Rudy Basile of Vias Imports was the guest speaker for Cincinnati Mondiale’s October 14, 2014 gathering at Heidelberg Distributing in Hebron, Kentucky. Although the focus was on the Three B’s of Italian Wine – Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello – Vice Echanson Mike Monnin ingeniously brought some other wines to the table that indirectly fit the “B” theme. With Michael “Funky” Forgus of Funky’s Catering supplying the gourmet meal which showcased the amazing wines, everyone was treated to a spectacular evening!
As our Mondiale members arrived, glasses of Bisol Prosecco were available to enjoy with passed appetizers. This set the mood for the phenomenal wines yet to come. We were seated and Mr. Basile started us with Bruno Broglia Gavi di Gavi 2002. Although I was looking forward to the big Italian reds to come, this wine ended up being one of the favorites of the event with its delicate fruit and excellent balance of body and acidity. We then received generous pours of a Barbaresco, three Barolos including an outstanding Damilano Barolo Cannubi 2009, two Brunello di Montalcino offerings, and a 2007 San Leonardo Bordeaux blend from Trentino. For each of the wines, Mr. Basile gave a brief description of the wine, winemaker, and the region where it was produced. His commentary was extremely informative and engaging.
Not to be outdone, Funky’s Catering provided a buffet dinner including a roasted red pepper, spiced pecan and feta salad, pan seared ruby red trout, porcini crusted New York strip with apple demi-glace, and eggplant stuffed with Boursin cream sauce. These exquisitely prepared offerings worked wonderfully during the evening to showcase the wines. In the final analysis, Vice Echanson Monnin expertly orchestrated the pairing of outstanding wines with gourmet offerings showing us that learning can indeed be fun!
Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse