Chianti Classico Riserva from the heart of Tuscany
There’s Chianti, and then there’s Marchese Antinori Chianti—a definite cut above. The gorgeous 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva, produced by the Antinori family, reveals its superiority from the first sip.
Rich bold fruits leap out of this ruby red wine; cherries, raspberries and redcurrant, with delicious touches of licorice and vanilla, too. This vintage comes from the Antinori family’s Tignanello estate in Tuscany—and one can almost feel the Tuscan sun ripening the voluptuous fruit.
At a recent dinner at the upscale restaurant Pèppoli at Pebble Beach in the Inn at Spanish Bay, where Antinori wines are prominently featured, I was utterly smitten with the Marchese Chianti ($78 in the restaurant). It paired perfectly with the Northern Italian cuisine of Pèppoli, where impressive gastronomic delights are expertly prepared by Angela Tamura, chef de cuisine. Try an incredibly delicious grilled filet mignon with roasted cannellini beans, house bacon and Mariquita Farm greens paired with the Chianti, and your taste buds will thank you—not only for the culinary treats, but also for the rose petals, mint, spices, and red berry flavors in the wine, complete with floral silky finish.
Pèppoli’s Tuscan-style dishes are paired with the widest selection of Antinori wines outside of Tuscany, and to experience food and wine of this caliber is the ultimate culinary delight. Marchese Piero Antinori has been called the most important winemaker in Italy, receiving awards from Wine Spectator for seven years in a row.
Sitting right on the bluffs with views of the ocean and golf course bar none, the Inn at Spanish Bay is in one of the world’s most famous locations. Add incredible food and wine to the mix, and one couldn’t ask for more.
Pèppoli in the Inn at Spanish Bay, 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, 647-7433, pebblebeach.com
Passport Event
Sante Arcangeli Family Wines will be pouring at Cantine in Aptos Village for Passport on Saturday, July 18. And the new Bottle Jack Winery will be pouring at 1088 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, 227-2288. For info on Passport visit scmwa.com.
Bargetto Winery’s Art & Wine Festival
Don’t miss the Bargetto Winery’s Art & Wine Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 18 and 19, complete with wine tasting with the purchase of a $10 festival glass.
Bargetto Winery, 3535 N. Main St., Soquel, 475-2258, bargetto.com
PHOTO: RISERVA Chianti Classico Riserva ages in barrels at the Tenuta Tignanello estate of the Marchese Antinori family, in the heart of Tuscany, Italy’s Chianti Classico appellation.
