Food & Wine: A Primer on Pairing

That's the gyst of Joe Iurato's Wine 101 at River Palm Terrace. “It’s one thing to taste a bunch of wines," says Iurato, wine director of the venerable steakhouse, "but here you will learn why and how wine goes so well with food.”

Joe Iurato, wine director of the River Palm Terrace steakhouse in Edgewater.
Joe Iurato, wine director of the River Palm Terrace steakhouse in Edgewater.
Photo: Courtesy of River Palm Terrace

Starting January 21st at the Edgewater restaurant, Iurato will conduct a series of classes with tastings. The full title of the course is  Introduction to Wine Basics 101.

“The programs will be presented in laymen’s terms,” Iurato says. “Someone who knows nothing about wine can come in and appreciate it and learn, while those who know a bit will find something new. There will be a little something for everyone.”

The four sessions, each running from 6:30 to 8 pm, are organized geographically:

–January 21, CALIFORNIA
–January 28, FRANCE
–February 4, ITALY
–February 11, OTHER WINES OF THE WORLD

Each class is limited to 20 people. You can sign up for individual classes at $65 each or all four for $260.

“The focus,” Iurato says, “will be to learn the A to Z’s. Guests will learn how the wine is made, the proper tasting and assessing of wine, and evaluating older and younger wines.”

The restaurant, known for its dry-aged beef, as well as for seafood and sushi, will pair dishes from their menu with the five to six wines featured in each session. Iurato says the best way to learn how to pair wine with food is to experience different combinations in class.

Iurato, 41, a Jersey native, has been overseeing River Palm’s wine list for 15 years and teaching classes for 10 years. “My focus,” he says, “is to concentrate our list to fit our customers. It’s not about the number of wines, it’s about the way the people, the food and the wine go together.”

Iurato says he hopes to run the series again for those who can’t make the winter dates. He may also include newer regions such as Argentina, Chile or even Tasmania.

“There are so many regions that deserve attention,” he says.

To reserve a place call events manager Cynthia Aybar at 201-224-2013.

 

River Palm Terrace
1416 River Road
Edgewater
201-224-2013
riverpalm.com

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