Pictured above: Special Window created by Eredi Pisano to celebrate Italian Lifestyle & Wines of Italy

This April 18^th, Italian Fashion House Eredi Pisano’ hosted  a special in store event at their New York Flagship on Madison Avenue with a special focus on MADE TO MEASURE featuring a guided Wines of Italy tasting and specialty cheeses presented by the Italian Trade Commission’s Fashion of the Vine Project.

With a decade of success in the city that never sleeps, Eredi Pisano’ continues to delight its clientele with its offerings. Isacco Azra, CFO of Eredi Pisano` USA reflects “The past decade in New York has been memorable in so many ways. For Eredi Pisano’ it has meant bringing the pride of a family business to urban America merging old world artisanship and new world design with a distinctive edge that defines Eredi Pisano’ as a unique label. The story of our brand underlines our commitment to satisfy local demands with style and sartorial excellence and above all offer an experience to be relished by our clientele. ”

To celebrate Italian Lifestyle and its collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission’s Fashion of the Vine Project, Eredi Pisano’ has created a set of alluring window displays toasting Wines of Italy, its own distinctive Spring/Summer collection and bespoke menswear set to bloom at this season’s anticipated Made to Measure Event.

Italian Trade Commissioner, Aniello Musella notes “Eredi Pisano’ exemplifies Italian excellence and design as it collections are exceptional, innovative and impeccably finished. It is a pleasure to partake in this celebration of Italian Lifestyle with a special Wines of Italy Tasting.”  He concludes noting “those who value quality, innovation, tradition and the creative process understand what MADE IN ITALY means whether it is presented on a runway or simply decanted.”

Pictured above: Educator Sam Ramic discussing Italy’s growing regions and appelation system to guests

The tasting featured a selection of wines to be especially enjoyed during the spring and upcoming summer season from producers Franco Todini and Valdora. Wine Importer and Educator, Sam Ramic, of International Wine Masters will lead the tasting and discuss characteristics of these wine with consumers.

Another special component was the presentation of artisanal Italian cheeses PIAVE DPO and Pecorino Toscano Stagionato PDO  from producers Agriform and Il Forteto courtesy of Atalanta Corporation.

The cheeses were artfully prepared by celebrated authentic specialty food and cheese purveyor Lou di Palo of Di Palo Fine Foods  located at 200 Grand Street in Little Italy. These and other fine cheeses from the portfolios of Il Forteto & Agriform may be sampled & purchased there.


Below a selection of photos from a great evening of Italian Fashion Wine & Gourmet treats!

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For those who haven’t been, Saratoga Springs, NY is the picture-perfect mountainside city: crops of gorgeous victorian houses, a quaint–yet bustling–downtown, a famous horse racing track, and a state park full of manicured lawns, classical architecture and mineral springs. The city made for an unlikely–yet strangely fitting–setting for an Italian Food and Wine Festival. Best of all, the proceeds from the event benefit the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (locally known as SPAC).

 
SPAC, together with the Italian Trade Commission, welcomed us in the most intimate way–with a gala set on its own stage. Tables of Italian food–pasta, crostini, salumi, desserts–wound through the backstage area, luring guests to pile their plates high. And of course, a glass of wine was never too far away, with producers pouring both Italian red and white (and sparkling!) at every turn. To top the night off, the charismatic wine guru Kevin Zraly auctioned off everything from spa packages to a BlueStar range inspired by attendee (and honorary committee member) Marcus Samuelsson.

 
The main event was the Grand Tasting, which featured a dedicated Italian Pavilion, 200 wineries, local and international products, and so much freshly prepared food. It was a gorgeous sun-drenched day and the sprawling grounds of SPAC were filled with food lovers that had journeyed from far off places to take part. I remember walking into the most important tent at the Grand Tasting–the one reserved for everything and anything Italian, from honey to olive oil to packaged pastries–and being blown away. It was pretty much a paradise of cured meats, cheese, and wine. And oh, was I in heaven.

 
I took a quick break from the Grand Tasting to see Kevin Zraly do what he does best: teach about wine. He held a wonderful Italian wine crash-course, which took us from prosecco to primitivo in less than 2 hours. I learned that you have to sniff wine not once, not twice, but three times to really appreciate its aroma (and don’t you dare take a sip until you toast). I also went to a more unconventional wine seminar–one all about Amphora wine, which is made using an ancient method. Put on by the folks from La Cucina Italiana and Joe Campanale, sommelier and owner of Anfora in New York City (a wine bar dedicated to amphora wine), we sampled six wines. Some of them were orange (which Joe told us was an up-and-coming trend), some smelled sweet but were actually quite dry, and most lacked an acidic bite common in most conventional wines. And none of them were like anything I’d ever tasted. 

 
But one of the coolest parts of the festival was getting to meet some heavy-hitters in the food world. I watched New York chef Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit and Red Rooster Harlem teach kids how to cook pasta enjoy olive oils like DeMedici, Colonna Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Dell’Orto’s Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Alberto Galuffo’s Marracco Extra Virgin Olive Oil  and explore the textures of the following tasty cheeses mozzarella di bufala campana, dolomiten konig and grana padana – all served in colorful Derruta Ceramics!. “It’s such a great challenge to get kids involved with cooking,” he said, “They don’t care if I’m a famous chef or not. They just want to have fun.” And on the last day of the festival, at an amazing brunch on a picturesqueSaratoga Springs golf course, I met cheese gurus -New York legend Lou DiPalo and the Queen of Cheese Margaret Cicogna. Talking with them is like talking to your favorite Italian aunt and uncle—they are warm, funny, and above all so passionate about top-quality Italian products (which is evident upon visiting Margaret’s trade booth or walking into Lou’s store, DiPalo’s, in New York City’s Little Italy). In fact, most of the big names at the festival were huge advocates of Italian imports–from Kevin Zraly’s love of prosecco to Marcus Samuelsson’s use of Italian-made pasta.

 
For those who are interested in Italian food (oh, and some pretty amazing cars), I’d seriously consider watching both Italianmade.com and SPAC’s website [http://spac.org/] for info and tickets to the 2012 festival. It’s the perfect ending to the summer–and who knows, you might just come away with an appreciation for ancient wines, a bottle of good olive oil, and a new favorite place to vacation through the HudsonValley to Saratoga Springs.

The terrific roster of Italian wines presented at this year’s WSWA Convention pleased palates and earned the attention of top industry and press in attendance. Earning a multitude of gold and silver medals including  four best in show awards.

The gallery below featured convention highlights

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Superbly crafted wines from Veneto, Marche, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily from producers Domodimonti, FoodWineCulture, Patria, Tenuta Roveglia and Vinissimo.  Another special pavilion highlight was the delegation of producers from Friuli Venezia Giulia joined by the Udine Chamber of Commerce who  presented over 75 premium wines and were present to share insight on the region’s terroir, indigenous varietals, winemaking traditions and innovations.

Exhibiting producers from Friulia Venezia Giulia included Aquila del Torre, Aziende Agricole Livon, Bidoli, Casa Vinicola Antonutti, Conte d’Attimis Maniago, Foffani, Forchir, Lorenzon-Feudi di Romans, Tenute Grandi e Gabana and Valentino Butussi .

Superbly crafted wines from Veneto, Marche, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily presented by Domodimonti, FoodWineCulture, Patria, Tenuta Roveglia and Vinissimo.  Another special pavilion highlight was the delegation of producers from Friuli Venezia Giulia joined by the Udine Chamber of Commerce who  presented over 75 premium wines and were present to share insight on the region’s terroir, indigenous varietals, winemaking traditions and innovations.

Exhibiting producers from Friulia Venezia Giulia include Aquila del Torre, Aziende Agricole Livon, Bidoli, Casa Vinicola Antonutti, Conte d’Attimis Maniago, Foffani, Forchir, Lorenzon-Feudi di Romans, Tenute Grandi e Gabana and Valentino Butussi. The Taste of the Industry Opening Night Reception & Tasting featured wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia and Sicily.For more information on each of the exhibitors and the wines they will be presenting download the official Wines of Italy Pavilion Catalogue .

Wines of Italy dominated the  Wines & Spirits Tasting Competition sponsored by The Tasting Panel Magazine . The  esteemed panel of judges spent a day deliberating  over the more than 200 entries.

Four DOUBLE GOLD BEST IN SHOW  medals were awarded to producers exhibiting in the WINES OF ITALY Pavilion for the following:

Best PINOT GRIGIO  in Show        

BIDOLI – 2011 Pinot Grigio

Best WHITE ITALIAN BLEND in Show    

CONTE D’ATTIMIS -MANIAGO - 2007   White Blend,  Ronco Broilo, Colli Orientali del Friuli

Best MERLOT  in Show 

PATRIA -  Merlot, IGT Sicilia, Italy

Best ITALIAN WHITE VARIETAL in show

TENUTA ROVEGLIA-  2011 Trebbiano, Limne, Lugana, Italy

GOLD MEDALS RECIPIENTS

• Aquila del Torre  2010 Sauvignon Blanc
• Tenuta Roveglia 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon  Ca’ d’Oro
• Antonutti Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2009
• Bidoli Sauvignon Blanc

SILVER MEDALS RECIPIENTS

• Conte d’Attimis Maniago 2007 Pignolo
• Domodimonti 2007 Sangiovese Blend Picens
• Domodimonti 2010 Passerina, Picchio Gold
• Tenuta Roveglia 2010 Trebbiano ,Vigne di Catullo
• Tenuta Roveglia 2009 Spumante Brut

Members of the Wine Competition Judging Panel included:

• Andrew Dias Blue,  Exec.Dir. of Wine Tasting Competition; Editor-In-Chief, The Tasting Panel Magazine, LA
• Jeffrey Dorgan, Wine Director, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Seattle
  
• Kimberly Drake, Assistant Beverage Manager, Mina Group, San Francisco
  
• Daniel Freedman, Wine Director, Fairmont Chicago-Millennium Park, Chicago
  
• Bretton Lammi, Resort Sommelier, The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
  
• Tim McDonald, Wine Consultant, Wine & Spirits Spoken Here, Napa Valley
  
• Derick Rossmiller, Wine Director, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
  
• Chris Sawyer, Sommelier, Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, Sonoma
  
• Kate Webber, Wine Director, Webber Restaurant Group, Boston
  
• Debbie Zachareas, Proprietor & Managing Partner, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant

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The Wines of Italy Pavilion will be a priority destination for press and trade professionals seeking a spectrum of impressive wines at the 69^th  WSWA Convention taking place this April 2-5 at Caesar’s Palace in  Las Vegas.

The Wines of Italy Pavilion will feature an array of superbly crafted wines from Veneto, Marche, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily presented by Domodimonti, FoodWineCulture, Patria, Tenuta Roveglia and Vinissimo.  Another special pavilion highlight is the delegation of producers from Friuli Venezia Giulia joined by the Udine Chamber of Commerce who will present over 75 premium wines and share insight on the region’s terroir, indigenous varietals, winemaking traditions and innovations. Exhibiting producers from Friulia Venezia Giulia include Aquila del Torre, Aziende Agricole Livon, Bidoli, Casa Vinicola Antonutti, Conte d’Attimis Maniago, Foffani, Forchir, Lorenzon-Feudi di Romans, Tenute Grandi e Gabana and Valentino Butussi.

For more information on each of the exhibitors and the wines they will be presenting download the official Wines of Italy Pavilion Catalogue .

The WSWA Convention is an important annual trade appointment bringing together beverage alcohol suppliers, distributors, top industry leaders, trade professionals to source new product and discuss key issues and trends.  A focal point of the event is the Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition sponsored by The Tasting Panel Magazine.

Craig Wolf, WSWA President and CEO, affirms that “the wine and spirits industry is stronger than ever.” Discussing the convention he adds that WSWA is “delighted to be back at Caesars Palace offering more events and networking opportunities for our growing number of attendees”.

Aniello Musella, Italian Trade Commissioner, comments “the Italian Trade Commission is pleased to partake in this key industry event with the Wines of Italy Pavilion. Trade prospects for Italian producers at this year’s WSWA convention are promising.” Referencing data recently published by the US Department of Commerce, Musella confirms that “Italian Wine exports to the US have been flourishing overall. Italy remains the number one exporter of wine to the United States, carving out a 31% US market share valued nearly at 1.5 billion dollars and a volume increase of 15% in 2011.”

Anthony Giglio and Italian Trade Comissioner Aniello Musella

Anthony Giglio and Cantina Social di Canelli export Manager Giorgio Musso

Anthony and Alessandra Rotondi, Sommelier at Serafina

Anthony and PBS Food Personality Barbara Seelig Brown

Anthony “Around Town” with top wine influencers

Take a look below at Wine Channel TV’s Jess Altieri speaking with Joe about the Anfora wines he presented that day.

Next, stop by a few of the importer tables with Jess here:

And what would the Grand Tasting be without the Ferraris? Below Jess speaks with Dr. Paola Di Taranto, Marketing Manager for Zagato and Dr. Aniello Musella, Executive Director of the Italian Trade Commission.

Jess also spoke with Taylor Wells and Bob Bailey of the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Their conversation is here:

The Italian Trade Commission together with producers and US importers of Italian wines and specialty products will be present at the much anticipated New York Wine Expo taking place this March 2-4 at the Jacob Javitz Center.

When inviting an estimated 7,000 consumers, trade and press members to experience the New York Expo first hand, organizers were quick to quote Italian renaissance man, Galileo Galilei’s reflection on wine:

                                                     “Wine is sunlight, held together by water.”

The Italian Pavilion will not only feature indigenous varietals such as Pecorino, Passerina, Turbiana, Montepulciano, Barbera, Lambrusco but will also showcase several types of what many have dubbed Italy’s  Liquid Gold  presented by award winning olive oil producers from Calabria, Campania, Molise , Tuscany and Sicily.

Foodies will not be disappointed by the menu of Italian specialty cheeses from all over the peninsula including Boschetto al Tartufo Bianchetto, Piave and Trugole paired to perfection with fruit mustards, honey, balsamic vinegar and other accoutrements. Food and wine specialists from Azienda Agricola Montonale, Domodimonti, JK Imports, Wine World Wide, Oleificio Dell’Orto, Tre Olive, Atalanta Corporation, De Medici Imports, and iGourmet.com will be on hand to discuss their products with attendees.

At the New York Expo, it seems all roads lead to Italy as there will be a sprinkling of Italian exhibitors in the mix. So on one’s way to the Italian pavilion visit with Cavedoni Balsamic Vinegar, Food &Wine Culture and producers from Strada del Vino d’Arezzo to name a few.

Aniello Musella, Italian Trade Commissioner, notes “we are pleased to collaborate with the New York Wine Expo and partner with Italian Producers and their US trade representatives who have contributed so much to the success of Italian wine and food products in the United States. It is their enterprising spirit, enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to the promotion of the Wines and Foods of Italy that has catapulted Italy into the US Market leader position.”  “I am confident” he adds “that consumers, trade and press alike will be delighted by the Authentic Product of Italy offerings presented this weekend.”

 
                                               ITALIAN PAVILION EXHIBITORS

• Atalanta Corporation – De Medici Imports
  

             Booth # 469    

• Domodimonti     

              Booth #’s 560, 562

• Azienda Agricola Montonale       

             Booth # 467

• iGourmet.com                                                                       

              Booth # 568

• JK Imports                                                                                

             Booth # 564

• Oleificio Dell’ Orto                                                             

             Booth # 461

• Tre Olive LLC                                                                          

             Booth # 566

• Wine World Wide Inc – Casa V & Fontana di Papa
  

              Booth #’s 463 , 465 



 

Celebrated Chef, Vivien Reimbelli, was present to further tempt the senses with the very best of MADE IN ITALY !

Guests were  invited to watch as he masterfully created  hand crafted chocolates in the Italian Tradition while sharing the legendary love stories behind them. Italian chocolate house Perugina celebrated most appropriately with its delectable BACI candy.

These terrific in store experiences  highlighted the new collection fpresented by LA PERLA in a very special way.

Check out event highlights below: 

Just steps in to the venue, a selection of delicious Prosecco and other wines greeted visitors to enjoy while perusing the silent auction and finding their seats on center stage. Delicious dishes were prepared and available throughout the back stage, including a number of pastas, cheeses from Atalanta (and others?), Italian Charcuterie, breads, olives, and more. To accompany the delicious dishes, the following importers poured a selection of amazing Italian wines:

Below, please find a list of some of the delicious wines and foods presented at the Gala:

Wine Worldwide, inc.
Banfi Vintners
Domaine Select Wine Estates
Consorzio per la Tutela del Gavi
Consorzio dell’Asti D.O.C.G.
Opici Wines
Specialty Wines & More
Morande
Dumante
WJ Deutsch and Sons Ltd.
Pietro DeMarco Imports
SMD Selections
Birra Moretti

After enjoying some of the delicious foods and wine, guests were invited to find their seats as Marcia J. White, President & Executive Director of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, welcomed everyone to the annual festival and again, thanked Trade Commissioner Aniello Musella on behalf of the Italian Trade Commission’s Presenting Partner sponsorship of the festival. Following this presentation, Honored Guest and acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelson was recognized for his contribution to this year’s festival, and his upcoming seminar to be presented the next morning promoting nutritious and tasty children’s cooking.

Wine educator Kevin Zraly led a spirited live auction followed by an amazing Opera presentation by former professional football player Lawrence Harris. Lawrence presented three songs, Oh, What a beautiful Evening (Rodgers/Hammerstein), Di Provenza from La Traviata (Verdi), and L’alba separa dalla luce l’ombra (Tosti).

The evening ended with dancing on the main stage and dessert back-stage, with Italian coffee and desserts.  To get a little taste of the evening, take a look at the video below with Jess from Wine Channel TV.