An Afternoon With Mr Pio Boffa of PIO CESARE Wineries, Italy, Paired With Lunch At Topshelf TTDI

When I received the invitation for the above, I was thrilled, because I was actually considering going for the event at Graze, KL Hilton or at Stoked, as I recall with fondness (and slight trepidation) my earlier experience with Pio Cesare Wines back in 2014.  However the two places were fully booked, so I couldn't have gone even if I wanted to.

Memories come flooding back of that Masterclass, with 15 different types of wines to sample....You see, because wines are a luxury item in this country, when one attends a "tasting", one is loathe to swirl, sip and spit...so "sayang" as they say.  (such a waste).

Anyway, Italian wines paired with the food by the talented Christopher Yee of Topshelf and Sucre Studio, I knew I was in for a treat.

The Pio Cesare, founded in 1881 by Cesare, (Pio being the family name), was among the first winemakers in Italy, because he believed in the potential and quality of the Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera Grapes of Piemonte.  5 generations later, the Pio Cesare, based in Alba, has been producing traditional Piemontese Wines.

You can check out the the website for more info at www.piocesare.it

We were honored to have the man himself, Mr Pio Boffa, great grandson of the founder, to tell us more about his family wines.

La mer
We start the meal with the Saveur La Mer, torched fine oysters, grilled scampi and snapper ceviche paired with the Gave DOCG 2016.  The freshness of fruit and the crisp fragrance is a great complement to the marine offering.

Next, the lovely Barolo DOCG 2013 with the Roast Lamb Loin.

Grape Varietal 100% Nebbiolo, mild tannins, very easy to drink, and paired well with both the lamb and the duck.

Also pairing with the lamb was the Ornato Barolo DOCG 2012, also 100% Nebbiolo, but exceedingly rich, and full bodied, more like a celebration wine, that one doesn't just swig like a sailor downing his beer.

Special mention for Chef Christopher's Tempura Kimchi & Brie which was AAABSOLUTELY deeeeeeevine.

The Pan Roasted Duck Breast, like a beautiful bridesmaid, almost stole the main show for this course....no offence to the wines.

Paired with the Ornato from earliers, as well as Barbaresco DOCG 2012, and "Il Bricco" Barbaresco DOCG 2012, I was really having quite a food moment. Grapes from the hills of San Stefanetto, this classic Barbaresco with its mild tannins make it a gentle but elegant wine.  The Il Bricco, the more expensive cousin to the plain Barbaresco, also comes across as a special occasion wine.

And finally, the Chocolate Creemus, With Salted Meringue & Poached Berries, absolutely delicious way to end the meal.  And I'm not usually one to wax lyrical about desserts, but this one was worth waxing about.

For more info on these wines, contact
Email: michellehor@asiaeurowines.com.my

Michelle Hor

Wines Division Director

ASIAEURO WINES & SPIRITS SDN BHD
No. 1 & 3, Jalan PJU 3/49 Sunway Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel : +603 78832828
Fax: +603 78832928
www.asiaeurowines.com

And for that amazing cuisine,
TOPSHELF RESTAURANT @TTDI
61 Lorong Rahim Kajai 13,
TTDI