Annual Tre Bicchieri Italian Wine Dinner at Maximo's Italian Grill

Celebrate the best of Italy with an Italian wine dinner featuring the highest award winning wines of the Gambero Rosso Vini d'Italia, internationally regarded as the foremost the authority on Italian wine.  Published annually, Gambero Rosso reviewed more than 20,000 wines for the 2011 edition with only 402 receiving the highly coveted "Tre Bicchieri" or 3 glass award. It is the most prestigious honor that can be bestowed upon an Italian wine, a symbol that has come to represent superior quality and current trends which influences fine Italian wine consumption across the globe.
 

Each year Swirl Wines holds a dinner at an Italian restaurant, one that demonstrates the same commitment to excellence, and chooses five Tre Bicchieri award winners to match with their cuisine. We are excited to hold this year's dinner at Maximo's Italian Grill with chef Thomas Wood's specially designed pairing menu that will feature six tasting courses with five wines representing five different regions of Italy. Antonio Molesini, Italian Wine Specialist from Republic National Beverage, and a native of Tuscany, will join us in hosting the event.

Date:

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Time:
6:30pm Cocktails (cash bar), 7:00pm Dinner

Cost:
$110 per person, tax and tip included (prepayment is required with reservation)

Where:
Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur Street

Reservations:
504.304.0635


Tonight's Menu

2008 Castello della Sala Cervaro, Chardonnay and Greccheto, Umbria
~Chili Glazed Scallops~

Diver scallops drizzled, sweet and spicy chili glaze served over a 

sauté of green pear and baby spinach


2001 Travagini Gattinara Riserva, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
~Wild Mushroom Bruschetta~

 Baby portabella, shitake, and oyster mushroom served on top of a crisp crostini


2005 Poliziano Asinone Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Toscano

~Pan Roasted Maple Leaf Duck Breast~

Carrot confit, grilled polenta and fresh buffalo mozzarella, finished with a Spring cherry demi-glace


2005 Tormaresca Maime, Negroamaro, Puglia 

~Grilled Domestic Lamb Loin Chop~

Baby red potato gratin and fresh local radish sprouts, finished with a blackberry truffle sauce


2006 Planeta Santa Cecilia, Nero d'Avola, Sicilia~Wild Boar and House Smoked Provolone Ravioli~

Fresh Pomodoro basil butter sauce


Limoncello

~Dessert of fresh, local ingredients, chef's choice~

Wine of the Moment, 2007 Antigal Uno Malbec

I have to admit that the first thing that you notice about the Antigal Uno Malbec is the packaging. These guys have put some serious effort into catching your eye with the metal "1" on the front of the bottle, sleek shape and coppery graphics. But the great thing about it is that the juice that's inside matches the quality of the packaging and you and your friends will be very impressed by both!

The Antigal Winery is located in Mendoza, more specifically in the famed Uco Valley of Tupungato. The Malbec grapes for the UNO come from their vineyards that sit at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level where they have everything they need to produce perfect grapes. The calcarious soils in the foothills of the Andes combined with very hot days with very cool nights, gives the grapes the ability to ripen slowly with a high concentration of flavors and aromas.

Made with high quality, hand picked, estate grown fruit, the Antigal Uno is aged 8 months in a combination of French and American oak. Luscious black and red berry fruit is brightened by natural acidity and supported by firm but ripe tannins. The silky palate has tobacco, cocoa and vanilla-spice notes with a decent finish. I haven't found anything in this price point that can beat it, but I'm open to suggestions!

$16.99