Stolpman Vineyards “Uni” and Shimogamo Restaurant – Two Great Finds
Background
While in Arizona last week and after a quick round of golf with my daughter, we ventured to Gilbert to Shimogamo, featuring fine Japanese cuisine for lunch. Here we met Mathew Noriega who provided some excellent insights on the restaurant, cuisine and wine suggestions. They have two locations, their original one in Chandler and less than a year ago, opened the one in Gilbert.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
I ordered various sashimi pieces and Mathew recommended a glass of Stolpman Uni, a blend of Roussanne and Chardonnay. He was spot on with the wine coming from Ballard Canyon in Los Olivos, California. Here the delicate richness and mouth filling Roussanne combined with crisp and bright Chardonnay with apple and pear tastes, provided a great accompaniment to the fresh sashimi.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Ordered four pieces each of tuna, yellowtail, salmon and a special “fatty tuna” selection. The presentation on ice was perfectly presented. Each piece of sashimi was delicious and extremely fresh. The wine complimented each morsel of fish consumed. An excellent recommendation by Mathew. Can’t wait to enjoy a dinner meal there upon my next visit.
The Winery
I have heard of Stolpman winery for years, but have never tasted their wines at restaurants, wine judging events or at friends’ houses. They are known for their Syrah and Roussanne grapes growing in limestone outcropping near on the Central Coast with the nearby Pacific Ocean breezes. They are committed to dry farming, native fermentation and with minimal manipulation bringing forth their wines. The wines come from Ballard Canyon AVA. I will be investigating and getting to know Stolpman Vineyards soon!
Sláinte,
Michael