Buon Giorno a Tutti!
We’ve been having some incredible events lately! For our valued Taste & Learn regulars we wanted to let you know that this event format will be taking the place of our regular schedule through the end of the year due to not wanting to interfere with the upcoming holidays. We will return to the normal end of month schedule, 4 pm start time, and per person pricing in January 2018.
We have a very exciting dinner coming up that will be held Thursday, November 16th at 6 pm. We’re excited to return to Tuscany and spend an evening with a patron and house favorite Banfi wines. The honored Mr. Luciano Castiello, the ambassador from Castello Banfi, will be our guide for the evening.
To revisit briefly, Banfi has been owned by the American Mariani family since 1978. In the early 1980s, the Mariani family dedicated a tremendous amount of effort, money, and passion and launched a groundbreaking research project focused on the Sangiovese vine. The results of their study? They narrowed 650 Sangiovese clones down to the 15 clones that perform best in the area of Montalcino, where Castello Banfi is located.
Over the years Rosalba and I have visited Banfi many times for tours, tasting and dining in their great restaurant. With each visit and taste of the incredible wines, I must again say that these wines rival the best Brunellos in Montalcino.
For our reintroduction, we’ll begin with La Pettegola, Vermentino, 2016:
The most recent white wine born at Banfi is delightfully fresh with an intense fruit forward bouquet of exotic fruit and spices typical of the Mediterranean coast. Fresh, crisp with well-balanced acidity and clean finish. This wine is lovely as an aperitif, ideal with seafood, salads, sandwiches and vegetable dishes. This will pair perfectly with our planned pairing.
Uovo Fritto – Fried egg, spinach, porcini mushroom, horseradish mayonnaise
Our second wine will be Aska:
Deep ruby red with violet reflections it hs a bouquet of red berries, blueberries and plum jam followed by hints of tobacco and licorice. A true hit at the last Banfi presentation we are bringing back this well-rounded wine with velvety tannins and a persistent finish as a superb accompaniment to the stew dish it accompanies.
Cipolla al Forno – Roasted onion, veal sweetbread stew, marzolino cheese
The third presentation will be Brunello di Montalcino
The “classic” of Banfi’s production, this Brunello di Montalcino is obtained with clones of Sangiovese selected after 20 years of research on this unique grape. Intense ruby red in color with garnet reflections. Aromas of violets and vanilla, with hints of licorice. This delicious wine has a velvety palate, with tart-cherry flavors and traces of spice. Well structured with supple tannins, superb concentration, and good acidity. The finish will make your taste buds pop with each bite of the delightful pasta dish planned as it’s partner.
Pici al Cinghiale – Hand rolled thick spaghetti, wild boar ragu, Pienza pecorino cheese
At last–we come to our star: Brunello Di Montalcino, Poggio alle Mura.
This wine has a nose of violets, sweet ripe red fruit and berries. On the palate, it offers plums, cherries, blackberry jam and raspberry. It has a great structure and concentrated, supple tannins with a long finish. We will pair this exceptional wine with a truly savory morsel.
Quaglia in Padella – Pan seared stuffed quail, chestnuts, butternut squash, truffle sauce
Our last Banfi dinner sold out quickly and we’re anticipating the same for this night. Don’t be left out! Entry is $175 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Make your reservations now. Call 702.364.5300 or CLICK HERE
See you November 16th.
Ciao!
Gino
