See which wines to drink with Gateau de Savoie by James Tidwell MS, beverage manager at Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas.
Matching wines for Gateau de Savoie
Pereira d’Oliveira, Colheita Boal, Madeira, Portugal 1983
Madeira is one of the great classic wines of the world deserving of a pairing with this classic gateau. The Boal style is rich and sweet with flavors of nuts and burnt sugar to complement the flavor of the chestnut purée. Tangy acidity enlivens the palate encouraging another bite of gateaux and sip of wine. Seldom can one find wines of such age that are guaranteed to be alive and at a relative value. The natural process of fortification, oxidation, and heating that is used to make the wine allows it to keep longer after opening than almost all other wines. So you can enjoy this wine from one of the top producers on the island over several days or even weeks.
Azienda Agricola Maculan, Dindarello, Veneto, Italy 2014
Dindarello has honey and orange blossom notes that add an extra dimension to the gateau, enhancing the cream and chestnut flavors. The wine is made from the Moscato grape grown in the best sites of the Veneto region of Italy. The grapes are harvested, then dried for one month to concentrate the flavors and sugar. Fermentation is in stainless steel to maintain the purity and pristine flavors of the grapes. All of this care yields a focused and fine wine of medium-full body and a sweetness that matches the light sweetness of the gateau. Maculan is a leading producer of dessert wines in the Veneto and the deft hand of the new generation at the winery shows in this wine.
Royal Tokaji Late Harvest, Tokaji, Hungary 2012
This is a lighter alternative to the famed Tokaji botrytis wines of Hungary. The alcohol is 11.5% and the wine is sweet without being cloying, making this a perfect match for a lighter dessert such as Gateau de Savoie. The brightness of the wine from both spice aromas and crisp acidity keep the pairing fresh. Royal Tokaji is one of the best producers from this legendary region, and this wine demonstrates their ability to make great wines across a range of styles. For a richer, sweeter and more extravagant pairing, try one of their Tokaji Puttonyos wines.
About James Tidwell MS
James Tidwell is beverage manager at Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas and is co-founder of TEXSOM, the premiere sommelier education conference in the world.
Tidwell has earned the Master Sommelier certification in addition to attaining certifications in various areas of the beverage industry, including the Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma; Society of Wine Educators’ Certified Wine Educator; Specialty Tea Institute’s Certified Tea Specialist and Sake Education Council’s Certified Sake Professional. Previous to entering the wine business, Tidwell graduated Louisiana State University and the Culinary Institute of America.
Tidwell has been nominated the past five years for a James Beard Foundation Award in the categories of Outstanding Wine Program 2011-2014 and Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional in 2015.
Tidwell serves the beverage industry through his current or past positions on the Boards of Directors of Court of Master Sommeliers – Americas, Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation, and Society of Wine Educators.
