Wine & Dine – Italian new arrivals

15 May 2012, Singapore – Surrounded by the more famous wine-growing regions of Central Italy, Lazio is much lesser known compared to its neighbours Tuscany, Umbria and Abruzzo. White varietals of Malvasia and Trebbiano never travelled far as they were everyday wines produced mainly for the locals in Rome. Its greatest claim to fame to this point has been Orvieto, crafted from Trebbiano grapes, quite similar to the more familiar Pinot Grigio.

More recently, wineries in Lazio are now opening its doors to Asia with more international varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot grapes. Most of these wines are food-friendly, and reasonable in price. One such winery is Paolo E Noemia D’Amico. It was not until Paolo D’Amico met his wife Noemia, who shared the same passion for wines that he decided to build a winery to realise his childhood dream.

The winery is located at Vaiano valley, with steep hillslopes, some with altitudes of 450m ideal for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot grapes. The wines are mostly single varietal and manually harvested. For many years, the wines were made just for friends, however with the production of 200,000 bottles today, the wines are exported to Europe and now Asia.

No amount of terroir or technology will yield great wine without humans being in control. Both Paolo and his wife Noemia are very much involved in the winemaking process to ensure the consistency, quality and an individual style.

I was glad to be invited to taste some of his wines and flawless pairing. Overall, the wines selected seemed to have draped themselves elegantly around the flavours in the food, making the matching with all its elements mesh smoothly.  The wines are reasonably priced from S$45 upwards.

Garibaldi is offering a Wish Dish Menu Degustazione till 30 May 2012.

WISH DISH MENU DEGUSTAZIONE

(30% of the proceeds are donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Promotion ends 30 May 2012.)

Asparagi Bianchi Gratinati, Fonduta e Fondo di Vitello

White Asparagus Gratin with ‘Fondue’ & Veal Jus

Calanchi Di Vaiano, 2010, IGT
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
Tasting/Pairing notes: Pale-straw in color, on the palate crisp, refreshing grapefruit, faint grass and lemon flavors. A perfect balance of the exuberance of youth and good acidity helps to perk up the asparagus

Capesante, Cipollotti Brasati ed Emulsione al Tartufo

Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallop with Braised Spring Onion & Truffle Emulsion

Falesia, 2009, IGT
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
Tasting/Pairing notes: Hues of gold, beautiful floral aromas, good acidity, subtle flavours with hints of hay, green apple fruits. An oaked chardonnay which is slightly more flavourful than the earlier piece added depth to the wine and worked well with the creamy flavours

Zuppetta di Porri, Patate e Crostoni di Pane al Rosmarino

Potato & Leek Soup with Rosemary Bread Crouton

Notturno Dei Calanchi, 2006, IGT
Grapes: 100% Pinot Nero
Tasting/Pairing notes: Bright fruit character, a bit raw in texture, and dry finish. Great choice as this is a dish with clean flavours puts focus on the wine.

Tortelli d’Aragosta, Crema di Piselli e Tartufo

Homemade Lobster ‘Tortelli’ with Green Peas Sauce & Truffle

Villa Tirrena, 2008, IGT
Grapes: 100% Merlot
Tasting/Pairing Notes: Well-balanced, focused and vibrant, rasberries, plums and velvety tannins.

Quaglia Farcita, Fegato Grasso, Albicocche e Zucca

Stuffed Free Range Quail with Goose Liver, Apricot & Pumpkin Puree’

Villa Tirrena, 2003, IGT
Grapes: 100% Merlot
Tasting/Pairing notes: Medium, rather than structured, ripe red berry flavours,  strives elegance. This is a dish with strong affinity for ripe reds, but the choice of this wine lacks the richness that would otherwise help to balance the sweetness

Zabaione al Marsala, Frutti di Bosco e Gelato al Pistacchio

Mix Berries with ‘Marsala’ Wine Zabaion & Pistachio Ice Cream

Il Servizio del Caffe’

Coffee or Tea

S$158

All Prices Subject to 10% Service Charge and Prevailing Government Tax.

Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar is located at  36 Purvis Street #01-02, Singapore 18861. Call +656837 1468 or email  garibaldi@garibaldi.com.sg for reservations.

For wine orders, contact Angra Wine & Spirit Importers Pte Ltd, 7 Circular Road, Singapore 049363 at + 6532 7783 or email mercy@angra.com.sg

This article is a Guest Contribution from Stephanie Yeo. With wine flowing in her veins, Stephanie Yeo’s fascination with grapes stem from wine- tastings and wine-inspired travels to Austria, Australia, Italy, Spain and South Africa.

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