L’Ordine Della Vite @ Barberio Osteria, San Francisco, CA, 8/6/2026

L’Ordine Della Vite Dinner
@ Chez Mike, East Greenbush, NY, 8/30/2026

Our local Italian wine group got together at Chez Mike, one of the best restaurants in our area. The dinner was Paulee style where everyone brought a bottle of Italian wine. Because this was the first dinner of the season, new members were inducted.

Chef/Owner Mike Cohen planned the menu by the regions of Italy. Each course was from a different region starting in the south and moving north. (See the map below.)

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Sections

Venue.
Reception.
Induction.
White Wines.
Red Wines.
Closing Ceremony.

The Venue
Arriving at the restaurant:

The menu and Chef Mike's Map:

Reception
"Sugarkiss" Melon With Prosciutto:

Duck Liver Pate Crostini With Husk Cherry Compote.
Arancini With Mozzarella & Parmesan:

There was a good selection of white wines and Prosecco for the apps:

Above two photos by Jen Manne.

NV Nino Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rustico - Italy, Veneto, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
This was soft and delicious. For me, it was a great starter. (88 points)

The Induction
Seven new members were inducted by Karl Manne (in red):

Above four photos by Jen Manne.

Whites and First Two Courses
Puglia: Yellowfin Tuna Crudo: First Pressed Olive Oil, Lemon, Shaved Fennel, Pink Pepper, Maldon Sea Salt:

Lazio: Smoked Salmon Carbonara: Spaghetti, Hudson Valley Smoked Salmon, Dill, Cracked Pepper, Finished with Egg & Pecorino Cheese:

Second photo by Chez Mike.

2022 Tiefenbrunner Müller-Thurgau Alto Adige - Südtirol Feldmarschall von Fenner - Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Alto Adige - Südtirol
[Pop and pour.] Lovely, bright nose of citrus and tropical fruit. Crisp in the mouth with plenty of complexity. This is just yummy wine. I think it has actually improved a bit since I had it a few months ago. A bit more complexity. A great match to both the Yellowfin Tuna Crudo and the Smoked Salmon Carbonara. (93 points)
2015 Miani Sauvignon - Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Friuli Colli Orientali
[Pop and pour.] Lovely nose of citrus and almonds. Rich, complex, mature. Expansive and delicious. (93 points)
2018 Calafè Greco di Tufo Ariavecchia - Italy, Campania, Greco di Tufo DOCG
[Pop and pour.] Crisp, tasty, simple but appealing. (87 points)

Reds and the Next Two Courses
Tuscany: Pollo Al Mattone: Crispy Boneless Chicken Thigh Cooked Under a Brick, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Local Corn & Tomatoes:

Emilia Romana: Stracotto: Boneless Beef Short Rib, Braised In Red Wine, Veal Stock, Tomato, Herbs, Parmigiana Reggiano; Polenta, and Sauteed Lacinato Kale:

1994 Melini Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneti La Selvanella - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG
[A 3 liter bottle double-decanted for two hours.] Beautiful nose of red currants and minerals. Balanced acidity and red fruit. Lovely wine to drink now from 3L. (93 points)
2003 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
[Pop and pour.] Red fruit and tar in the nose. Loads of ripe, sweet red fruit. Long finish of sweet red fruit and licorice. I don't think this has reached its peak yet, but it is a joy to drink anyway, as it has been since release. (94 points)
2007 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
[Double-decanted for 90 minutes.] Rich, black fruit nose. Loads of rich red and black fruit. I think it's just beginning its best drinking window. A beautiful, complex wine. (94 points)
1999 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
[Double-decanted around 3:30pm. I should have left it in the decanter longer.] Elegant, rich, dark fruit nose. Tart red and black fruit. Still young. Goes really well with the short rib.
After 2 days in the fridge: More open and really singing. Bright acidity. Red fruit nose. Still rich and complex in the nose. (94 points)
1971 Cantina dei Produttori Nebbiolo di Carema Carema - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Carema
[Double-decanted for 90 minutes.] Nose of red fruit and forest floor. Dried cherries. Holding up really well, but no reason to wait. Delicious wine. (92 points)

Dessert
Piedmont: Budino: Brown Sugar Pudding, Chocolate Cookie Crumbs, Salted Caramel, Whipped Cream, Fresh Cherry Compote:

Closing Ceremony
Group leaders Chuck Spinnato & Donna Goodbread present Chef/Owner Mike Cohen
with a token of our appreciate for the wonderful meal.

Conclusion
Quite a few delicious wines and incredible food from Chez Mike. Thanks to John & Linda for inviting us.

My tasting wines posted from CellarTracker.