Musings on the Vine @ Cappella Restaurant, Needham, MA

I first delivered this tasting back in 2008 and then adapted it to a 10 glass flight. It is unusual because it focuses on the 3,000+ year history of Italy and the glasses are milestone markers along the way. Each milestone is connected to a moment in history in many ways and is meant to solidify one’s understanding by creating a visceral taste and aroma memory.

The foods are equally important and Rob and his crew at Cappella did an outstanding job of finding small plates that not only paired perfectly with the wines, but tied beautifully to the history, as well.

We will conduct this tasting again – we had too much fun and the class is just too enriching to only teach once. Stay tuned.

The flight and the foods as as follows:

Eight Glasses…

Etruscans              2019 Arnaldo-Caprai Montefalco Rosso, Umbria

 Black Truffe Pecorino

Greeks                    2021 Inama Vigneti di Foscarino Soave Classico, Veneto

Grilled Octopus

Roman                   2018 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso, Verona

                                Red Wine Risotto /    Brown Butter Sage Pumpkin Ravioli

Arabs                     2022 Vietti Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont

                          Renaissance           2018 Rocca delle Macie Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany

Grilled Beef  & Red Wine Sauce

Napoleonic            Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut, Lombardy

Fried Green Tomato and Caper Aioli / Aged Parmigiana and 12 Year Old Balsamic

Reunification        Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Centenario Amabile, Emilia Romagna

Modern Age          2019 Morgante Nero d’Avola, Sicily

                                Duck Breast and Cider Sauce