Two weekends ago was filled to the gills with music. We spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Ravinia Festival to enjoy a wide variety of music. It culminated with last night's Picnic Contest sponsored by Terlato Wines and Sunset Foods.
Ravinia is a great location to just sit back and enjoy various artists. This weekend began with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra playing the soundtrack to Lord of the Rings: Two Towers. One wouldn't have thought that this would be one of the more crowded events of the last few years but it was.The venue is great but sometimes getting to the venue is a bit of a problem. Such was the case on Friday. We arrived close to the gates in less than an hour through rush hour traffic but it took another 90 minutes to get parked and into the concert.
While we brought our "slimmed down" picnic, it was still a bit of a challenge. Saturday was a better bet. Because we could arrive early enough to take advantage of the members early entry, we found a great spot for eight of us to enjoy right outside the amphitheater.I selected a number of wines from my Chamisal Vineyard collection for the evening. We began with the Chamisal 40th Anniversary Chardonnay followed by the Pinot Gris and finally ending with the 8-N Pinot Noir.
The 40th Anniversary Chardonnay was very easy drinking. Not too heavy on the oak and it seemed to have some earthiness to it. I think, though, it could use a little more time in the cellar. During this summer I've really been enjoying a lighter mix of wines and the Pinot Gris is a perfect example. I should say lighter for me.
I've had some really great Rose wines that I wouldn't have expected to be that good (I've too often attributed them to the sweeter wines like White Zinfandel). The Pinot Gris is the exact same grape as is used in the Italian Pinot Grigio. So then, what's the difference.
The difference is found in the style of wine that's produced. It's in the hands of the vintner -- in this case the very talented Fintan du Fresne. He's been the lead winemaker at Chamisal Vineyards since 2006. I've found that his style is to make the most of the grapes based on the unique terroir of the vineyards.
Which is exactly what he did with the 8-N Pinot Noir. The grapes from this wine come from a vineyard approximately 8 miles north of the Chamisal vineyards. Even though they're relatively close together the different soils produce a different flavor profile from most of the other Pinot Noirs that Chamisal Vineyards produces. I found this wine was a delightful way to end the evening with some sweet desserts.
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An interesting mix of wines with which to enjoy George Thorogood and the Destroyers along with Buddy Guy. After setting up the tables and getting the food out -- Roxanne really outdid herself with a rice, tomato, and chive salad featuring a lemon vinaigrette. Add to that a truly outstanding fruit tray with our brand new go to fruit (figs) and chicken salad on romaine lettuce boats.Great picnic food.
Of course my cousin showed up with some great steak strips,a fresh Caprese salad and blueberry buckle and Redi-Whip (of course). There's nothing like a great picnic with family and friends. Perhaps that's the best part of the Ravinia experience.
While this is a great concert venue with plenty of great musicians, I think the Ravinia experience is best enjoyed in a relaxed style with food, friends and a glass of excellent wine in your hand. Sometimes it doesn't even matter that the music may not be the best.Although for tonight, the music was really, really good. While we were pretty close to the Pavillion -- and the park was packed -- it almost doesn't matter where you're sitting.
Tomorrow is a big day. We're entering the annual picnic contest (one of 50 tables) for the first time. Even though it's a late night, we'll have an early start in the morning. But more on that in the next post.
