ITALIAN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Last June 02, I attended to an invitation for Press Lunch in Oakroom, located at the 6th level of Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The event was hosted by Oakwood Premier and Future Trade International, distributor of Frescobaldi and Danzante wines and so many other brands in the Philippines. These two wine brands are highlighted in Oakroom's "A TASTE OF TUSCANY:, an Italian Wine and Food Festival which runs from June 07-27, 2010.


Among the finest wines featured are ALBIZZIA, CHARDONNAY 2007, 2008, REMOLE, TOSCANA 2006, and CASTIGLIONI, CHIANTI 2007.



TASTING NOTES to GUIDE YOUR WINE APPRECIATION at this food and wine festival (provided at the press kits).

ALBIZZIA, CHARDONNAY : The color is a very intense straw-yellow. The bouquet releases intense armoas of citrus, which yield to scents of banana and peach. On the palate this wine shows a good consistency and a perfect balance of alcohol and acidity.



SERVING SUGGESTIONS : As a white wine, it is appropriate with hors d'oeuvres, fish and white meats (but this isn't strictly follow now as these wines are very versatile; can be perfectly paired with any dish).

A basket of breads


Lentil soup with king prawns and coriander...


REMOLE, TOSCANA : A star-clear, sparkling purple introduces Remole. Beautifully fruited aromas follow, with cherry and strawberry in the lead, enriched with a spicy touch of black pepper and aromatic herbs. A tangy acidity provides juicy cripness on a palate of impressive balance. A wine of wonderful drinkability.



SERVING SUGGESTIONS : A classic example of a wine for all dishes, on all occasions. Enjoy it for example with charcuterie that is not too spicy, or with full-flavoured pasta dishes such as all'amatriciana.

Aubergine and courgette parmigiana...




CASTIGLIONI, CHIANTI : It exhibits a dense, purple-flecked ruby. Intense, well-defined fragrances spring form the nose, wild red berryfruit and bright cherry emerging first, then darker notes of dried plum and raspberry. Supple tannins and a bright acidity contribute to a fine balance and velvet mouthfeel, while empathic notes of tasty fruit return on a long-lingering finale.





SERVING SUGGESTIONS : Full-flavoured dishes such as meat-sauced pappardelle, and roast chicken as well, sauteed beef with vegetables, and medium aged cheese.

Veal fillet medallions with artichokes, lemon and Provolone...



And a toothsome dessert for a grandiose meal...

Strawberry tiramisu..




"A Taste of Tuscany" at Oakroom is co-presented by Future Trade International, Inc., distributor of Frescobaldi and Danzante wines in the Philippines. It runs from June 07 to 27, 2010.

For details and reservations, please call the Oakroom direct line at (63-2) 719-1160. Other phone lines : (63-2) 637-7888/ 910 8888 ext. 8118. Oakroom is on the 6th level of Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, located at 17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Thank you, Ms. Genny Puno for the invite! :)