Italian Selections

     Thursday September 15, 2011

Reservations Closed
Course Pairing / Description Wine
Hors D' Oeuvres Basil Crema Filled Salami Horns Garlic Rubbed Italian Bread Crispy Fried Cannelini Bean Croquettes Lemon And Herb Aioli
Our wine first captures the eye with a brilliant straw yellow color then you are pleased by the pleasant and fragrant bouquet along with neat sensations of citrus fruits and golden apples, on a flowery background that reminds fresh hints of meadow flowers and sage. This wine delights the palate with an excellent freshness and is well balanced by the notes of meadow flowers and golden apples. The aftertaste is long and fragrant, with a hint of fresh almonds. Grapes were sourced from around the town of Orvieto. The grapes were harvested in the first half of September. They were then de-stemmed, crushed and gently pressed. Once the must was removed from the lees at low temperature, it was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats. When alcoholic fermentation was complete, the wine rested in stainless- steel vats at a cool 16°C until bottled. Ruffino Orvieto is excellent for any foods that require a crisp, delicately flavored white wine, such as antipasti, soups, seafood and white meats. Serving it chilled rather than ice cold allows its subtle flavors to blossom. 		Ruffino Orvieto 2010
Salad Course Classic Citrus And Fennel Salad With Arugula Clove Scented Lemon Verbena And Garlic Dressing
The Terre di Tufi has a deep straw tending toward a gold color and intense and fruity aromas with light notes of vanilla cream, tangerine, citrus and pineapple and is full-bodied and rich on the palate. This blend of Vernaccia, Chardonnay, Malvasia, and Vermentino is barrel-fermented, yielding a wine full of bright and vivid fruits ranging from pineapple to peach. Made in a lush, medium-bodied style, the barrel ageing adds an undercurrent of vanilla and lovely toasty nuances than permeate the wine. A great match for baked sea fish. Vernaccia is a pejorative form of the Italian word Vernaculo, meaning 'common' or 'indigenous'. The majority of Vernaccias are light-skinned and produce light white wine styles. 		Terre di Tufi-Terrazi Puthod 2009
Pasta Course Rosemary, Brown Butter, Pancetta And Sage Gnochhi Shaved Parmesan And Roasted Tomato And Fried Garlic Relish
This indigenous blend of Sangiovese and Alicante grapes is exceptionally rich, aromatic and pleasurable. It represents the most intriguing and innovative expression of the Tuscan Maremma wine area and was first produced in 2001. This wine is aged in small French and American oak barrels from handpicked grapes composed of 80% Sangiovese, and 20% Alicante Nero and has 13.7% alcohol content. The Belguardo estate is located in the Maremma region of Tuscany, on the hills between Grosseto and Montiano, near the National Park “dell'Uccellina”, about seven miles from the coast. The vineyards are located at low altitude and have a south to south west exposure. The soil is sandstone and the vines are at least ten years old. 		Serrata Belguardo Mazzei 2007
Beef Course Italian Braised Veal Pot Roast Rich Tomato Gravy, Provencal Squash
Intense ruby red color. Scents of blackberry and vanilla aromas. Well-structured, with fine tannins and very smooth, elegant finish makes this wine an excellent example what Sangiovese can become. Owned by the Mazzei family since 1435 the Fonterutoli estate is unique in Tuscany, and is centered around the eponymous hamlet, three miles south of Castellina in Chianti. The estate measures around 500 hectares in total and is divided among four key production areas: Fonterutoli (planted with Sangiovese and Merlot); Siepi (planted with Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon); Badiola (Sangiovese and Merlot) and Belvedere (Sangiovese). “The 2008 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is impressive juice. A mélange of mineral-infused scents add complexity to the dark cherry fruit. Medium in body, the Chianti Classico shows wonderful freshness, clarity and verve” 90 Points, Wine Advocate. “If you're looking for a steady, confident and food-friendly Chianti Classico, this edition of Fonterutoli will not disappoint. In fact, the wine consistently delivers quality and affordability year after year and promises a perfect pairing with-oven roasted pasta or veal dishes” 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast. 		Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2008
Deserts Course Dark Chocolate Bomb Cake And Salted Caramel Cherry-Brunello Dark Chocolate Ganache, Clove Scented Whipped Cream
Argiano's Brunello di Montalcino has an intense ruby-red color. A good concentration in the mid-palate and a persistent aftertaste, yet round and luscious in body, with silky and interesting tannins. It combines power and elegance and indicates a much promising future. Together with the captivating perfumes of red fruits and the clean freshness, the complexity of the wine proves an optimal balance. Decant the wine for at least 1 hour before drinking for an optimum enjoyment. "Full-bodied, with grilled steak and ripe plum aromas, round, polished tannins and very pretty fruit on the finish. Balanced and opulent. Best after 2010. 9,815 cases made. " 90Points, Wine Spectator. "The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is a soft, delicate wine with good delineation in its aromas and fruit, qualities that resonate through to the harmonious, refreshing close. Sweet pipe tobacco, licorice and flowers add a sense of lift and refinement to the elegant finish.” 90Points, The Wine Advocate. 		Brunello di Montalcino 2005