Italian Masterclass
The First Masterclass
The Dal Bianco Family’s Wine Vision – A Conversation with Federico Dal Bianco and Filippo Bartolotta
“Masottina is the historic brand of the Dal Bianco family born and bred in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore hills, listed in 2019 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
It was interesting to have the opportunity to taste the four of the brand’s Proseccos side by side and compare a non-vintage, two Proseccos from 2022 (Brut vs. Extra Dry), as well as a 2016 Prosecco Extra Dry.
The White Wines Tasted and Wine Notes
Masottina ViaVenti Prosecco DOC Treviso Rosé 2022
11% alcohol, made from 90% Glera, 10% Pinot Noir. Pale rose color, lively bubbles on the palate, fizzy, lovely lasting finish.
Masottina R.D.O. Levante Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Le Rive di Ogliano Extra Dry 2022
11.5% alcohol. Made from 100% Glera. Mineral and citrus notes. Grapes were grown in a single plot of land facing east, with the grapes hand harvested and vinified using gravity.
Masottina Conegliano Valdobbiadene Millesimato Prosecco Superiore DOCG Le Rive di Ogliano Extra Dry 2016
11.5% alcohol. Gorgeous, pleasing sweetness. Floral notes on the nose, with apple, lemon, and grapefruit on the palate. Pairing suggestion, serve as an aperitif and more important occasions.
Al Palazzi by Masottina Rizzardo Colli Conegliano Bianco DOCG 2018
13% alcohol. Sweetness on the nose, with lemon and mineral notes. Would pair well with shellfish, salmon, and white meat. Recommended serving temperature 12-14 degrees Celsius (53.6 – 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
Editor’s Note: Understanding the sweetness level for sparkling wines: Extra Brut has 0-6 gr/l, Brut has < 15gr, Extra Dry has 12-20 gr, and Dry (Sec) has 17-35 gr.
The Red Wines Tasted and Wine Notes
What a difference a few years make. Like the Proseccos, it was interesting to have the opportunity to taste and compare two wines from the same brand from different vintages.
The Second Masterclass
Exploring Italy Through The Glass: Tasting Unique Wines, Expressing the Richness and Biodiversity of Italian Indigenous Grape Varieties presented by Coldiretti
This Masterclass provided the opportunity to taste wines from various regions of Italy and to learn more about the diverse types of grapes used to create the wines.
The White Wines Tasted and Wine Notes
White Grape Varieties: Garganega, Falanghia, Albana, and Vermentino
Gianni Tessari, DOC Soave Classico Cru Tenda Scalete 2022
12.5% alcohol. This wine was from Veneto and won many international awards. Grown in limestone and organic soil. Made from 85% Garganega, 15% Trebbiano di Soave. Note: 2022 was hot and dry, producing a concentration of fruit that came through in the glass.
The Red Wines Tasted and Wine Notes
Red Grape Varieties: Nebbiolo Alba, Primitivo, Bovale, Cerasuolo (Nero d’Avola e Frappato
Milano Wine Week 2023 – Il Gattopardo Restaurant Luncheon Buffet
Crispy salad with seasonal radicchio, frisée, fennel, rainbow carrots, and radishes
Smoked burrata and fresh mozzarella
Vegetable caponata
Salumi and formaggi
Ravioli filled with eggplant in tomato sauce
Lasagna filled with veal, porcini ragout and for di latte
Grilled free-range chicken breast with fresh thyme
Sautéed spinach in extra virgin olive oil and garlic
Small seasonal tarts
Fresh fruit
With 16 wonderful wines tasted, it was interesting to later pair them with the food to see which would pair best. Once again, Italian wines reigned supreme during Milano Wine Week in New York City. It was an educational and thoroughly enjoyable day spent appreciating the art of Italian wine and food.
Until next time, saluti (cheers) and mangia bene (eat well)!
For more information on Milano Wine Week please visit their website: www.milanowineweek.com
Milano Wine Week Social Media
#MWM2023
Instagram: www.instagram.com/milanowineweekofficial
For more information on Masottina wines, please visit their website: https://www.masottina.it/en/collections/
For more information on Coldiretti, please visit their website: https://www.coldiretti.it/
For more information on Il Gattopardo, please visit their website: www.ilgattopardonyc.com
Il Gattopardo is open for Lunch, Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm, Dinner from Monday through Saturday from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm. They also have a Live Jazz Brunch Italiano on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am until 3:00 pm. Smart casual. Please refrain from sneakers, shorts, flip-flops, and sportswear.
Il Gattopardo
At the Rockefeller Townhouse
13-15 West 54th Street
New York, New York 10019
United States
Telephone: +1-212-246-0412
Email: contactus@ilgattopardonyc.com
Website: www.ilgattopardonyc.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilgattopardonyc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilgattopardonyc/
Follow Luxury Experience on YouTube: @edwardnesta9910 @luxurypair
Follow Luxury Experience on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuxuryExperience
Follow Luxury Experience on Twitter: www.twitter.com/luxurypair @luxurypair
Follow Luxury Experience on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/luxurypair @luxurypair
© October 2023. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com All rights reserved.
