Earlier this week wine lovers had a ball at the biggest Italian wine event of the year, Slow Wine/Vinitaly. After the grand tasting, a select group of wine producers from Puglia headed over to the GD Cucine kitchen showroom to host guests to sample wine, olive oils and traditional dishes of Puglia. Puglia, located in the Southern region of Italy was voted a top 10 wine travel destination last year by Wine Enthusiast, so we were expecting nothing but the best. The Movimento Turismo del Vino Puglia organized the event and chef Pasquale Martinelli cooked regional cuisine such as Orecchiette and Polpo all’Acqua Loro to attendees.
Among the wines at the tasting was Carvinea, which was serving three different wines. We loved the Lucerna Salento Bianco 2012, a crisp white wine that was absolutely divine. It went well with the fabulous burrata cheese being served. We also loved the Leone de Castris Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva 2009, a beautiful full-bodied red wine. Other participating producers included Rivera, Mottura, Castel di Salve, Vigne & Vini, Duca Guarini and Eméra.
It was also difficult to resist all of the outstanding olive oils present at this event. There were four olive oil producers present, including Le Ferre, Galantino, Maria Cristina Bisceglia and Di Molfetta. They were all wonderful, but our favorites were the Di Molfetta and Le Ferre, however if you like a little kick to your oil, Galantino and Bisceglia were superb, as well.
After attending this event, learning and getting to try these fabulous wines and olive oils from Puglia, I will definitely be looking for some more on my next trip to the liquor store.
