Neb Knights Barolo Dinner
@ L'Apicio,
East Village, NYC, 2/6/2016
A small subset of the Nebbiolo Knights was already in NYC for Antonio Galloni's La Festa del Barolo
Gala Dinner
and 2011 Barolo Tasting,
so we got together for one more dinner before heading home.
We met at L'Apicio,
13 East First Street (between Second & Bowery) in the East Village.
Just a few blocks south of where the
Fillmore East
and Ratner's once reigned.
The food was delicious and well-matched to the wines.
We were joined by Giuseppe and Isi Vaira of
G.D. Vajra Winery,
and a few other interesting guests who stopped by.
Click on any photo with a border for a larger view of that photo.
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L'Apicio is beautiful new restaurant
from the same folks that brought us
L'Artusi.
The warm modern interior was designed by
Workshop/APD.
Here are a couple of photos of the interior from their website.
The photo on the right is of the space where we ate.
There are more photos of L'Apicio on the
website of Workshop/APD.
People Photos
Neb Knight Kelly Walker stopped by with his friend Moritz Rogosky of Il Caberlot.
They had another commitment, so they didn't stay for dinner with us.
Greg dal Piaz and Isi Vaira.
Isi Vaira and Todd Tucker.
Jamie Wolff and Giuseppe Vaira.
I guess Henry Kahn and Tom Maskell got there later and I didn't get a photo of them. :(
Flight 1
-
1996 Deutz Champagne Cuvée William Deutz Rosé - France, Champagne
Light fruity nose. Surprisingly sweet and simple. (88 points)
-
2005 Alzinger Riesling Loibner Reserve - Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau
I don't see the word "Smaragd" on the label, but it matches the picture on CellarTracker.
Interesting, complex mineral nose. Ripe and tasty in the mouth. A little too sweet to start
a meal. (92 points)
Note: Turns out this is not labeled "Smaragd" because it was made from botrytis-affected grapes.
Leo Alzinger does not like to use botrytis-affected grapes in his "Smaragd" because he feels it
doesn't represent the vineyard as well. This is blend of vineyards in Loibner.
Flight 2
Charred Octopus with Fregola, Pepperoni, Olives, and Lemon.
-
1971 Tenuta Carretta Barolo Riserva Speciale Cannubi - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Corked. Totally undrinkable. (NR/flawed)
-
1971 Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello Barolo Monprivato - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
[Double decanted at 4pm. Tasted around 8:30pm.] Dark brooding nose of black fruit and licorice.
Slowly opening up. Tight and tart at first, but after some time in the glass, it is a glorious,
classic Barolo with tar and cherries and something floral. Terrific! WOTN (96 points)
-
1978 Filippo Sobrero Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
[Double decanted around 2pm.] Gorgeous floral nose. A lovely wine right at its peak.
Delicious and a joy to drink. This Sobrero (not Francesco) owned vines in Monprivato and Villero
which he eventually sold to Mauro Mascrello of Giuseppe Mascarello. (93 points)
Flight 3
Broccoli Rabe Ravioli with Ricotta Salata and Chives.
-
1975 Bruno Giacosa Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
[Double decanted around 2pm.] Muted nose. Mildly corked. Sad because there's enough here to tell
that it would have been delicious without the taint. (NR/flawed)
-
1987 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
[Double decanted around 2pm.] Flowers and red berries in the nose. Lush, silky, tart red fruit.
A gorgeous wine. (93 points)
Flight 4
Tagliatelle with Wild Mushrooms and Parmesan.
Side Dish
Cauliflower with Pine Nuts and Breadcrumbs.
Dessert
The generous folks at L'Apicio brought us an assortment of desserts.
Olive Oil Cake with Candied Winter Citrus, and Crème Fraîche Mousse:
Croissant Bread Pudding with Honeycrisp Apple Compote, Candied Pecans, and Crème Fraîche Gelato.
Banana Tiramisu with Peanutbutter Mousse, Banana Cake, and Vanilla Wafers.
Chocolate Truffle Cake with Espresso Gelato and Whipped Cream.
Summary
Just another fun get-together with good friends, good food, and good wine.
Notes posted from CellarTracker.
All original content © Ken Vastola