"Tasting Notes with Belmond El Encanto Executive Chef Johan Denizot"- Montecito Journal
I have always admired Margerum Wine Company for its dedication to the region and Doug Margerum’s trailblazing spirit that has practically put Santa Barbara wines on the global map. The winemaker’s Grenache-based M5 blend is elegant with its layers and yet a versatile table and food wine. At Belmond El Encanto I recommend it for guests ordering our flame grilled 10- oz. American Wagyu Flat Iron, served with duck fat potatoes and roasted cippolini onions. For lighter fare, it’s best to try Margerum’s 2019 Riviera Rosé and 2019 Sauvignon Blanc. The rosé works well with grilled sourdough and local burrata and sweet peas and the Sauvignon Blanc is perfect with an artichoke and asparagus salad complete with mustard frills and aged Spaniard goat cheese. A shared passion for Central Coast cuisine (he’s a winemaker and a restaurateur!) is what sparked our recent partnership. Our teams have joined together to create a special Belmond Trio of wine – Margerum’s 2017 M5, 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2019 Riviera Rosé – to enhance everyday experiences at home. The Trio will be unveiled on Instagram Live @belmondelen- canto on Saturday, May 30 at 4 pm. Order the Belmond Trio for pickup in advance at www. margerumwines.com/belmond. •MJ