Oltrepo’ Pavese Winemakers Dinner at Fairmont Pacific

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On February 18, I attended the dinner that was a celebration of wines and culinary traditions of Oltrepo’ Pavese created by Fairmont’s Pacific Rim Executive Chef, Darren Brown. I had an opportunity to meet with the principals of 14 Italian wineries who were on a trade mission to our area with the Italian Chamber of Commerce. Oltrepo’ Pavese (in the Lombardy Region) is the third largest grape growing area in Italy, often called “the Tuscany of Northern Italy”.

Now on to dinner and the pairings!

First Course:

Salad of pear, bresola & arugula

Salad of pear, bresola & arugula

Salad of pear, bresola & arugula

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Wine selection in the pairing.

Second Course:

Risotto Alla Bonarda

Risotto Alla Bonarda

Risotto Alla Bonarda

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Wine selection in the pairing.

Third Course:

Pork Belly

Pork Belly

Pork Belly on a bed of polenta, taleggio, mushrooms and brocolini

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Wine selection in the pairing.

Fourth Course:

Fritelle

Fritelle

Fritelle for dessert, a beautiful aroma of orange blossom, delicious mini donuts

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Wine selection in the pairing.

Gravanago Moscato,

Gravanago Moscato,

Wine selection which we chose for the dessert in pairing.

Comments:  All of the wines and courses were well paired. My favourite dishes was the Risotto Alla Bonarda paired with the San Michele #PinotNoir #Pynos blend along with the Fritelle for dessert, a beautiful aroma of orange blossom, delicious mini donuts which with my table neighbour (Lesley Saito) suggestion for an additional pairing of the Gravanago Moscato, that was a stellar pairing.

The participating wineries with wines being poured during the dinner included BISI BOSCO LONGHINO BUSCAGLIA CA’DEL GE’ CA’DI FRARA CALATRONI GIORGI GRAVANAGO GUERCI MANUELINA  MONDONICO MONTELIO QUAQUARINI  and SANMICHELE AI PIANONI

Most of these wines are not available in the Vancouver market at this time, truly hoping that the wineries will find distribution here to bring these wonderful wines to our market locally.

By: Richard Wolak

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