Slow U: The Amazing Norton Grape with Todd Kliman

Thu, Nov 4, 6:30-9 p.m. Pyramid Atlantic, 8230 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring (phone: 301 608 9101, Metro accessible)Join Slow Food University as we welcome Todd Kliman, noted author, and food and wine editor of The Washingtonian magazine. Todd will read from his recent book, The Wild Vine, the riveting story of the Norton grape, considered by many to be the only indigenous American grape capable of producing great wines. This is your chance to learn about this truly native and local grape, and help restore the robust, distinctive wines it creates to their rightful place on the country’s tables. In addition to a book-signing, Todd will also lead us through a tasting of Norton wines from Missouri and Virginia. These red wines go especially well with the following kinds of dishes, so for the potluck, bring something inspired by the list so that we can have a food pairing.This event is free, but space is limited and an RSVP is required: send an e-mail with names of attendees to rsvpsuri_at_slowfooddc.org (replace _at_ with @). Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.POTLUCK FOOD PAIRINGWe welcome dishes inspired in particular from the following list of dishes and flavors (which incorporates suggestions by Todd Kliman). “Finger food” appetizers would be the most appropriate. Please bring something that can be served at room temperature. We will be serving wine in “tasting” quantities – feel free to bring along a bottle of Norton wine to share if you have a favorite.In general, Norton wines go with food that has “big” flavors. Some examples:SausageMeatballsSliders (Sloppy Joe sauce optional)BarbecueSpanish flavors like romesco sauce, hamVenison, duck, gameGrilled wild mushroomsBalsamic sauceMexican Mole’Moroccan foodFlatbreads incorporating some of these flavors would be particularly easy to serve as finger food.We wish to thank our sponsors, Stone Hill Winery, MO, Chrysalis Vineyards, VA and Rappahannock Cellars, VA for their generous contributions to help make this event a success.