Who is this course aimed at?
Our Italian Wine and Food Matching Workshops are aimed at those wishing to discover more about the gastronomic and vinous delights of this passionate country. The course requires no prior knowledge, but a passion per la Dolce Vita is essential!
Our Goal
Italian wines are often feared and misunderstood due to its intrinsic grape varieties that are rarely seen elsewhere in the world. We will guide you, grape-by-grape, region-by-region, through this amazing culinary landscape with a selection of dishes and wines that will delight your taste-buds. Don’t worry if you don’t know your Barbera from your Barbaresco: by the end of the day you will be speaking fluent Italian –buon appetito!
Course Content
Our Italian Wine and Food Matching Workshop is a gastronomic tour from the southern heel to the mountainous north. La cucina italiana is a melting pot of influences: dishes vary from season to season, between regions and villages, with recipes handed down through generations.
Italy is one of the oldest as well as largest producers of wine in the world, with huge regional variation to match its cuisine. In this one-day workshop we will guide you through some old favourites such as Soave, Chianti and Barolo and will also introduce you to some exciting new wines that are emerging (mainly) from the deepest, darkest south. We will show you how the introduction of modern winemaking techniques has taken Italy’s once hit-and-miss wines to another level. We will showcase all Italy’s main wine zones and each wine will be explained with reference to history, grapes, climate, wine-making methods. We will discuss the fundamentals of food and wine matching in depth and will demonstrate why Italian wines are amongst the greatest food wines in the world.
The following topics will be covered during the course of the day.
- Overview and history of Italian wine
- Key grape varieties and ageing potential
- Geography, climate and regions of Italy
- Viticulture and winemaking practices
- Wine classification system
- Wine and food matching
- The traditional Italian meal
- New trends and regions to watch
Syllabus/Agenda
- Student introductions and summary of day's activities
- Overview of the history of wine in Italy (prosecco as an aperitif)
- First course – focus on Northeast Italy (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Guilia, Trentino-Alto Adige)2 wines
- Second course – focus on Central Italy (Tuscany, Lazio, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzi) 2 wines
- Third course – focus on Southern Italy (Sardinia, Campania, Puglia, Calabria, Sicily, Basilicata)2 wines
- Fourth course – focus on Northwest and North Cental Italy (Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna) 2 wines
- Fifth course – focus on Central Italy, 1 wine
- Question Time
Time(s)
11am - 4pm
Equipment
Your tasting glasses will be provided. Please bring a pen and paper.
Dinner/Lunch
Sample Menu
NV Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Ca’Rosa, Veneto
Risotto alla boscaiola –with porcini mushrooms, prosciutto and parmesan.
2007 Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Mormoraia, A Passoni, Tuscany
2007 Soave Classico, Vigneto du Lot, Inama, Veneto
***
Agnello Scottadito – grilled lamb marinated in garlic and rosemary served with salad leaves.
2005 Chainti Classico, Castello della Paneretta, Tuscany
2003 Brunello di Montalcino, Gianni Brunelli, Tuscany
***
Melanzane alla Parmigiana – baked aubergine with mozzerella, tomato and parmesan served with fresh tomato and basil sala.
2007 Greco di Tufo, Vesevo,Campania
2007 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Coste del Molino, Marche
***
Gorgonzola and Toma with fresh bread and fruit
2004 Barolo, Bricco Rocche, Brunate, Ceretto, Piemonte
2004 Amarone della Valpolicella, Classico, Allegrini, Veneto
***
Cantucci biscotti
2007 Moscato d’Asti, Nivole, Michele Chiarlo, Piemonte – 37.5cl
Other Information
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers can be purchased over the phone or online, either for a specific course date or as an open voucher. These can be used towards any of our workshops.
Testimonials
Click here to read what previous students have said about this course.
Timetable
How to Book
You can book online or alternatively please return our booking form via email or fax 0845 5551100, along with your payment. We accept Visa, Switch or MasterCard. We aim to acknowledge receipt of your booking via email, as soon as possible, but no later than within 3 working days.
Venues