The cab ride was taking too long. I was afraid I would be late for the Lungarotti wine seminar on a strangely cold October night. The room was brightly lit, wine glasses set on the linen white table cloths, chairs so close it seemed I’d be able to hear another’s thoughts. I was joined by my pals Sonia and Melly, for what was to be a fun wine tasting excursion made more titillating by the Italian Salumi e Formaggi being served.
Salumi e Formaggi
The wines we tasted were from the Lungarotti winery in Umbria, Italy. The CEO of Lungarotti winery, Chiara Lungarotti proceeded to tell us about the family run winery that has been around since the 60s. What is even more fascinating – the winery is run by women, Chiara , her sister Teresa Severini and her mother Maria Garzla. I can hear all the feminists in the world chanting – “Lungarotti! Lungarotti!”
Among the list of vast accomplishments, Lungarotti winery also has wine and olive oil museums. Chiara points out that all their endeavours are in an effort to educate people, about the benefits of wine and olive oil consciously. They have adopted an eco-friendly viticulture system, that sets them apart from others. Pesticides and chemicals are not used, instead they have gone back to their roots using manure, which is better for the olive trees as they mature.
Chiara Lungarotti
The formaggi – assortment of prosciutto, salami, soppressata, pecorino and two different types of cheese made out of sheep’s milk was served alongside four signature Lungarotti wines : Torro di Giano, Rubesco, Di Montifalco and Rubesco Riserva.
- Torro di Giano – Name is derivitatve of a roman ruin built in medieval times. It was fresh, crispy and fruity. A light white wine that complimented the pecorino and proscuitto.
- Rubesco – First produced in 1962, is the their signature wine and also their best selling wine. A 2007 blend that has medium body and goes great with a steak.
- Di Montefalco – Medium bodied wine, lighter than the rubesco pairs well with seafood.
- Rubesco Rivera – Very rich, full bodied, perfect with any selection of meats and cheese. This rubesco is the early harvest variety.
Lungarotti selection of four signature wines
Fresh baskets of bread were laid out and with Lungarotti Olive oil for us to sample. Herbaceous, fruity and a beautiful yellow golden color; hands down one of the best tasting olive oils on the market. A winner by all standards of a fine Olive oil. It’s flavour was intense, there was a slight odor reminiscent of spice, a sign that it was of excellent quality.
The night ended with three women satiated, and strolling the New York night for yet another culinary adventure muddled by a drink or two. Whilst fantasizing about a possible journey in the near future to the Lungarotti winery, to meet the women who are making a mark in a man’s world.
