Summer Wine Tasting & Food Pairing Event | Thurs Jun 22 - SOLD OUT

About this experience

The next instalment of our Italian wine and food pairing series is all about Italian varietals that are perfect for the summer season. 

The wines we've selected for this evening's event come from all over Italy - from a the deep south of Campania to the furthermost northern tip of Alto Adige - and range in styles from light and bubbly to full-bodied and tannic. But they all have one thing in common: they pair perfectly with summer fare like grilled meats, finger foods and seasonal vegetables.

Tonight's event will be cohosted with sommelier Eric Genarro and 30.50 Wines founder Nelson Abreu. 

ABOUT 30.50 WINES 

30.50 is a boutique Toronto-based agency focused on the classic wine regions found between the 30th and 50th parallels - traditionally thought of as the "sweet spot" for the world's best wine growing regions. 

30.50 imports wines from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Lebanon, Austria, Argentina & California, with a particular emphasis on independent, sustainable producers who best represent their respective cultures and terrors.  

WINES AND FOOD PARINGS WE’LL BE TASTING 

1. Belstar Prosecco Brut

Produced by Bisol 1542, who has been producing wine in Valdobbiadene, Veneto, for over five centuries. Belstar Prosecco Brut is dry, medium bodied and fruit-forward, with notes of lemon citrus curd, bosc pear and melon, with a long, fresh finish that pairs perfectly with fried dishes like the one we're serving this evening. 

Food Pairing: Frittelle zucchine e menta with aioli sauce

2. 2022 Lila Irpinia Falanghina, Tenuta Cavalier Pepe  

A tropical, balanced wine from the Benevento province of Campania in South Italy. The yellow-skinned Falinghina grape is perfectly suited for the warm mediterranean climate and porous volcanic soils around Mount Vesuvius. Tart, citrusy, and floral, with minerality and bitter almond on the finish. 

Food pairings: Pizza bianca di mare (tuna, anchovies, capers); (vegetarian option) pizza bianca vegetariana. 

3. 2022 Greco di Tufo, Tenuta Cavalier Pepe  

The name of this varietal refers to its Greek origins (Greco) and the town of Tufo (which also means "tuff", referring to a type of rock formed from the volcanic ash of Vesuvius. The vines of Greco di Tufo are cultivated at higher altitudes, allowing the grapes to enjoy plenty of sunshine without overheating or losing much acidity. Intense yellow and gold in the glass, with notes of ripe peach, apple and citrus. Rich and juicy with perfectly balanced acidity, minerality and a long persistent finish.

Food pairing: Insalata di couscous - Couscous salad with grilled shrimp 

4. 2021 Peter Zemmer Schiava

A dry, medium-bodied and fresh, low in tannins and alcohol, and similar in style to Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, Schiava Alto Adige is a northern Italian wine whose name connotes its “Slavic” origins.  Tasting notes: Refreshing red fruit, tart berries, bright acidity and earth tones; silky texture; long finish. 

Food Pairing: Pizza bianca con prosciutto, funghi artichokes

5. 2019 Montefalco Rosso, Arnaldo Caprai 

A bold, structured red from Montefalco, a celebrated winegrowing area of Umbria in central Italy. A signature wine of the region, Montefalco Rosso is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Sagrantino grapes. Tasting notes: dry, full-bodied, tart, ripe berry notes, refreshing acidity; firm but nicely integrated tannins.

Food pairing:Grilled sausage with broccolini

FAQs

IS THIS A DINNER EVENT?

The food parings we serve to accompany the wines are moderate in size, so you can consider it a 5-part, tapas style meal served over approximately 2 hours.

CAN I BUY WINE?

Want an extra glass of wine during the evening? Yes we sell by the glass or bottle
Want to purchase something to take home? Yes that can be arranged as well.

TERMS & CONDITIONS 

• No refunds after purchase
• Exchanges (one per ticket) permitted up to 5 days prior to the event.
• Tickets to Cucinato events are transferable - you can give them to someone else if you can’t attend (but please notify Cucinato in advance!)
• We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs – please contact us before booking