Our first wine seminar of the "In Vino Veritas" series at the Italian Cultural Centre was a great success.  We spent the night with some great people, engaged in fun and interactive discussions on, of course, the wonderful wines from central Italy.

The new museum at The Italian Cultural Centre was a fantastic venue and the service from the ICCS was, as always, outstanding for our sold-out seminar.

The seminar provided an easy, comfortable forum for attendants to ask questions, with open question periods and feedback from many of the participants. We not only discussed the remarkable wines of central Italy, such as core grape varietal, historical notes, blend and modern wine making method. We also opened the floor to discussion on the different Denominations of Origin, wine vintage tips, international grape blends and more.

We tasted some terrific wines that are regularly available in many liquor outlets.  Everyone was in agreement that the wines from Central Italy offer some excellent value.

From the Marche region, we tasted Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi D.O.C and Sangiovese Rutilus I.G.T from Fazi Battaglia. This wine producer introduced the great wines of Marche to the world; you probably know them for their Amphora style bottle.

From Umbria, we tasted Rubesco D.O.C from Lungarotti, a wine that sometimes doesn't get the recognition it deserves, a great Sangiovese base with unique and outstanding flavours.

From Latium we tasted Velletri Rosso Riserva D.O.C from Co.Pro.Vi, a true gem of the lazio region that incorporates the easy drinking style of Latium with wine making technologies to impress the discriminating wine lover.

From Abruzzi we tasted Colle Secco Montepulciano D'Abruzzo D.O.C from Cantine Tollo, an outstanding 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, with great value that everyone should try.

From Tuscany we tasted a very approachable Chianti D.O.C.G "Castiglioni" from Marchesi di Frescobaldi, a wine producer that doesn't need an introduction. A household name for many they are always known for their quality products.

Last but not least, from the small region of Molise we tasted Cabernet Sauvignon I.G.T from Majo Norante; a surprisingly delightful wine from this not very well known region once again demonstrates that Italy can work with international varietal and create interesting and intriguing wines.

Overall the evening was a great success. I'd like to thank Giulio Recchioni, assistant director of the Italian Cultural Centre for helping co-ordinate the event and Luciano Loi, an old friend of mine, for his help keeping all the glasses full and answering some of the questions from our guests.

Remember, June 18, 2009 we will discover the wines of the South and the Islands of Italy and I am predicting another smashing success.  We will taste wines from Sicily, Puglia, Sardegna, Campania and more. Reservations are already rolling in and I suggest you book your space early to avoid disappointment as this promises to be another sell-out.

Call The Italian Cultural Centre to reserve your spot at 604-430-3337.

See you soon
Giorgio

IN VINO VERITAS

Wine Series at the Italian Cultural Centre (Vancouver)

Hosted by the Italian Vino Network

Discover 6 Italian Wines in each seminar together with Giorgio Castiglioni, founder of the Italian Vino Network. The events begin at 7:30pm.

Cost is only $35.00 per person. $30.00 for ICC or IVN members.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.

Contact the ICCS at 604-430- 3337 for registration.

Italian Vino Members login to the membership area to find the password for your member discount.

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