WILD BOAR SPAGHETTI CARBONARA  with Reassi Terre d’Argilla Manzoni Bianco Colli Euganie DOC, Italia

I chose this wine for a couple of reasons. Firstly Carbonara is a very rich dish that requires a wine with a high level of acidity to cut through the fat. Secondly, I find that the pepper in the dish means that a wine that has a generous fruit quality will often show better than a super lean wine. This wine accomplishes all of those things. Manzoni Bianco is a cross between Riesling and either Chardonnay or Pinot Bianco ( the scientists are still debating this). It gives beautiful mineralogy, generous fruit and fresh acidity. It is considered to be one of the most promising white grape varieties in the Veneto region. Expect flavours of golden apple, pear and white blossom. On a fun side note I also chose this wine because of where it comes from! The estate where this wines made is just outside the village of Carbonara! The locals of Carbonara will tell you that Carbonara is not a Roman dish and that it was invented in this region of the Veneto! Not sure who is right but it is a fun connection.
Hand harvested and made from organic grapes. Terre d’Argilla refers to the unique and highly regarded clay soils on which the grapes for this wine are grown.

MIXED TUSCAN SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS AND BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE with CàMaiol Chiaretto Rosato Valtenessi DOP, Italia
Among the diverse Italian rosé wines, the Garda Chiaretto is prized for its fragrance and its delicate perfume. It is declared in literature as a “one night wine” from the moment in which the vinification of the four grapes (Gardesana grapes related to the D.O.P. Garda Classic - Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera), occurs with a brief contact between the must and the skins lasting only one night. 

This wine has a refreshing acidity that will hold up to the vinegar elements of the dressing and just the slightest hint of sweetness to match with the candied walnuts. This rose is a medium weight wine that pairs so well with a wide range of foods. Expect flavours of almond and strawberry with a touch of floral. 


BISTECCA ALLA FIORENTINA with Fabio Motta Pievi Bolgheri Rosso DOC, Italia
This wine is a blend of Merlot 50% - Cabernet Sauvignon 25% - Sangiovese 25% grown in the vineyards of Bolgheri, Tuscany. Fabio Motta is the winemaker for the famous winery Michele Satta and this wine comes from his own personal project. All of the grapes are grown organically and every vineyard process is completed by hand. This is only Fabio’s second vintage of this wine and it is garnering a lot of praise and attention from the press and public.  Expect flavours of plum, red cherry, cassis, cigar box, violets and a touch of oak spice. Everything is superbly balanced in this wine. Fine-grained tannins will pair beautifully with the bistecca and the balanced acidity will lead to a refreshed palate, ready for the next bite. 

CHOCOLATE AMARETTO CAKE AND STRAWBERRY PANNA COTTA with Innocent Bystander Moscato Yarra Valley, Australia
 From their website:
“The wine that launched a thousand moscato ships. Yeah, someone actually said that. It has also been referred to as angel tears. Naturally sweet, naturally bubbly, naturally delish and just a bit of fun.”

Innocent Bystander is an outstanding Yarra Valley producer that makes award winning Chards, Pinot Noir and Syrah. They also make a great little moscato that helps to pay the bills and fund the more serious wines! Expect flavours of strawberry, watermelon, candy floss, musk, blackcurrant, Turkish delight and mandarin peel. 

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