Honorary consul Oscar Tatosian made those connections for Aprahamian. Though Armenia is indeed a very old wine-producing land, Tatosian said in a phone interview, the industry lagged under Soviet rule. Under its centralized rule, Moscow directed the nearby Republic of Georgia to produce wines and Armenia to focus on cognac and brandy.
That’s changing now, said Tatosian, whose job it is to promote trade and commerce with Armenia in a five-state region. In one year, from 2017 to 2018, wine exports from Armenia increased 50%, and another significant increase is expected this year. Armenian wines are unique, he said, because of the grape varieties that thrive in the volcanic soil.
Within Armenia is Mount Ararat, where it is said that Noah planted the first grape vines after landing his ark there following the flood.
That said, Armenian brandy, which will be served with dessert at Sanford, is also something special. According to Tatosian, Winston Churchill enjoyed Armenian brandy throughout his life.
The menu for the Sanford meal, with pairings, is as follows:
Lamb-Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lebneh and Pickled Apricot (2016 Voski, Zorah Winery)
Grilled Trout and Fried Mussels with Eggplant, Peppers and Tomato(2016 Karasi, Zorah Winery)
Spiced Beef Striploin with Keufteh, Cabbage and Pumpkin, Sumac Yogurt(2015 Areni, Yacoubian-Hobbs)
Walnut Cake with Mahlab Ice Cream, Preserved Quince and Brandied Cherries (Armenian Brandy Cocktail)
The dinner costs $95 a person, tax and gratuity not included. Reception and snack are at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30. Space is limited; reservations are available by calling the restaurant at (414) 276-9608.
Sanford is located at 1547 N. Jackson St.
