EAT, drink and be merry

Last week, wine and food lovers in Bangalore got the opportunity to taste some top-rated Italian wines, cheeses and pasta in a specially arranged series of events organized by EAT (European Art of Taste), a programme supported by the European Union and Italian Government that aims to present and promote the best of food and wine from Europe, writes Ruma Singh.

The events included dinners, cocktails, lecture sessions, cookery demonstrations and tastings – all with a distinctively Italian flavour. Of particular interest to the members of the Bangalore Wine Club was the special wine tasting organized by EAT exclusively for them and members of the Wine Society of India at the Lalit Ashok on the afternoon of Saturday, 9th May, writes Ruma Singh.
After an informative lecture and discussion on Italian wines and wine regions led by Alok Chandra, members got the opportunity to taste six excellent wines, all from the Italian Isituto di Grandi Marchi (Institute of Fine Italian Wines, which boasts of such iconic members as Antinori and Pio Cesare). Two whites and four reds, all top quality, were set up at tasting tables around the room. Many members opted to start with the whites. The Mastroberardino Greco Di Tufo 2005 – smooth, with excellent structure and balance, (Wine Spectator rating – 88 points) found favour with many, while others opted to stay longer with the Michele Chiarlo Gavi DOG 2007 with its fresh, fruity notes of citrus.

Since there were four ‘biggie’ reds to taste, the guests moved on quickly, First to the Lungarottis from the Piedmont region. The Lungarotti Giubilante Rosso Del Umbria IGT 2004 (WS points -90) and the Rubesco Rosso di Torgiano DOC 2003 (WS points – 86) found many takers, while major approval was reserved for the two Michele Chiarlo reds.
The Barbera d’Asti Le Orme 2005, whose ripe fruit flavours were balanced with an elegance of style, opened up quickly and found favour with the tasters, while the Barolo DOCG 2003, with its complexity and long aftertaste was a major hit with most present. The pièce de résistance for many was the Masi Recioto de Valpolicella 2006 (WS points 88), a wonderfully smooth and nectar-like wine which upheld the promise of its famous name.
The Istituti, whose wines these were, unites families and brands which characterize Italian wine-making tradition – each one extremely innovative yet highly representative of the production of their region. The member wineries strongly adhere to tradition whilst constantly updating their style and production methods to meet the needs of the evolving markets. Both these aspects are important characteristics of Italian winemaking.
The tasting was followed by a light brunch, and the lingering flavours of the special wines of the afternoon made the event a special one for the wine lovers present.
The first EAT event in India was held in Mumbai in March 2009, followed by this one in Bangalore in May 2009. “In November-December 2009 Delhi may be next, and Bangalore/Mumbai may be repeated,” says Nina Saxena of Eloquenza, organizer of the events along with its Italian counterpart, A & Elle Associati.
That’s something for wine and food lovers to look forward to!
For wines available in India, view the Wines to Buy section.