Today we were gathered at the Vancouver Club for an exclusive lunch and guided tasting featuring wines from the Abruzzo region of Italy.
We were able to meet with the representatives who spoke to how many know of their wines, but not of the region that they come from. This as one of the largest producers in Italy.
We were given a crash course, as guests sampled their more diverse expressions of white grapes, grown in the highest mountains, adjacent to the sea.
Special attention was given to the Pecorino wines, as the most popular wine of the last 20 years. First popularized in 1996, after disappearing in the 1950’s, only to reappear in the ‘80’s once more.
This category has the largest selection of white wine, known for being dry, crisp, and refreshing with vibrant acidity and intense aromas. The wines are notable for their notes of citrus fruits and florals, with herbal undertones.
The event was standing room only. Attendees were given free rein of the room to mix, mingle, and take advantage of all the food and wine stations.
There were self serve canapés the likes of an Heirloom Tomato Tartare on a crispy puff pastry with avocado mouse and crispy basil. Plus Smoked Tuna Sashimi with wasabi cream on a rice cracker.
However, the show-stopping, interactive food displays got the most attention. Like the Parmesan Wheel Risotto in a lemon asparagus sauce with fresh herbs and micro greens.
We were able to watch our chef cook the rice in pan then stir it in a giant wheel of cheese, giving it its sharper characteristics. This was a great pairing with their citrusy whites.
I was most enamoured with the Signature Carvery where we got to witness crunchy golden porchetta being sliced thick then sandwiched in a milk bun, alongside salsa verde.
It was tasty as is, with the salsa offering a contrasting tang. I found the bun, although fluffy and slightly sweet, made the meaty centre even more denser. The pork skin was also hard to chisel through with tooth.
The natural pairing with this was any of their dark berry reds.
In short, this was a causal and intimate way to be introduced to Abruzzo wines.
The Vancouver Club
915 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1C6
vancouverclub.ca