Friuli v. SA: a Feast at the Taj

The first shots in the terroir wars were fired on the Simonsberg in September when the Helderberg and Simonsberg clashed at Muratie at the first Checker’s Battle of die Berge. Last week, the seven wards of Robertson duked it out at De Wetshof with Chardonnay their chosen weapons. Now almost 100 years since Europe went up in the flames of the First World War, Friuli has challenged SA to a titanic tourney of terroir.

IMG_1506

Four families from Friuli led by new wave chef Water Dri and including Giorgio and George Dalla Cia (below) from Dalla Cia Wines and Spirits in Stellenbosch, Michela Sfiligoi and Attilio Dalpiaz of Ayama wines on the Paardeberg and Alberto and Roberto Bottega of Idiom wines on Sir Lowry’s Pass and distributors of Vinotria.co.za imported Italian wines have put together a Friuli Feast at the Taj Hotel.

IMG_1497

The menu says it all:

Aperitivo – Cicchetti

Antipasto

‘CJALSONS’ – home-made Friulian ravioli filled with spinach, sultanas & mint

FRIULI SAUVIGNON v DALLA CIA and AYAMA SAUVIGNON BLANC

*** Secondo – Main Course ***

Agnello alla Toscana – Karoo Lamb done Tuscan style

FRESCOBALDI /MONDAVI LUCE SUPERTUSCAN v DALLA CIA TEANO

Dolce – Dessert

Selection of home made regional Italian Desserts

BADIA A COLTIBUONO VIN SANTO v IDIOM SWEET WINE

Caffe e Grappa

Espresso with polenta biscuits, and

C

DALLA CIA 10 year old GRAPPA with Tuscan style chocolates

IMG_1572

This is a unique opportunity to try regional Italian specialities made with local SA ingredients; to compare top Italian wines with their Cape counterparts and to discover famous white Friulian grape varietals you’ve never heard of. The hedonistic highlight is the super premium Super Tuscan shoot out between FRESCOBALDI/MONDAVI LUCE and DALLA CIA TEANO.

IMG_1971

Five courses paired with two wines per course necessitates either a) a designated driver; b) a limousine or c) booking a room at the hotel at an attractive rate. The cost of the affair is R590 pp, a heck of a lot cheaper than Lufthansa to Udine. To book a ticket contact Larissa Rossouw on 021 – 819 2050 or email [email protected]

See you on Wednesday!