Giorgio Conterno from Paolo Conterno Dinner at Cafe Maxx

“It’s a bold wine with a hint of sophistication and lacking in pretension.  Actually, I was just talking about myself.”

French Kiss (1995) – Kate (Meg Ryan)

Yes- you are reading next week's wine tasting schedule correctly we have four events on the calendar by Wednesday night!  Life is short, you know what I always say- drink the good stuff first!!

We are sold out for the Grgich dinner at Cafe Maxx on Tuesday but we still have a few seats left for our Ramey Dinner at the Edge that same evening.  And the next night we have room for our Piedmont producer in town on Next Wednesday, you know that Barolo is my favorite wine.  Whenever I get a chance to break bread with one of the top producers from the Piedmont, I make it happen.

Paolo Conterno was put on the map way back in 1886, when Paolo Conterno founded the Casa della Ginestra, dedicated to the production of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto wines. An indefatigable worker with a mind of great intuition, he devoted the most favourable parts of the Ginestra hillside to the growing of the grapes, subdividing them by type, exposure and terrain. Furthermore, he had the foresight to predict the existence of a market of connoisseurs of superior quality products, selling his own wine in wooden kegs and produced by himself in his own cellar. Paolo was succeeded by his son Carlo and his wife Giuseppina, who dedicated body and soul to the cultivation of the vineyards, producing only the best Barolo, bottling it in small quantities. The company was subsequently run by Paolo and Caterina Conterno, who, like the preceding generations, continued to perform meticulously all the daily procedures in both vineyard and cellar, taking care to select the most valid of the native strains of Nebbiolo among the Lampia and Michet sub-varieties, in order to bring out to the full the extraordinary potential of the grape variety and of the territory. In this way, the Conterno family has handed down its love of wine growing through four generations. Today the company is managed by their children Giorgio and Marisa. As in the past, each of them makes their own contribution, caring for the vineyards with scrupulous dedication, involving the successive generations. At one time, trust was placed in the few means available, and in perseverance and determination. Modern technology, with its labour-saving devices, spares them the exertions of those times and, in part thanks to the experience they have gained, enables them to operate in the best possible way and to reap great satisfaction and ever newer stimuli from their work.

This will be a night to remember with Giorgio's newest releases paired to a five course tasting menu by chef Oliver Saucy, the fee for this event is $100 + tax + gratuity, for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Cafe Maxx Welcomes
Giorgio Conterno, Proprietor of Paolo Conterno Winery
Wednesday April 17
7:00 PM

Pass Arounds
Crispy Fried Oysters with Tropical Fruit Salsa
Sea Scallop Crostini
Lump Crab Philo Purses with Roasted Corn Sauce
Brie and Apricot Grilled Cheese

Camporosso Gavi DOCG 2011
Price: $14.00       Sale $12.32          Case $143

Camporosso, named after its red clayey soils, was purchased by Stefano and Andrea Massone in 1990, but the first harvest was in 2000. The 15 hectares of vineyards, all planted with Cortese grapes and within the Gavi appellation, stand at 300-350 meters above sea level on a ridge with a breathtaking view. The type of soil, part red clay and part limestone, makes the production naturally low and enhances the aromatics in the wines.

First Course

Lamb Bolognese with Sundried Tomato & Provolone Polenta and Parmesan-Thyme Cream

Paolo Conterno Dolcetto D'Alba L'Alto 2011
Price: $17.25       Sale $15.18          Case $176

Grown on a single hectare in Monforte, these Dolcetto vines are 30 years old and enjoy perfect southern exposure at 300-350 meters above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand near the end of September and macerate for about a week. It is aged for 6 months in large oak cask before release. 600 cs produced.

Paolo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Bricco 2011
Price: $20.25       Sale $17.82          Case $207

(89 Points) Giorgio Conterno’s 2011 Barbera Bricco is an attractive, juicy wine with lovely intensity in its fruit and terrific overall balance. Sweet red raspberries, flowers and spices flow through to the deep, resonant finish. This is a hugely delicious wine from Conterno. The Bricco is made from a parcel in Bricco Sant’ Ambrogio in Roddi. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. Wine Advocate #203, Oct 2012

Second Course
Crispy Duck Confit with Wild Mushroom-Porcini Risotto and Roasted Cipollini Onions

Paolo Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2009
Price: $26.00       Sale $22.88          Case $266

(89 Points) The 2009 Langhe Nebbiolo wraps around the palate with hints of sweet tobacco, incense, exotic spices and orange peel. The flavors continue to flesh out nicely as the wine sits in the glass. This is a lovely showing. Conterno crafts his Langhe Nebbiolo from young vines in Ginestra. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.   Wine Advocate #203, Oct 2012

Third Course

Petite Filet Mignon, Red Nebbiolo Wine Sauce, Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes and Garlic Brocollini

Paolo Conterno Barolo Riva Del Bric 2008
Price: $49.50       Sale $43.56          Case $505

(91 Points) The 2008 Barolo Riva del Bric shows the pretty, understated side of Nebbiolo and the Ginestra vineyard. Sweet tobacco, crushed flowers, herbs, plums and licorice are all woven together in this attractive, medium-bodied wine. The 2008 won’t be a long-term ager, but it sure is delicious, even today. Floral notes add the final flourish of complexity and character. Riva del Bric is made from the estate’s young vineyards in Ginestra. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.   Wine Advocate #203, Oct 2012

Third Course

Artisan Cheese Platter with Italian Specialty Meats, Fresh Fruit and Crostini

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2008
Price: $80.50       Sale $70.84          Case $821

(93 Points) The 2008 Barolo Ginestra wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and richness, all while retaining the essential mid-weight personality for the year. Mocha, espresso, spices, licorice and plums are some of the aromas and flavors that jump from the glass in this deep, beautifully articulated wine. The French oak is much better integrated than in the past. A round, supple finish makes the 2008 surprisingly approachable, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2023.   Wine Advocate #203, Oct 2012

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra Riserva 2006
Price: $103.50    Sale $91.08          Case $1056

(93+ Points) Conterno’s 2006 Barolo Riserva Ginestra shows the broad shoulders and pure structure of the vintage. Cinnamon, flowers, herbs and dark fruit flesh out as this powerful Barolo flows from the glass. The 2006 Riserva is deep and intense from start to finish. This is a classic and representative interpretation of Ginestra. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026.   Wine Advocate #203, Oct 2012

The price of this dinner is $100 + Tax + Gratuity, for reservations call 954-523-9463