Join us for a five-course dinner on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 5:30pm from Guest Chef Erik Farr & Ambrosia’s Chef Even Potoker have created a menu inspired by the flavors of wines from Sardinia and Sicily.
Todd Bacon, the Italian wine-buying manager for Republic National Distributing Company, aka “The Italian Wine Maestro”, will be our host. Todd travels to Italy several times a year to meet with winemakers and is one of the most knowledgeable Italian wine experts in the Pacific Northwest. He and his team, Melissa Gray and Andria La Croix will speak about each wine and answer questions.
A little about Sicily and Sardegna from the Wine Enthusiast:
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia both experience an arid, Mediterranean climate. High-altitude vineyards located on both islands are the preferred viticultural sites due to their large diurnal swings, which allow for acid retention and increased freshness. For many years, Sicily's reputation was built on the fortified wine Marsala. But recently, Sicily has gained recognition for its quality table wines. The region’s red wines are quite successful, with notable elegance, sweet tannins and impressive balance. Sicily’s only DOCG, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, is a blend based on the island’s most planted grape, Nero d’Avola, and the grapey Frappato. A strong Spanish influence is evident in Sardinia’s wines — Cannonau (Grenache) and Carignano (Carignan) both have Spanish roots. The white Vermentino, which is also thought to be of Spanish origin, is the main variety in the Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, creating seafood-friendly wines with orchard and citrus fruit aromas and an underlying richness.
SARDINIA & SICILY WINE DINNER
Monday, May 22, 2023
WELCOME
Prosecco La Marca N.V., Veneto
CORSO I
Grilled Octopus over Israeli Couscous
Charred fennel and mint
2019 Sella & Mosca Vermentino Monteoro Di Gallura Superiore DOCG Sardinia
CORSO II
Wild Mushroom Stuffed Arancini
Asparagus pesto
Tenuta Regaleali Leone, White blend, Sicily IGT 2020
CORSO III
Fava Bean Puree with Roast Duck Breast
Italian sweet and sour sauce, crisp pancetta, candied hazelnuts
Nero D'avola, Lamuri Tenuta Regaleali Sicily DOC 2018
Planeta, Dorilli Cerasuolo di Vittoria classico Sicily, DOCG 2017
CORSO IV
Calabrian Spicy Pork Sausage Ravioli
Creamy veal sauce, radicchio Parmesan salad
Tenuta Regaleali Rosso del Conte, San Lucio, Sicilia, 2017
CORSO V
Strati di Sapori "Layers of flavors" Panna Cotta
Layers of mocha, pistachio, and Bordeaux cherry
Wine Dinner Team
Culinary Team: Guest Chef Erik Farr & Ambrosia Chef Evan Potoker
Wine Representatives: Todd Bacon, Melissa Gray, and Andria La Croix
Service Team: Nick Kennedy, Sicily Neuschwander, and Chloe Lovik
General Manager: Jonathan Rynicki
Owner & Sommelier: Armen Kevrekian