September is California Wine Month. Cucina Enoteca at Irvine Spectrum Center marks the occasion with exceptional pricing on some of the state’s celebrated wines plus thoughtful pairing suggestions.
Led by restaurateur Tracy Borkum and executive chef Cesar Sarmiento, Cucina Enoteca is known as much for its wine programs and curated bottle shops as it is for its award-winning cuisine.
Throughout the month, wines from some of California’s finest vineyards are available by the glass, half glass or bottle— and in the case of bottle-shop purchases, no corkage fees. Sarmiento and beverage director Micah Tarr offer pairing ideas to elevate the tasting experiences.
Consider a glass of 2020 Roederer Estate Apple Alley Vineyard Chardonnay from Anderson Valley for $16.
“This is a rare, single-vineyard sparkling wine from one of California’s premier traditional-method producers,” says Tarr, who suggests a starter of tempura-fried squash blossoms to go with it.
A bottle of 2024 Spottswoode Napa/Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc is priced at $62. According to Tarr, “aromas of white flowers and ripe peach” complement the restaurant’s Weiser Farms melon salad.
A 3-ounce pour of coveted 2022 Cairjn Blend No. 3 Cabernet/Syrah from Paso Robles for $18 – “bold, juicy, structured and deeply expressive, just 115 cases made,” says Tarr – serves as an ideal prelude to the short rib Mafaldine.
