An Evening of Elegance: A Preview Party at The Speckled Pear

This past Monday, The Speckled Pear in Fort Mill, SC, set the stage for an unforgettable evening during our Preview Party. Under the creative vision of Owner and Executive Chef Michael Bader, guests were treated to a curated journey of exceptional wines paired with an exquisite menu designed to highlight seasonal ingredients and culinary artistry. Here’s a recap of the highlights of the evening, course by course, with insights into the remarkable wine producers behind each pairing.

A Sparkling Welcome

The evening began with a warm welcome and glasses of Catherine & Pierre Breton’s Vouvray Brut "La Dilettante" NV. Crafted by a pioneering husband-and-wife team in France’s Loire Valley, this biodynamic sparkling wine showcases their dedication to sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. "La Dilettante," meaning "the dabbler," reflects their ethos of creating approachable yet profoundly expressive wines.

Course One: Sunchokes and Chardonnay

First, guests enjoyed a plate of sunchokes prepared two ways—crispy and as a warm custard—topped with delicate shavings of white truffle. This earthy and luxurious dish was paired with the 2021 Alta Maria Chardonnay from California. Alta Maria focuses on cool-climate vineyards in Santa Barbara County, producing wines that balance freshness and depth. Their Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of the region’s terroir, with vibrant acidity and just a touch of oak.

Course Two: Beets and Rosé

Next, a smoked beet salad featuring Smoky Mountain chèvre brought a delightful interplay of smokiness and tang. This course was paired with the Ve-Ve Rosé from Portugal. Produced by Quinta da Raza in the Vinho Verde region, this wine is made from native Portuguese grape varieties and exemplifies the region’s tradition of crafting crisp, versatile wines. Its light, refreshing nature perfectly complemented the smoky and earthy notes of the beets.

Course Three: Bucatini and Fiano

The third course transported us to coastal Italy with bucatini pasta, tender clams, and a touch of vermouth fumé. Paired with the 2022 Fiano from Ciro Picariello, this dish delivered a taste of the sea enhanced by the wine’s minerality and citrusy notes. Ciro Picariello, based in the Campania region, is renowned for producing some of the finest examples of Fiano. His vineyards, situated at high altitudes, yield wines with extraordinary purity and aging potential.

Course Four: Duck and Morgon

The highlight of the evening for me personally was the fourth course: perfectly cooked duck breast served with caramelized parsnips. This rich, decadent dish found its match in the 2022 Daniel Bouland Bellevue Cailloux Morgon from France. Daniel Bouland is a master of Beaujolais, known for his meticulous care of old Gamay vines grown on granite soils. His Morgon is celebrated for its complexity, silky texture, and ability to age beautifully.

Course Five: Sweet Finish with Muscat

For dessert, crispy milk bread was paired with cardamom-scented pineapple and a luscious buttermilk honey ice cream. The 2018 Domaine de Durban Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise from France brought the evening to a sublime close. This family-run estate in the Rhône Valley has been producing Muscat wines for generations, earning a reputation for creating intensely aromatic sweet wines that retain impeccable balance.

Reflections

The Preview Party was more than just a dinner—it was an exploration of the interplay between fine wine and thoughtful cuisine. Each pairing told a story, celebrating the care and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle and every dish.

To those who joined us: thank you for making the evening so special. If you couldn’t attend, we hope to see you at our next event. Cheers to more memorable nights at The Speckled Pear!