Castello Banfi Wine Producer Dinner at Vivere Italian Village Chicago
We've written recently about Jared Gelband, the new wine director at Italian Village in Chicago, and his efforts to revitalize the historic cellar and wine program there. An element of the wine program is a series of wine dinners featuring storied wine producers. The inaugural wine dinner of the new era featured the American owned prolific Italian producer, Castello Banfi which translates to English Banfi Cellars.
Presenting the wines and representing Banfi was Lars Lecht, Director of Communications and wine ambassador, Castello Banfi (shown left).
Preparing the evening dinner were Executive Chef, James Giacometti and Sous Chef Kevin Lundy. Also in attendance to welcome guests and oversee operations was Italian Village third generation owner Gina Capitanini.
The dinner featured six courses, each paired with a Banfi wine selection - three red and three whites including a sparkling wine and a late harvest dessert wine.
First course - Cocomero -
Grilled Watermelon, sea salt flakes, cherry Heirloom tomato (grown on the urban rooftop garden atop the restaurant), baby frisee, black sesame seed vinagrette, fresh Buratta cheese and shaved radish.
The course wine accompaniment -
Castello Banfi Alta Langa Cuvée Aurora Rosé 2011
Produced from 100% Pinot Noir fruit sourced exclusively in Banfi Estate vineyards located on the Piedmontese hilltops in the provinces of Cuneo,
Asti and Alessandria.
Full bodied, darkish pink colour, silky smooth elegance with notes of toasted almond nut accented by smoke, apple, hints of citrus and whisper of vanilla.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2136742
RM 91 points.
The second course - Capesante -
Iron eared Diver Sea Scallop, eggplant caponata, toasted hazelnuts, citrus froth. This was so good, any wine would have been a nice accompaniment. The crisp clean Pinot Grigio was wonderful.
The wine accompaniment -
Castello Banfi Pinot Grigio San Angelo Toscana IGT 2013
Straw colored, light bodied, lively acidity, dry, subdued modest flavors of lemon citrus fruits, wet stone, and lychee.
RM 87 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1825424
Third course - Pasta
Housemade tomato flavored half moon shaped pasta filled with braised pork shoulder, hand dipped ricotta cheese, Parmesan-Reggiano, rooftop grown cherry tomatos, purple basil. The sweetness of the sauce was a perfect balance to the acidity of the brilliant red wine.
Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese 2013
100% Sangiovese - Banfi calls this their 'baby Brunello'. Ruby red colored, medium bodied, subdued black cherry fruits, bright acidity, tones of leather and tobacco leaf with nice silky tannins on the moderate finish.
RM 87 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1961894
Fourth Course - Anatra
Pan seared Maple Leaf Farms Duck breast, Bourbon honey glaze, carrot mango spears, parsnip pur'ee, rooftop grown greens, lemon, extra virgin oil.
Castello Banfi Belnero Toscana IGT 2012
This wine discovery, a blend of Italian and Bordeaux varietals was one of the highlights of the evening. Unique blend of 85% Sangiovese with moderate amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Deep intense dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, sweet black cherry fruits with tones vanilla, leather, tobacco leaf and hint of expresso turning to nicely balanced smooth soft tannins on the lingering finish.
RM 91 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2260446
Fifth course - Agnello
Roasted loin of lamb, raspberry truffle jus, heirloom carrot, charred baby turnips.
Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2010
100% Estate grown Sangiovese.
Deep intense dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, subdued black cherry fruits, tones of leather, tobacco, anise and hints of floral, spice and vanilla.
RM 90 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1770395
Sixth course - Dolci
Meyer lemon, toasted almond bread pudding, lemon honey sorbet. This dessert was delicious and was a perfect accompaniment to the sweet late harvest dessert wine below.
Castello Banfi Florus Late Harvest Moscadello 2011
Golden colored, medium bodied, bright vibrant bouquet and flavors of sweet apricot, honeysuckle, tones of raisins, almonds and honey on full lingering unctuous finish.
RM 91 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1840229
http://www.banfiwines.com/
http://italianvillage-chicago.com/
We've written recently about Jared Gelband, the new wine director at Italian Village in Chicago, and his efforts to revitalize the historic cellar and wine program there. An element of the wine program is a series of wine dinners featuring storied wine producers. The inaugural wine dinner of the new era featured the American owned prolific Italian producer, Castello Banfi which translates to English Banfi Cellars. |
| Wine Director Jared Gelband with Erin & Johnny Fort |
Preparing the evening dinner were Executive Chef, James Giacometti and Sous Chef Kevin Lundy. Also in attendance to welcome guests and oversee operations was Italian Village third generation owner Gina Capitanini.
First course - Cocomero -
Grilled Watermelon, sea salt flakes, cherry Heirloom tomato (grown on the urban rooftop garden atop the restaurant), baby frisee, black sesame seed vinagrette, fresh Buratta cheese and shaved radish.
The course wine accompaniment -
Castello Banfi Alta Langa Cuvée Aurora Rosé 2011
Produced from 100% Pinot Noir fruit sourced exclusively in Banfi Estate vineyards located on the Piedmontese hilltops in the provinces of Cuneo,
Asti and Alessandria.Full bodied, darkish pink colour, silky smooth elegance with notes of toasted almond nut accented by smoke, apple, hints of citrus and whisper of vanilla.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2136742
RM 91 points.
The second course - Capesante -Iron eared Diver Sea Scallop, eggplant caponata, toasted hazelnuts, citrus froth. This was so good, any wine would have been a nice accompaniment. The crisp clean Pinot Grigio was wonderful.
The wine accompaniment -
Castello Banfi Pinot Grigio San Angelo Toscana IGT 2013
Straw colored, light bodied, lively acidity, dry, subdued modest flavors of lemon citrus fruits, wet stone, and lychee.
RM 87 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1825424
Third course - Pasta
Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese 2013
100% Sangiovese - Banfi calls this their 'baby Brunello'. Ruby red colored, medium bodied, subdued black cherry fruits, bright acidity, tones of leather and tobacco leaf with nice silky tannins on the moderate finish.
RM 87 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1961894
Fourth Course - Anatra
Castello Banfi Belnero Toscana IGT 2012
This wine discovery, a blend of Italian and Bordeaux varietals was one of the highlights of the evening. Unique blend of 85% Sangiovese with moderate amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Deep intense dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, sweet black cherry fruits with tones vanilla, leather, tobacco leaf and hint of expresso turning to nicely balanced smooth soft tannins on the lingering finish.
RM 91 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2260446
Fifth course - Agnello
Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2010
100% Estate grown Sangiovese.
Deep intense dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, subdued black cherry fruits, tones of leather, tobacco, anise and hints of floral, spice and vanilla.
RM 90 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1770395
Sixth course - Dolci
Castello Banfi Florus Late Harvest Moscadello 2011
Golden colored, medium bodied, bright vibrant bouquet and flavors of sweet apricot, honeysuckle, tones of raisins, almonds and honey on full lingering unctuous finish.
RM 91 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1840229
http://www.banfiwines.com/
http://italianvillage-chicago.com/
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| Vivere dinner setting |
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| Sous Chef Kevin Lundy and Executive Chef, James Giacometti. |
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| Diners and blogger, Rick McNees and Linda |
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| Vivere Diver Sea Scallop |
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| Vivere Braised Pork cheese pasta |
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| Vivere Duck Breast |
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| Vivere Roasted Loin of Lamb |