Rhône, France ‘04 |
| Price
per Bottle |
$36 |
| Dish |
Braised Short Ribs Stuffed with Piquillo Peppers;
Fried Goat Cheese; House-Cured Chorizo with Cider-Roasted Pears |
| Pairing
Notes |
The series of traditional Basque
small plates is varied in flavors and strength with sweet cherry
notes to match the varying degrees of earthiness, acidity, meatiness
and dairy. A great multiple-appetizer or small plates match. |
