A couple of weeks ago—right at the tail end of the time when I was thinking, dreaming and stressing about one word: Vinitaly—I received an email from my colleague and friend, Susannah Gold, who so kindly offered me an invitation to a private dinner and wine tasting that would be hosted by a number of Italian wine producers from the Consorzio Tutela Vino Morellino di Scansano.
Never one to leave a friend hanging (or to turn down an Italian meal), I immediately responded yes to the Tuesday night outing.
To be honest, I had no idea what to expect that night. Would it be a formal event? Would I have anything in common with the producers? Would I find street parking for once in my life and not have to pay for a garage?
When I finally arrived at Pepolino on West Broadway after taking an unintended loop around the neighborhood…on foot…in high-heel boots…(don’t ask), I was greeted by one of my EatItalian partners-in-crime, the always energetic and impeccably dressed Gennaro Pecchia.
(Sidenote: Gennaro is one-third of the group, Men Who Dine. However, when I’m around, the group momentarily transforms into Three Men and a Lady.)
As we walked into the restaurant, I had an instant feeling of warmth—the décor, the aromas, the people, the energy. Within minutes, I made my way around the room and chatted with the producers about their wines, Rome (my favorite city in the world next to New York, so I always have to bring it up in conversation when I’m talking to someone from Italy), and the secrets of making homemade tomato sauce (I was strongly advised to toss the garlic after sautéing it).
Before I knew it, we took our seats and started the eating and sipping portion of the evening. It was then that I learned that the Consorzio was created in 1992 to regulate and protect production and to educate producers and consumers of Morellino di Scansano. In fact, the Consorzio currently represents 66% of the total production of Morellino di Scansano. Interesting stuff…
Given a choice of appetizers, I went with the mushrooms in black truffle oil (To. Die. For!) where we were then invited to drink the Morellino di Scansano Tore del Moro Riserva DOCG 2007. And I have to say, I absolutely loved it…and this is coming from someone who doesn’t particularly like red wine. Made from 100% Sangiovese, it has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 14% and offered a soft, lightly-fruity and herb-flavored taste that just effortlessly slid down my throat. (Sidenote #2: If you refer to my previous blog, “Puro by the Poolside,” you’ll see that I do not have the ability to use the proper wine words, like tannins, in my columns.)
And even better than the taste, I didn’t receive my “red wine headache” later that evening—that’s a double-thumbs up in my book.
The courses and the wines continued, but I was more than satisfied with my mushroom and Toro del Moro combination. Feeling very full—yet very happy—I passed on the dessert and just opted for an espresso. (Last sidenote: I refrained from ordering a cappuccino, as I was told a few months ago that I am not “allowed” to enjoy a cappuccino after dinner.)
As Gennaro and I said goodnight and thank you to our generous hosts, and especially Susannah for making the night possible, I couldn’t help but realize how fortunate I am to meet such extraordinary people while dining on fabulous food and sipping fine wine (and, for that night only, finding street parking).
Hey, anything for a friend…
