The new season of wine festivals in Pantagruel starts with the presentation of two renowned Piedmont wines: Gavi of La Scolca and Barolo of Paolo Scavino.

La Scolca Company was founded in 1919. The estate occupies an area of 50 ha and is located in Ligurian Apennines. The first vineyards were planted as far back as the pre - World War II years, primarily, for producing ordinary home-made wine and it was Vittorio Soldati, the representative of the third generation of owners, who realized the immense prospects that these acres offered. Although Piedmont is a traditional area of red wines, Soldati chose to concentrate on whites and was rewarded with brilliant results. A true potential of the local Cortese grape was realized only when a serious work was launched. Quality has a price and this price must be paid: to obtain good wines the vines must produce little, the best juice of each vine must be concentrated in only a few bunches, if these are really to reap a high quality wine. In 1950 the first Gavi was bottled. It quickly became a sort of myth, people no longer talked of a bottle of Cortese but of a bottle of Scolca. From then on the wine lists of the best restaurants began to feature a first serious white wine from Piedmont. In the wagon-restaurant of the legendary Orient Express the wine list (it has a total of about 20 labels) features famous wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. Italy is represented only by two wines: Gavi dei Gavi of La Scolca and Brunello di Montalcino of Biondi Santi. Another bright example is the dinners held for the La Scala?s Openings where the first wine to be served is Gavi dei Gavi of La Scolca!

Paolo Scavino belongs to the star producers of Piedmont. Over the last 16 years Gambero Rosso wine guide awarded 14 wines with the highest prize - 3 bicchieri. Business was started in 1921 and occupies a total of 9 hectares, but the world-recognized vineyards Bric del Fiasc (1.8 ha; 9000 bottles, commune of Castiglione Faletto) and Rocche dell?Annunziata (0.5 ha; 2000 bottles, commune of La Morra) remain to be the leaders. Certainly, the crop is always harvested by hand.

Authoritative wine critics (Nicholas Belfrage, Burton Anderson) refer the present owner of the company Enrico Scavino (son of Paolo Scavino) to the category of reformists and modernists. The traditional for the estate delicate use of barriques (small French oak barrels) allows to track down the evolution of Barolo over the last decades. It is clear that these wines achieve optimal maturity in 7-10 years and great vintages keep gaining in balance and harmony even after 20-25 years of aging. Still, the modern Barolo even being relatively young is not likely to raise a bulwark of tannins and acidity. Enrico Scavino is convinced that it is going to be his generation that will elevate Barolo to a new height, ?Barolo will always be different from other great wines of the world. But when we reach our optimum, it will be second to none!?

Sergei Gusovsky

The 2004 festival season at osteria Pantagruel will start with an authentic winter theme - Grappa. In recent past being an ordinary and rough drink of peasants, today grappa is an honorary neighbor of cognac and whisky on the shelves of restaurants and bars. Nowadays it is a refined digestive, but those who consider grappa to be an easy-to-understand drink would be mistaken. For a true gourmet though grappa will unveil the very essence of grape, its secret nature. And it will do so in a very dramatic and straightforward way.

During the two weeks of the festival everyone will have the opportunity to taste 10 sorts of grappa. Namely: an elegant muscatel grappa; grappa aged in wild-cherry barrels; grappa made from the pomace of great wines (Tignanelo, Brunello, Barolo); 10-year-old grappa (aged in barriques); herbal grappa and grappa from the rarest grape Picolit. The list of producers will leave only a few people indifferent: Antinori, Castello Banfi, Fattoria di Felsina, Gaja and, at last, the true king of grappa - Nonino.

The portions could be as little as sparing 25 grams, making it possible to make the whole flight, tasting all the 10 samples!

P.S. Moreover, grappa-based cocktails, mysterious Caffe Corretto, and, of course, special menu from Constantino are waiting for you!

Now, Sardinia... The paradise island amidst the Mediterranean Sea has been the desired spot for conquerors for ages. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Etruscans, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Pisans, Genovese, Aragonese, Castilians, Piemontese and many other tribes and nations left their traces on this land. Winemaking was practiced in Sardinia long before our epoch and the tradition has been preserved by proud and independent Sardinians up to the present time. They have been making wine from unique sorts of grape without joining the mainstream of "International River" of Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. Moreover, locals call Italy the "continente" and wine sold there is considered to be an export. To be fare, one should mention a certain influence of Spanish grapes, which have nevertheless assimilated in Sardinia and by now, could rightfully be called. This way, Garnacha got the name Cannonau and Carinena - Carignano. Besides, an important role in the wine-making industry of Sardinia is played by red grapes Bovale Sardo and Monica as well as white Vermentino, Nuragus, Nasco and Torbato. The number of wines classified here sounds rather impressive: 1 DOCG, 19 DOC, 15 IGT.

The last decade determined the viticulture pantheon of the island: Antonio Argiolas, Tenute Sella & Mosca and Cantina Sociale di Santadi. The producers have been maintaining their good reputation (and reputation of Sardinia as the whole) year after year, whereby they have been catering to the world wonderful wines all of which are unique and have distinctive character. What is going to delight Ukrainian wine connoisseurs is that each guest of the festival will have the chance to make his own impression of the selection of Antonio Argiolas wines. The festival will feature: white wines - Costamolino (Vermentino grape) and S'elegas (Phoenician grape Nuragus), red wines - Costera (Cannonau) and Turriga (Cannonau, Bovale Sardo, Carignano, Malvasia Nera) as well as white dessert wine Angialis (produced from the ancient grape Nasco).

Finally, a few words about Antonio Argiolas (see picture above), who started his winery in the 1930s. Today the company is run by his sons Franco and Giuseppe. The family owns 220 ha of vineyards occupying four areas (Selegas, Siurgus Donigala and Guamaggiore) north of the capital of Sardinia, the city of Cagliari. Interestingly enough, until the late 80ies the company did not bottle own wines but sold in bulk to recognized French and Italian producers (Antinori and alike). The first wines of Antonio Argiolas were available for sale only in the year 1991. Over this relatively short period of time one of the wines, namely Turriga, has attained the status of classical wine and has been highly appreciated not only in Italy but far beyond the country. Well, it is not a surprise since great Giacomo Tachis , the Godfather of Tignanello and Solaia, was at the origins... and Turriga is certainly aged in small oak barrels (barriques). This wine has a splendid combination of power and elegance, aromas of ripen fruit and scent of eucalyptus, velvet tannins and lasting aftertaste. Well, all wines to be featured at the festival are noteworthy because Vermentino is a "rising star" in Italy, S'elegas has an interesting spicy taste and Costera is produced from the Cannonau, which is the base of Turriga (this time without barriques). A special attention should be paid to magnificent dessert wine Angialis made from the late-harvested grapes, contains 8% of natural sugar together with (according to a well-known guru Nicolas Belfrage) "vanilla, almost a butter-scotch twist to the ripe tropical fruit flavors which include banana and pineapples". We would only suggest another unique tones of quince jam besides the above cocktail...

Sergei Gusovsky

The grandest wine of Italy and a true Tuscan aristocrat, the famous Brunello will be served by the glass!

More than 20 wines supported by specials from osteria?s Chef Costantino Passalacqua!! A short quote for cucina italiana?s connoisseurs: papprdelle with rabbit, gnocchi with gorgonzola, risotto with quails, ossobuco with porcini mushrooms, lamb chops alla milanese.

During the festival, the best vintages of Brunello of the past 20 years will be presented (1988, 1990, 1995, 1997), as well as a truly rare bottles of 1980 & 1966 years. The list of producers is also more than impressive - Argiano, Barbi, Biondi Santi, Caparzo, Casanova di Neri, Case Basse, CastelGiocondo (Frescobaldi), Castello Banfi, Ciacci Piccolomini, Greppone Mazzi (Ruffino), Il Poggione, Pian delle Vigne (Antinori), Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja), Silvio Nardi.

It was early in the 70-ies of XIX when long experiments of Mr. Ferruccio Biondi-Santi finally brought up a wonderful Brunello, which was made of local grape Sangiovese Grosso. Since then the demand for this wine and its reputation has grown year in, year out. Today Brunello is a true creme de la creme of Italian winemaking (along with Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont). In this wine a tricky Sangiovese grape fully realize its potential, showing amazing elegance and finesse, combined with unique power and concentration of aroma. Brunello can't be considered as an easy drink. On the contrary, while young, this wine can be knocking you down with its serious tannins and nervous acidity. But 6-7 years later the character of this wine become more balanced and, along with usual for Sangiovese species, violets and wild cherry, Brunello also demonstrates tones of chocolate, resin, prunes, tobacco and leather.

Sergei Gusovsky

If this summer you did not manage to stay in Sicily during your vacation, don't grieve for it: Sicilian Wines and Cuisine Festival may become a pleasant consolation for you. Striking, ripe, full of aromas of spices and fruits, wines of the famous PLANETA will become a real revelation for you! And what about rare kinds of pasta? Have you ever tasted casarecce or orecchiette? Are you ready for a lemon salad?.. Come over and discover Sicily yourself!

Sicily? You might be surprised with the fact that cradle of winemaking in Italy is Sicily. The Greek settlements and colonies of VIII BC scattered all around the island would easily prove this fact. Moreover the wines of the island were actively exported: the archeologists find amphorae with inscriptions indicative of their Sicilian origin in different places of the Mediterranean. Yet, ten years ago less than 2% of Sicilian wine was sold in bottles. The rest 98% was exported to the European market as a cheap raw material for coupage. But in 1998 the most influential Italian edition Gambero Rosso has honored Planeta with the title "The Producer of the Year". And only four years prior to that Planeta had submitted its wines for public's judgement.

Four wineries with 350 hectares of vineyards in the best regions of Sicily is the main property of Planeta family. Carlo Corino, a talented winemaker of Piedmont who has worked for 15 years in Australia in Chateau Montrose, was personally invited by the family head Diego Planeta. Planeta controlled the production of Settesoli cooperative society in Menfi and his authority in this town was so indisputable that it was called "a town of the family". "It was a mere kidnapping, - jokes Carlo Corino, - Diego Planeta is like a real Godfather. I was simply scared to say "No".

Planeta's strategy lies in the adaptation of the best world vines to the peculiar conditions of Sicily and future entering the world scene. Only in late 90-s after Planeta has gained world renown the family could concentrate its attention on the unique local varieties. During the Wine Festival you can taste not only widely recognized Chardonnay, Syrah and Merlot but also the wine from mysterious grape called Nero d'Avola. "If we have started with that one - nobody would have noticed us, - says Francesca Planeta the daughter of the company founder. - We began to produce classical wines of good quality and it awoke the public's interest. Now we can be sure about producing THE REAL SICILIAN WINE!"

P.S. Follow the advertisements: Sardinia Wine Festival and Festivals of Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are ahead. Register on our web-site and get the Festivals' announcements by e-mail!

Sergei Gusovsky

From May 26 to June 1 the osteria PANTAGRUEL together with the company DOLMART UKRAINE will be holding an Allegrini Family Wine Festival - one of the most noted wine producing dynasties in Italy. Allegrini are the founders of wine producing traditions in the Valpolicella Classico area (north-east of Italy). In fact in 1557 Allegriano Allegrini managed to acquire the right to use a number of springs in the municipality of Fumane and created a real system of artificial irrigation within his land. Giovanni Allegrini was the founder of the new wine producing generation. In 1960 - 80s Valpolicella experienced a real Renaissance of local wine producing due to Giovanni's persistence and consistency.

The famous Amarone della Valpolicella is produced solely in this area - a wine that possesses unique aromatic and flavour features and therefore is called in Italian "vino da meditazione", i.e. "wine for meditation". It is made with grapes that are dried after the vintage for several weeks and up to 3-4 months. Recioto della Valpolicella is no less famous - a sweet wine that is produced according to technologies similar to those of Amarone, the difference being that the drier grapes enable the fermentation process to finish, leaving the wine with some natural sugars.

But the real jewel in the crown of Allegrini Family is La Poja. The grapes used for the production of this wine are really exclusive - only the top of the Grola mount is capable of producing worthy La Poja grape bunches. Allegrini have managed to produce wine that perfectly combines strength, richness, freedom and ability to enhance the Corvina elegance.

As usual the osteria chef Constantino Passalaqua will organize a special menu, the courses of which will match perfectly the proposed wines. Well-informed sources promise some interesting gastronomic surprises.

Sergei Gusovsky

May 26 is the day of the new Wine Festival Season opening held together by osteria PANTAGRUEL and DOLMART UKRAINE. During the days of the Festival one can taste the Great Wines of Italy "by the glass", listen to the opinions and recommendations of the specialists and also compliment the wine tasting with dishes of special menu from the osteria chef Constantino Passalaqua. Taking into account the large demand for the Festivals last year and their success with the participants (Gaja, Antinori etc.) the organizers have made a program for several months.

26.5 - 1.6                      Allegrini (Veneto) wines
27.6 - 4.7                     Fontanafredda (Piedmont) wines
28.7 - 3.8                     Super Tuscan wines
5.9 - 12.9                     Planeta wines (Sicily)
10.10 - 17.10                Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany)
28.11 - 05.12                Antonio Argiolas wines (Sardinia)

If in 2002 the participants of the Festivals, after tasting a glass of Tignanello or Barbaresco ordered a glass of Solaia or Sperss, this year in May beginning with Soave or Valpolicella one will be able to turn to the famous Amarone and finish the tasting with rare sweet Recioto della Valpolicella.

So, on with the "tasty Italian classes"!

Sergei Gusovsky

Twenty-six generations of the Marchesi Antinori family -- one of less than a handful of families to produce and market wine uninterruptedly for six centuries -- have produced remarkable wines since 1385. The family"s unique amalgam of centuries" old Tuscan and Umbrian tradition with modern innovation has made Antinori the premier wine-producing family of Italy for over 600 years. In fact, Antinori continually experiments in its vineyards and at its wineries, with clonal selection of indigenous and international grape varieties, cultivation, vineyard altitudes, fermentation methods and temperatures, traditional and modern vinification techniques, wood barrel types, sizes and ages, and varying lengths of bottle age.

Come and discover the world of Chianti Classico and Super Tuscans accompanied by Tuscan food...

Sergei Gusovsky