I recently attended a special wine dinner at Felidia’s (New York) featuring the wines of Antonelli San Marco with 4-course menu created by executive chef Fortunato Nicotra to compliment the wines ($165 per person). During the evening, winemaker Filippo Antonelli discussed the history of his family’s estate and described each of his wines that come from Umbria, “the green heart of Italy.” 

Antipasti
Rabbit galantine with spring salad
Trebbiano Spoletino 2010

Primi
Risotto “amatriciana”
Montefalco Rosso 2008
and
Pappardelle with duck
Montefalco Rosso 2008

Secondi
Lamb roasted shoulder and chop with potato and fava beans
Sagrantino Chiusa di Pannone 2004
Sagrantino Passito 2006

Dolci
Tortino with fresh berries and cold Sagrantino zabaglione
Sagrantino Chiusa di Pannone 2004
Sagrantino Passito 2006

The crisp Trebbiano Spoletino (~$25; yet not available yet in the U.S) complimented the mild and very tender rabbit galantine. Crisped bacon and blackened crunchy rice added texture to the al dente rich tomato risotto. The cherry notes of the Montefalco Rosso (~$25) went well with the risotto and with the rich and hearty mushroom pasta topped with shredded duck.  For our secondi, we sampled two tender cuts of lamb (shoulder and chop) along with two distinctly different wines — the complex and slightly tannic, yet round and soft Sagrantino Chiusa di Pannone (~$70) and the rich and slightly sweet Sagrantino Passito (~$45 per half bottle). Both those also were served with dessert.

Our group was discussing which wine we liked best with the lamb and dessert when owner Lydia Bastianich stopped by and greeted each and every guest, making a memorable evening even more so.

– bonnie

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