Monday evening, I had the pleasure of being invited to a press event hosted by Casa Vinicola Zonin, Italy’s largest privately-owned wine producer with 11 wine estates in seven regions and a total of over 10,000 acres. The exclusive event was held at the modern-chic Astor Culinary Center in Manhattan.

Prosciutto and Melon

The evening was also hosted by SD26, one of New York’s most prestigious restaurants and Delverde (see full review), a boutique pasta company from Italy.

Award-winning Tenuta Ca’Bolani Estate wines of the Friuli region were featured along delicious dishes prepared by Chef Matteo Bergamini of SD26 restaurant. The menu and pairings were:

White asparagus with Poached Egg

Amuse: Prosciutto and melon. Pairing: Prosecco 1821 Cuvée Zonin

Antipasto: White asparagus with poached egg and nepitella mint. Pairing: 2012 Pinot Grigio Superiore.

Risotto: Carnaroli risotto with periwinkles, EVOO and lemon. Pairing: 2011 Sauvignon Aquilis.

Pasta: Pappardelle Delverde with wild boat ragu and toasted pine nuts. Pairing: 2011 Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso.

Entrée: Roasted quail with black figs and watercress pe

Risotto with Periwinkles

sto. Pairing: 2007 Refosco Alturio.

Pappardelle with Wild Boat Ragu

Dessert: Grappa Nonino apple Tortino. Pairing: Brachetto DOC Piemonte, Castello del Poggio.

I buy the Prosecco periodically to serve at my dinner parties and really think it’s a smart choice, especially at $13 a bottle. While I enjoyed each food and wine pairing, the white asparagus and Pinot Grigio and the quail with the 2007 Refosco Alturio were outstanding. Who knew I could enjoy Pinot Grigio as much as I did Zonin’s? I’ll be looking for the apple-scented Brachetto as I thought it was stellar.

Roasted Quail with Black Figs

Tortino

It was an amazing event with wine and food highlighting the authentic flavors of Italy. To learn about Casa Vinicola Zonin, visit: www.zoninusa.com

Cheers,

Veronique