On May 12th, a grand celebration of the best wine varietals from across the Italian peninsula took place at Valentino restaurant in Santa Monica.
The fifth annual edition of Vino California, the leading showcase of its kind on the West Coast, was organized by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West (IACCW), a private non-profit organization whose mission is to create economic and trade relations between Italy and the Western United States.
The finest buffet of pastas, appetizers, fried foods, and meats, prepared by the restaurant’s executive chef and his amazing team, was masterly paired with about 130 wine varieties to satisfy even the most sophisticated palates.
Vino California’s dual nature makes it a trade-targeting event during the day, and a consumers’ feast in the evening. During the daytime portion of the event only invited press and trade representatives gain access to the Grand Tasting, with the purpose of discovering new wines and establishing new business relations.
In the evening, Vino California unrolls the red carpet to the wine savvy LA consumer crowd.
In order to cautiously enjoying the evening, it was impossible to taste every single wine, but the guests had the opportunity to choose their own itinerary across the Italian regional productions, displayed by over 50 participating wineries. Personally, I particularly appreciated the wine selections brought to the United States by the Masùt Da Rive winery, a long-standing establishment from Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, where the Gallo family carries on this genuine tradition from one generation to the next since the early 20th century.
Talking to the attending vendors, very interesting details and facts regarding the art of pairing were also explained: white wines’ fresh and light taste is perfect to accompany appetizers or fish, sushi and cold cuts, and their sparkling version is extremely popular in the U.S.; while red wines with well-balanced fruity notes, like the Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, are usually matched with tomato sauces and red meats.
With summer just around the corner, the excellent offer of Italian native varietals presented by Vino California would surely turn any barbecue, in company with family and friends, into a very unique and memorable one.
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