A great day for Oltrepò Pavese wines in Tokyo

The experience started in the afternoon with a special masterclass where Marco Sabellico from Gambero Rosso, Isao Miyajima, a top Japanese wine expert specialized in Italian wines and Carlo Veronese, the director of the Consorzio Oltrepò presented the territory and its history through 10 excellent labels spanning from Pinot Nero Blanc de Noir sparklings from La Genisia and La Versa, passing through another classic method, a Rosé by La Travaglina. Then was served an O. P. Riesling Superiore, Vigna Martina La Fleur ’21 by Isimbarda, and then the Bonarda Sommossa ‘21 by Castello di Luzzano. The experience continued with the O.P. Barbera ’21 by Cà Montebello. And then it was the turn of a flight of four excellent Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero selections spanning from ’22 to ’19 vintage. The wineries involved were Frecciarossa with Carillo ’22, Cà di Frara with their ’21, then Travaglino with Pernero ’19 to end with the O.P. Pinot Nero Riserva Partù ’20 by Cordero San Giorgio. The tasters were amazed by the high quality of every single label tasted. “It’s amazing how vocated is this terroir for complicated and demanding varieties like Pinot Noir and Riesling. “Something really unexpected - said one of the invited guests - such results are generally achieved by native varieties…”.

At the sunset it was aperitivo time, served on the beautiful terrace overlooking Omotesando.

The dinner featured a special 7 courses menu created especially for the event.

Each dish, from the Spuma di Zucca con Fegato Grasso to the Salmone Affumicato con Panna Cotta di Finocchi, not to mention the Ricciola con Kiwi e Salsa allo Yoghurt,  the wonderful pastas, Maltagliati al ragù di faraona e Funghi and the superb Ravioli con Guancia di Manzo Stufata al Tartufo Nero, was created to be paired with a particular wine, and the result was amazing. The great finale was a superb cut of Japanese beef grilled on Binchotan white coal with an aubergine beef and balsamico sauce paired to a 2021 Oak aged Pinot Nero, Umore Nero by Castello di Luzzano. And then a fantastic Composta di Fichi allo Zabajone that perfectly matched with a deliciously sweet Sangue di Giuda, one of the pearls of this varietals and styles rich Denomination.

“Japan is our most important export market after USA - said Carlo Veronese at the end of the evening - We need to be present in Japan. And the success of this event is a testimony of the passion and knowledge of Japanese wine experts. And this incredible dinner with perfect matches with every wine tells again the excellence of Japanese food and wine professionals. Memorable!”