Experience: Eight Gourmets Gala's Monthly Wine Tasting Feat. Canaletto & Carpineto Italian Wines

Was invited to check out one of Eight Gourmet Gala's (EGG) wine dinner sessions recently.

L-R: Carpineto dogajolo bianco igt, Canaletto pinot grigio, Carpineto dogajolo rosso igt, Carpineto chianti classico docg, Carpineto brunello di montalcino docg

EGG's concept is an interesting one. Owned by the same guys behind Black Market & the brand new Yamaguchi Fish Market in KL, the restaurant houses 8 different cuisines under 1 roof, almost like a upscaled food court if you will, consisting of:

• Hakka Crab (chinese hawker)
• Chiyo Sushi (Japanese)
• Chateau De C.A.F.F.E.I.N.E.E.S (cafe)
• Hook & Cook (Western seafood)
• Malt. Berry. Apes (wine & whisky bar)
• Yi (vegetarian)
• Confessions of Lady Laura (desserts)
• Nibbles Soup (Soup, Salad and Sandwich)

So basically, you're free to mix and match the food and drinks from these 8 outlets to your heart's stomach's desire.

The wine dinner session was a sit-down 4 course food (from the various outlets) & wine pairing session with a representative from the winery present to take your questions. This particular session featured Carpineto and Canaletto Italian wines.


Chiyo premium sashimi starter paired with Carpineto Dogajolo Bianco IGT



The wine was already excellent on its own - not too dry, not too sweet, fruity on the nose. This was a great start. The sashimi, already fresh and delectable, had its sweetness enhanced further with the white.

Truffle mushroom soup with Canaletto Pinot Grigio



I have to say this is one of the best mushroom soups I've had the pleasure of having - thick with lots of earthy flavours and generous amounts of mushrooms bits. That lovely truffle oil was the icing on the cake. It went down excellently with that citrusy, crispy, pinot griogio with a lovely floral scent.


Smoked duck breast rocket salad with balsamic sauce Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso IGT



THIS is my FAVOURITE wine of the night. I liked it so much I even bought a bottle home! Fruity, full bodied & complex yet not too heavy on the palate - lovely with the gamey meat and the sour balsamic sauce.


Grilled salmon and lamb loin & mint sauce with Carpinetto Chianti Classico DOCG



This wine is quite special as it's been aged in oak barrels for at least a year resulting in full bodied berry vanilla flavours with a creamy /velvety texture on the tongue...  Sort of reminded me of whisky! A seamless combination with the heavy red meats.

Cheese platter with Carpineto Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG



This one is like the previous Chianti but aged at least 3 years in oak barrels! So on the mouth and nose, there was EVEN more vanilla & berries, feels even heavier & thicker and coats the whole mouth. I suspect whisky lovers might just enjoy this one a whole bunch, it very nearly feels like whisky! So it's a no-brainer that the strong characters of the wine was a good match with the pungent cheese.

EGG will be holding these wine dinner sessions once a month. This session was RM148++ and totally worth it, if you ask me. Also, at every one of these wine dinner sessions, the bottles are sold on promotion. So if you find yourself falling in love with the wine you've just tasted and simply must get that bottle home, you can!

I had a memorable experience guys. Thanks for having me!

More info on the wines:
http://www.carpineto.com
http://www.casagirelli.it/our-wines2/Canaletto
The Carpineto and Canaletto wines are distributed in Malaysia by In Vino Veritas

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