By Rick Riozza
Really! When we think Italian, artistry always comes to mind. Be it music, art, sculpture, fashion—you name it, Italian culture has always been at the forefront—raised the bar.
And it’s been said that Italy is one giant elongated vineyard with one huge and abundant farmers’ market. In Italian it’s known as Abbondanza!
On the evening of this November 9th, the second of Miramonte’s wine dinner series, aptly titled in Italian, Il Serate di Vino—Evenings of Wine, will be held on their Italianesque grounds on the green lawn under the olive trees.
So although we are extremely excited to hear of the fantastic collaboration of the Marchesi Antinori wine family and the culinary Italian bounty prepared and displayed by renowned executive Chef Robert Nyerick, no one will really be surprised that this food & wine dinner will go down in our valley as one of the gastronomic events of the year.
In the span of 26 generations, tradition, passion, and intuition have been the three driving principles which have led the Marquis Antinori firm to become a leader in Italian wine. Two of the most sought-after world class wines, Solaia [soh-LIE-ah] and Tignanello [Teen-yah-NEL-low], known as “Super-Tuscans”, are the “stars” in their portfolio.
Antinori’s extraordinary line of wines are indeed crafted with food in mind. We always appreciate Chef Robert’s take on the flavor profiles of the scheduled array of wine to his fresh seasonal California and Italian cuisine mindset.
The Chef explains, “It’s an outdoor Italian banquet where the food and wine will be served family style.” Chef Robert relaxes and continues, “No one will be rushed—in fact, we look to everyone having a wonderful time chatting and casually mingling about! And we’ll have ‘rustic’ type surroundings—hinting at an artistic mis-match of tableware & settings. Our great staff of servers will be on hand but not intrusive.”
Geez! It seems like we’re going to be in one of those beautiful Italian movies—but here, the wine and food, the sounds and the smells—will all be real! And speaking of sounds, noted guitarist, Rafa, will be providing the full cinematic effect with his la serenata playing in the background.
Presto! Let’s discuss the meal! For the Reception, Hors d’Oeuvres of Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, Eggplant Bruschetta[bruz-KET-ta], and Pancetta Wrapped Shrimp will be graced with the Col de Salici [Sah-lee-chee] which is a Prosecco produced outside of Venice. This most delicious sparkling wine is the perfect cleanser to all the full-flavored appetizers.
For the Antipasto Course served family style, look for grilled vegetables, olives, artichokes, tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Tuscan Salami, Coppa, and Cappacola, Fontina and Gorgonzola Cheeses and Lemon Marinated Calamari.
The wine for this course is an Italian Chardonnay that is clean and fruity, soft and well-balanced with excellent structure. I’ve just enjoyed this at a recent wine tasting and it is high quality. The 2011 Bramito Del Cervo [Brah-Mee-toe del CHAIR-vo] will work well with the cheeses and meats and each vegetable will bring out fresh nuances in the wine. “Bramito” is the mating song of the adult male deer which are plentiful in the hills surrounding the Antinori estate.
The Second “Plated” Course will consist of Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Ravioli with Tomato Saffron and Basil. The pairing will be the 2010 La Braccesca [Brah-CHESS-ka] Rosso di Montepulciano, “Sabazio”. This very lively ruby red wine is a fun match-up to the fragrant ravioli. You’ll really love the aromas of white peaches and red-berry fruit; it’s ripe and round on the palate with a cleansing mineral finish.
By the way, “Sabazio” was the nick name of a monk, who in the Middle Ages, brought recognition of the area’s wine to all of Tuscany.
The Third Course, served family style, reads like a menu and speaks for itself: Sea Bass Piccata, with Preserved Lemon & Capers; Barolo Marinated Grilled prime Flat Iron Steak with Carmelized Cipollini Onions; Lamb Osso Bucco Cremolata; Mascarpone Polenta with Braised Rapini and Oven Roasted Tomatoes.
Well of course—you’ll be expecting a “heavy hitting” red to take on that menu! And it’s the perfect 2009 Il Bruciato [Eel-Broo-CHAH-toe], 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 20% Syrah. This is a very tasty medium to full-bodied wine with strikingly fragrant aromas of cherries and raspberries, followed by more complex hints of licorice and coffee. The tannins are soft & sweet with a lingering finish to assist finishing that third course!
A family style assortment of Mini Pastries will include Cannoli, Fruit Tarts, Chocolate Decadence, Lemon Curd and Opera Cake. And it wouldn’t be a traditional “Tuscan-style” family banquet without the sweet presence of VinSanto—“Holy Wine”.
Like the Communion Wine of the Middle Ages, this 2007 Vinsanto is made from grapes that are spread on straw mats and left to dry until late December, when they are pressed. Each pastry offered will set off the wine’s rich aromas and flavors of chocolate, dried nuts, almonds and chestnut flour with citrus fruit on the finish—along with vibrant acidity which adds to its drinking pleasure. Sweet success and sweet dreams!
The fantastic price for this Antinori Wine Dinner is $75 plus tax & gratuity. Reservations are required & seating is limited! Reservations: 866.642.9712.
Miramonte Resort & Spa 4500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells Ca. 92210. 760.341.2200
CIAO! BELLA!
Rick continues to host & entertain at wine events and tastings. Contact winespectrum@aol.com
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