On a remarkably cool June evening, members and guests of the Cincinnati Mondiale gathered at Rodi Italian Restaurant in the picturesque town of Loveland, Ohio for a much-anticipated wine event. The restaurant is perched on the banks of the little Miami River which was the perfect backdrop for our evening of wine, wine education, and a menu chosen especially for the Italian-themed event featuring the wines of Michele Chiarlo.

Rodi was founded in February 2021—bravely during COVID!!—and has climbed rapidly to popularity among foodies, not only in suburban Loveland, but throughout the entire Greater Cincinnati area. At the helm of the restaurant are Proprietor Jo Beyersdorfer, General Manager Andrew Rettig, Executive Chef Jeff Thurman, and Assistant Manager Emily Johnstone.

Although Chiarlo is best known for the red wines of Piedmont, the evening kicked off with a glass of crisp, fresh white varietal wine, Le Marne Gavi (2022). An overflowing antipasti platter was featured in the center of a u-shaped bar that dominates the heart of the restaurant.

As is our tradition in Mondiale, we were treated to a five-glass series of wines for an excellent education session. Echanson Provincial-Midwest Mary Horn introduced Alberto Chiarlo, who is the son of Michele (who sadly passed away last November), and director of sales for the Michele Chiarlo Winery. The winery was established in 1956 by Mr. Chiarlo’s father, and is one of the most respected and celebrated wineries in the region. Mr. Chiarlo gave an informative and occasionally humorous overview of the history of the winery. The formal tasting included Nizza Reserva Barbera, two Barbarescos, and two Barolos (including the highly sought-after 2020 vintages from the prestigious vineyards of Cannubi and Cerequio). These elegant wines provided a good overview and representation of the Piedmont region.

Following the formal tasting, dinner was served in three simple, but elegant, courses. The first course was a Caesar Salad paired with Le Madri Roero Arneis (2023) – another fantastic white varietal wine from the Piedmont region. The second course was a unique risotto with Duck Confit, Blistered Red Grapes, Mascarpone, and Sparkling Shallots. This course included a third Chiarlo Barolo, the Tortoniano Barolo (2022). Dessert might get the prize for the most interesting combination of White Chocolate Mousse, Crème Brûlée, and Macaroons paired with a P Nivole Canelli Moscato (2023). A quick glance around the room at the end of the evening revealed clean plates all around which attested to the skill of the offerings as well as the pairings.

At the conclusion of the evening, Bailli George Elliott awarded 10-year pins to Vice Chancelier-Argentier Honoraire Bethanie Butcher and Professionnel du Vin David Lazarus. Bailli Elliott also thanked Echanson Provincial Mary Horn, who orchestrated the event, and thanked both the Rodi staff and Mr. Chiarlo for an outstanding evening of education, fine wine, and delicious Italian fare.

Graig Smith,Vice Chargé de Presse