Providores Wine Maker's Dinner

Slightly crammed in to an upstairs dining room at The Providores Restaurant, High Street Marylebone on Tuesday 28th September, I joined over thirty other enthusiastic diners happy to devour Peter Gordon's delicious tasting menu and Michelle Richardson's fine wines at a special ticket Wine Maker's evening.  Michelle introduced the wines with each course and both she and the wines were a revelation.  No wonder these events are a sell out.  Ex-Villa Maria where she spent 10 years, Michelle has been crafting her own wines since 2003.  Following her microbiology degree her real interest was yeast and she's a "self confessed smeller" interested in subtle in aromatics and natural fermentation for her wines.  With a natural feel for producing wine and sense of the characteristics important for each of her wines to showcase, I for one became an instant fan. 

Personally I'm not usually keen on Sauvignon Blanc as the overriding gooseberry flavour and slightly metallic edge do not appeal, but Michelle's version was a revelation (2009 Richardson Sauvignon Blanc).  Much lighter and easier on the palette, this was perfect as an aperitif.  Next came the even nicer 2008 Waitaki Braids Pinot Gris, almost with a slighly smoky edge and perfect with the Panko crumbed chevre on nashi and apple  salad with cobnuts and chilled manuka honey quince dressing. 

As Michelle then pointed out lots of people had gone through the stage of ordering ABC (anything but chardonnay) and she set out to create a chardonnay that was lighter in alcohol content and without the heavy oak.  Her own blend is exactly that and totally delicious.  This went beautifully with the grilled squid and sauteed scallops with red Mojo sauce and deep fried capers.

Next we moved on to the 2009 Waitaki Braids Rose which was a sumptious raspberry colour and wonderful to drink.  Michelle explained she had set out to create her own rose with a more robust colour as she didn't like the colour of French rose wines.  The potato gnocchi, chervil and porcini with tarragon labne was a revelation with it.

Two rather special pinot noirs followed - a 2008 Waitaki Braids Pinor Noir and 2006 Richardson Pinot Noir (my favourite of the two), to accompany the roast Middle White pork belly on aubergine, cumin and sultana puree with damsons, wild mushrooms and apple cinnamon jus. 

To conclude the menu dessert was a rather decadent Smoked chocolate delice with hazlenut praline and chocolate chilli wafer, Cashel Blue chocolate ice cream with walnut sauce.

I learnt a lot and would highly recommend seeking out Michelle's wines which are consistently excellent.  Also, for anyone looking for a special food sensation in London, go to The Providores Restaurant for a truly delicious experience.  Just remember to book in advance, they are always busy.