The Mrs and I recently had a mini celebratory dinner at Vino Italian Tapas & Wine Bar this past weekend. The cause? I recently passed the 2nd level Certified Sommelier certification of the Court of Master Sommeliers 2 weeks ago.
As usual, Vino's resident Master Sommelier, Chuck Furuya (Chuck passed the rigorous Masters level exam in the late 80s with the likes of Nunzio Alioto, Larry Stone, Ronn Wiegand and Evan Goldstein) greeted us as we were seated and proceeded to embarass me for several minutes (heck, I'm not even half way to his level) on my meager accomplishment.
The Mrs started with her obligatory glass of Prosecco then we quickly proceeded to a red wine of Chuck's discretion. He choose a 1997 Correggia Roche D'Ampsei from Roero. Though Roero is known for its Arneis and any Nebbiolo based wine other than Barolo or Barbaresco from the Piedmont is usually an afterthought, this Correggia ruby gem rivaled any Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo D'Alba... in fact it rivaled most Barbarescos. We paired this with Vino's Gnocchis with Sugar Snap Peas and Roasted Mushrooms. Perfecto! It also paired nicely with Vino's Eggplant Napoleon with Chipotle and Sun Dried Tomato Puree and Balsamic Reduction. We proceeded to the Pizza Margherita and Penne with Homemade Italian Sausage and Basil. I also tried several 2 ounce "tasting" portions from Vino's Cruvinet though Palmina's Vermentino was the most memorable. Sad to say that it's usually only available at the winery (or if a certain Master Sommelier begs Steve Clifton for an allocation). Palmina's Vermentino would pair nicely with most seafood or white meats... I wish for an allocation (though I don't believe certain Certified Sommeliers rate an allocation). A voitre sante!
As usual, Vino's resident Master Sommelier, Chuck Furuya (Chuck passed the rigorous Masters level exam in the late 80s with the likes of Nunzio Alioto, Larry Stone, Ronn Wiegand and Evan Goldstein) greeted us as we were seated and proceeded to embarass me for several minutes (heck, I'm not even half way to his level) on my meager accomplishment.
The Mrs started with her obligatory glass of Prosecco then we quickly proceeded to a red wine of Chuck's discretion. He choose a 1997 Correggia Roche D'Ampsei from Roero. Though Roero is known for its Arneis and any Nebbiolo based wine other than Barolo or Barbaresco from the Piedmont is usually an afterthought, this Correggia ruby gem rivaled any Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo D'Alba... in fact it rivaled most Barbarescos. We paired this with Vino's Gnocchis with Sugar Snap Peas and Roasted Mushrooms. Perfecto! It also paired nicely with Vino's Eggplant Napoleon with Chipotle and Sun Dried Tomato Puree and Balsamic Reduction. We proceeded to the Pizza Margherita and Penne with Homemade Italian Sausage and Basil. I also tried several 2 ounce "tasting" portions from Vino's Cruvinet though Palmina's Vermentino was the most memorable. Sad to say that it's usually only available at the winery (or if a certain Master Sommelier begs Steve Clifton for an allocation). Palmina's Vermentino would pair nicely with most seafood or white meats... I wish for an allocation (though I don't believe certain Certified Sommeliers rate an allocation). A voitre sante!
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