A great wine can be good stand alone but it will reach greatness with a great food pairing. Excellence is reached when this happens during a celebration. Here you will find some of these moments …
A 12-liter bottle of Brunello di Montalcino Caprili “Ad Alberto” is no ordinary wine—it’s a show-stopper, a conversation piece, and the ultimate dream for any wine enthusiast named Alberto! Nicknamed a “Balthazar”, this majestic bottle holds the equivalent of 16 standard bottles, or about 80 glasses of wine. That’s enough to turn a regular dinner into an epic celebration.
Now, the real question: how many friends and family do you need to tackle this monumental bottle? If everyone enjoys two glasses (because let’s face it, no one stops at one when it’s Brunello), you’d need about 40 people. But if you gather fewer—say, your top 20 favorite people—you can savor it a little longer and let the laughter flow.
Imagine opening this masterpiece for a special occasion, its bold flavors of Sangiovese Grosso filling the room. It’s not just wine; it’s a legacy in a glass!
A 3-liter bottle of “For Friends Only”, crafted by Roberto Moretti of Querce Bettina, is a rare treasure … a Supertuscan blend that embodies the essence of Montalcino’s terroir with a contemporary twist. Produced in fewer than 10 bottles per vintage, this wine is a testament to Roberto’s dedication to excellence, blending international and indigenous varietals into a harmonious masterpiece. Its deep, rich flavors of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and hints of tobacco and chocolate are balanced by refined tannins and a long, velvety finish, making it perfect for life’s most meaningful celebrations.
For you, this extraordinary wine holds an even greater purpose: it will be opened when both of my daughters welcome their firstborns into the world. Currently aging gracefully while waiting for my daughters to finish their breastfeeding journeys, this bottle represents patience, love, and the anticipation of shared joy.
When the moment arrives, this wine will serve as the centerpiece for a gathering of family and friends, celebrating the beautiful gift of new life. Its bold character and smooth elegance will perfectly toast to the future, creating memories as timeless as the wine itself. Here’s to the perfect pairing of family milestones and Roberto Moretti’s artistry. Cheers! 🍷
And … Bisson Metodo Classico 2018 – aged 24 months underwater in the sea in front of Portofino – will be the opening Brindisi …
Andrea Kihlgren’s Giuncaro Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from Santa Caterina is a stellar match for canard à l’orange, thanks to its foundation in biodynamic winemaking inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophic principles. Andrea’s approach nurtures the vineyard as a living organism, resulting in wines that are vibrant, complex, and deeply reflective of their Ligurian terroir.
The wine’s bright acidity and subtle herbal notes cut through the richness of the duck, while its elegant citrus and mineral undertones harmonize beautifully with the orange glaze. Crafted with minimal intervention—using indigenous yeasts, no fining or filtering, and minimal sulfites—this Sauvignon Blanc retains its pure and authentic expression, enhancing the dish’s layers of flavor.
Andrea’s biodynamic practices, guided by nature’s rhythms and cosmic cycles, imbue the wine with vitality and depth, making it a perfect partner for the bold, sweet, and tangy profile of canard à l’ orange. Each sip elevates the dish, creating a balanced and unforgettable pairing.
A Magnum Barolo 2016 G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole is an exceptional choice to elevate a prime rib dinner to unparalleled heights. This wine, crafted from the prestigious cru Bricco delle Viole vineyard, embodies the elegance and complexity that make Barolo the “King of Wines.” The 2016 vintage, a standout year, showcases vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and layers of flavors ranging from red cherries and roses to earthy undertones of truffle and leather—an ideal complement to the rich, marbled meat of prime rib.
The wine’s full-bodied structure and aromatic finesse seamlessly cut through the fattiness of the prime rib, cleansing the palate with each sip while enhancing the savory depth of the meat. Its floral notes add a sophisticated contrast to the smoky crust of the roast, while the long, velvety finish mirrors the luxurious texture of the beef. Served from a magnum, the slower aging process ensures the Barolo retains a youthful vibrancy alongside its developing complexity, making it a perfect centerpiece for a memorable meal. Together, they create a pairing that is both indulgent and harmonious, a celebration of Piemontese excellence and culinary tradition.