On February 23, I attended the Shades of Italy dinner that featured 3 different regional wines (Canada, USA and Italy) based on a specific grape varietal. Each wine flight was paired with culinary delights created by Executive Chef, Romy Prasad. I had an opportunity to meet with the principals of the various wineries who were in attendance, this dinner was part of the Vancouver International Wine Festival.

A selection of passed canapes were served

Bruschetta di Salmone

Smoked salmon crostini, caramelized onions, capers

 

Involtini di Prosciutto e Burrata

Prosciutto di Parma, burrata, fresh basil

 

Arancini

Sicilian risotto balls, saffron, Pecorino Romano

This reception wine was paired with the canapes.

Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Leonia Pomino Bianco DOC Brut 2012

One of the winery principles brought some of the best Olive Oil with him from Italy which we had a chance to taste and it was some of the best I have enjoyed.

Now on to dinner and the pairings!

First Course:

 

Pancetta di Maiale

crispy pork belly over an apple and celery root puree

accompanied with an arugula salad, shaved Taleggio

Paired with the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Attems Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT

Seghesio Pinot Grigio

Sandhill Pinot Gris

 

Second Course:

Risotto ai Funghi

risotto with assorted local organic mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano

Paired with the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina

Seghesio Sangiovese

Sandhill Small Lots Sangiovese

 

Third Course:

Guanciale di Agnello con Tortelloni di Zucca

slow braised lamb cheeks in red wine,

house made squash tortelloni in a Fontina cheese fonduta,

served with Brussels sprouts sautéed with pancetta

 

Paired with the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Momoreto Toscana IGT

Seghesio Marian’s Reserve

Sandhill Small Lots Three

 

Fourth Course:

Cantuccini almond biscuits

and

chocolate hazelnut cake

Paired with the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Pomino Vinsanto DOC

Chef Romy Prasad did a fine job pairing the wines with each of his dishes, everything was delicious, my favourite wines in the parings were for the First Course, I liked Italy and Canadian wines; for the Second Course, the USA and Canadian selections; for the Third Course, the Italian and Canadian wines and lastly the Italian pairing for the Fourth Course.

Federico Fuoco who is the owner of Federico’s Supper Club performed some of his musical hits for guests to enjoy and dance to following the dinner.

Most of these wines are now available in the Vancouver area wine stores as well as on the list at some of the restaurants including Federico’s Supper Club at 1728 Commercial Drive in Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak