Vancouver International Wine Festival is not one of those culinary events you can explore all in one day. This year between February 20 – 28, 2016 there are 155 Wineries and 14 Countries featuring Italia. Wine events includes International Festival Tastings, Wine Seminars, Wine Minglers, popular Vintners Brunch, and Winery Dinners liked Wines of Veneto & Sicily at Giovane Cafe at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.
Winery dinners are the perfect way to experience wine pairing, the wine producers over a multi-course dinner. I’m so excited to be invited for an evening to learn and discuss the food pairings.
Wines of Veneto & Sicily
$175 all-in (includes wine, dinner, taxes, gratuity) per person.
The evening celebrates the richness of Italian wine culture Edoardo Montresor of Montresor and Stefano Maggini of Feudo Maccari. Six great wines (paired by wine director Jill Spoor) delicious food from Fairmont Pacific Rim executive Chef Nathan Brown.
Speck: mint, buffalo mozzarella
Montresor Rose Royal Spumante, Veneto NV
Starting the evening off is a pale pink color sparkling that is subtle and has persistent bubbles. I liked the elegant notes of ripe apples and cherries. An easy start to any evening.
Scallop Carpaccio: blood orange reduction, sweet basil oil, chive flowers
Feudo Maccari ‘Grillo’ IGT Sicilia 2014
Grillo is a variety is native to Sicily and vinified to a fresh, light white wine with fruity notes and lemon zest. High mineral and beautiful finish. Grillo is well matched with seafood and shellfish appetizers.
Veal Osso Buco: fresh pea risotto, apple mustard
Montresor Valpolicella DOC Ripasso Capitel della Crosara, Veneto 2013
This sultry ruby blend of cherry, musk, spices and wood has a rich long finish. Dry on the palate with a velvety taste paired with veal.
Salame Spianata: Burrata, roasted campari tomato, domenica fiore, fried basil, panela
Feudo Maccari ‘Saia’ IGT Sicilia 2013
Creamy and smokey aromatic with wild cherry, spices and black olives. This lush wine finishes long and has a nice compliment to the fresh burrata and tomatoes. It would also pair wonderfully matched with full flavored meats/game.
Wild Boar Sausage: yukon gold potato gnocchi, piave truffle fonduta, shaved truffle
Montresor Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto 2012
One of my favorite wines of the evening. The intense ruby red color matches the refined full body smoothness of peach blossoms, violet, raspberry and mint. This wine pairs with spicy dishes, game and seasoned cheeses.
Marinated Loin of Lamb: confit fingerling potato, grilled eggplant caviar, roasted red pepper vinaigrette, preserved lemon, marinated nocellara olives
Feudo Maccari ‘Mahâris’ DOC Sicilia 2013
Maharis blends Mediterranean characters of balsamic notes and hints of cocoa and coffee. It is enjoyable with red meat and game because of its velvety tannins and spicy mouth feel.
more: Wine Festival 10 Things To Know | LA VITA RUFFINO
Giovane Cafe at the Fairmont Pacific Rim
URL: http://giovanecafe.com/
Cuisine: European Style Coffee Shop, Bakery, Italian Eatery
Hours:
Mon 6:00 am – 7:30 pm
Tue 6:00 am – 7:30 pm
Wed 6:00 am – 7:30 pm
Thu 6:00 am – 7:30 pm
Fri 6:00 am – 7:30 pm
Sat 6:00 am – 7:30 pm
Sun 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9
(604) 695-5501
Nancy is a finance professional by trade and has an eye for passion.
She is the writer, stylist, photographer and foodie based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
This new Mommy also runs a Baby / Lifestyle Blog 
