Cari Amici (Dear Friends),
After a couple of months hiatus from “Taste & Learn”, we are bringing it back due to popular demand. We will have the next “Taste & Learn” on Saturday, May 16, 2015, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm featuring the wines of Sicilia. “Taste & Learn” is an event that is fun and educational on Italian wines and food pairing. Each month, we select wines from a region of Italy and pair them with their regional cuisine. We’ll have a wine expert discuss wines and mimmo, our chef, pairs them.
The cost is only $50 inclusive.
At this “Taste & Learn”, Carmelo Messina, Italian wine specialist will be our speaker.
The wines of Sicilia are really upcoming in quality with the distinctive wines of Mount Etna. One of the wines we will feature is the Nerello Mascalese indigenous to mostly Sicilia and some in Sardegna. An Italian study using dna typing showed a genetic relationship between Nerello Mascalese and Sangiovese and possibly other varietals not yet confirmed. I’m a fan of Nerello Mascalese. when I drink it, it reminds me of a traditionally made Nebbiolo/Barolo, Barbaresco or a great red burgundy.
Nerello Mascalese grows at the foothills of Mount Etna with elevations of up to 1000 meters above sea level. Some of the highest vineyards in Europe. Other varietals featured that night will be the popular Nero d’Avola, Cerasuolo di Vittoria and a surprise dessert wine that is rare and awesome!!
The menu prepared for this event will be equally exciting.
Donnafugata – White fish raviolo with fennel and pine nuts
Cerasuolo – Arancini (quattro formaggi) with ragù di cinghiale
Marabino – Grilled Ahi Tuna with roasted pepper puree
Benanti – Roasted quail with red wine, black truffle reduction
Looking forward to seeing you all again and as you know, reservations are limited. Please call 702-364-5300 for more information.
Ciao, Arrivederci,
Gino Ferraro
