Alliance of Sommeliers
The Alliance of Sommeliers is a wine tasting that meets once a month at different restaurants in the Orlando area to discuss food and wine. You don't need to be a wine sommelier or any kind of expert to join. All you need is a desire to explore the world of wine and food.
Originally founded in 1972 as a chapter of the Sommelier Guild of Florida the group became the Alliance of Sommeliers. Originally, the group had 3 sommeliers on the board Reid Rapport, Dennis Kirkwood and Ed Cazel.
This group is one of the oldest wine tasting groups in the country. Some of the members are third generation in their families to continue the wine learning experience.
Wine and food pairnings have evolved over the half century of this wine groups existence. We strive to keep our tastings current and informative without becoming overbearing. New members continually rejuvinate the group as we find new areas of wine exploration.
If you'd like to be placed on our email list to receive future wine tasting notices. The next wine tasting event notice is included below.
Cheers
Cheers to Piemonte
Sunday, September 14th
4 pm
Cru Quarters
On Sunday, September 14th, we journey to Piemonte (“foot of the mountains”), Italy—one of the world’s most renowned wine regions and the home of the country’s “King of Wines”… Barolo. Nestled between the Swiss Alps to the north and the Apennines to the southeast, Piedmont's unique climate, diverse soils, and skilled winemakers come together to produce truly exceptional wines. Tom Owens will guide us through a tasting of three luscious white wines and four reds, while we explore the prestigious DOCG classification—what it means and why it matters.
We return to the beautiful and spacious Cru Quarters at The Mayflower where Chef Patrick will again treat us to some magnificent food pairings.
The Wines:
Greet: Gagliardo Roero Arneis 2022…A lovely crisp medium bodied white that came to prominence in the 1970s. Often compared to Viognier or Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc.
Arneis means “little rascal”, now why is that?
First Pairing:
Scrimaglio Gavi di Gavi 2023…from the Cortese grape. A little leaner and more intense than Arneis. Notes of lime and almond with very nice acidity.
Mandirola Timorasso Derthona 2022…Timorasso is an ancient variety that almost became extinct but has been revived and is now the “hot new thing”. An exceptionally dynamic white grape from one of the original producers with the distinction of owning the oldest known plantings of Timorasso in the Colli Tortonesi.
Food pairing: Fennell Butter Poached Scallops w/ grapefruit beurre blanc.
Fennell Variations Salad (purée, crisp, shaved)…torched grapefruit segments
Second Pairing:
Pecchenio Dogliani San Luigi 2022…A DOCG example of the serious side of the Dolcetto grape. Dry, medium bodied, soft tannins, moderate acidity, framed in tobacco and earthiness.
Pico Maccario Nizza Tre Roveri 2021…Nizza is the newest DOCG in the Piedmont and Barbera is exclusively grown in the Maccario region. Medium-bodied, juicy and succulent with supple tannins and vivid acidity. Bright and fruity finish.
Food pairing: Braised Lamb and Fig stuffed Pappardelle, blackberry jus, plum tomato succo, shaved pecorino, parsley oil
Third Pairing:
Fontanabianca Barbaresco DOCG 2021…A perfect example of the elegant, more “feminine” side of the Nebbiolo grape from a 3rd generation producer who is making big waves for their quality and value. Balanced, elegant, complex.
Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalleto DOCG 2020…A Piemonte family making wine since the 1300s. Barolo is widely acclaimed as the “King of Italian Wines”. This is a highly rated, muscular representation of the Nebbiolo grape.
Food pairing: Goat Cheese Semifreddo &Chocolate Variations (chocolate truffles, chocolate crumb, chocolate glaze, cocoa dust)…topped off with amarena cherries & fried walnuts