MAY GUILD EVENT

This evening will bring yet another Sommelier Guild event, this one a celebration of the wines of Italy. Italian Stallions, the invitation calls ’em, and I am hoping that appellation refers to the heartiness of the selections we’ll be drinking and not any possible resemblance to Horse-Piss. We will be dining and drinking at La Grotta in Buckhead, a place with pleasant associations for both me and She Who Must Be Obeyed.

Based on the evening’s menu (thirteen different wines! six dishes!), I will be eating and drinking way, way too much. Is that bad? You decide:

Reception
2012 Abbazia di Novacella Stiftkellerei Neustift Kerner***
Prosciutto di Parma, fresh melon, mint, aged balsamic glàce, salmon tartare in pastry cups

First Flight
2011 Vestini Campagnano Pallagrello Bianco
2010 I Pentri Castelvenere Falanghina Flora
Seared calamari, basil pesto, EVOO

Second Flight
1999 Dalla Valle Pietre Rosse Sangiovese
2009 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva**
Beef short rib-stuffed tortellacci, red wine brodo

Third Flight
2010 Passopisciaro Rosso Nerello Mascalese**
2008 Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino**
Tortelloni stuffed with braised onions, cooked prosciutto, fresh thyme and mascarpone cheese with fresh oregano tomato sauce

Fourth Flight
2010 Paitin Serra Barbaresco***
2010 Paitin Sori Paitin Barbaresco***
2009 Produttori del Barbaresco***
Risotto, wild mushrooms, Parmesan,white truffle oil

Fifth Flight
2007 Castello del Terriccio Tassinaia
2009 Tolaini Valdisanti***
2010 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo**
4-ounce filet mignon with Gorgonzola cheese in a Barolo and Pommery mustard sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables

Lagniappe
1997 Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico**
2009 Rosso di Montalcino Le Ragnaie
2010 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon**
2007 Punset Barbaresco
2004 Lamborghini Campoleone

Update:
Leave the gun. Take the cannoli. And don’t forget the vino rosso.

A fine collection of foodstuffs set off by a very agreeable palette of wines... enjoyed al fresco thanks to the weather having been cooperative. I’d call this Guild Event a success.