Wine Media Guild Members flank Lidia
Of course you know that the private dining room at Felidia is one of the best in town. And the cuisine is supurb. Yet did you know that Lidia and her son, restauranteur Joseph Bastianich also make wine?
On November 4 2009 they treated the Wine Media Guild to their collection, starting with a "field blend" of wine they call Vespa Bianco. What does the name mean? According to Joseph, they were having a picnic and drinking the wines, and a swarm of wasps decended upon them.
Table at Felidia
We tasted a vertical of the years 2001 - 2007. The grapes include chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and others ... different percentages per vintage. 2001 was a hot year and they used mostly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay ... the aroma and palate was very rich and concentrated. 2003 was a cool year, and wet. The aroma was of minerals and the palate higher in acid. 2004 again produced a very rich wine with high levels of glycerol, 2006 was made from mostly Chardonnay again and produced another rich, concentrated wine, and finally 2007, the latest vintage, was made from Sauvignon Blanc and quite aromatic with minerals.
octopus
octopus
The Vespa Rosso reds (vintages 2002, 2004, 2005) were fabulous and paired well with the roasted, all-natural angus beef flat iron with mushrooms.
Angus flat iron beef
All in all, a very fabulous event which showcases the Bastianich collection and the incredibly delicious cuisine of this landmark Manhattan restaurant.
Click here to hear Joseph Bastianich speak about his wines and give tasting notes
Want to read more about the Wine Media Guild? See these article links:
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Chenin Blanc lunch
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