Starting 2012 off right at Tutti Matti
What a great way to start 2012, at Tutti Matti restaurant in Toronto for a special dinner featuring the wines of Azienda Agricola Casa Raia from Montalcino. Both Kalyna and Piere-Jean Monnoyer from the winery were at the dinner to speak about the special care and respect that is taken in the vineyard and winery to make their wines so unique.
The Monnoyer family owns a 1Ha vineyard in Montalcino that was formerly owned by the Biondi Santi family, situated on a promontry below the historic town. They make 100% natural wines. That is, no chemical applications or additives are used in the vineyard or in the winery. Alcoholic fermentation takes place spontaneously with natural yeasts.
Kalyna and Pierre-Jean produce three wines — Bevilo Toscana IGT, Rosso di Montalcino DOC and Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. These wines were paired with a Prix fixe dinner prepared by Chef Alida Solomon. Before opening Tutti Matti nine years ago, Alida spent six years working in the top kitchens in the Montalcino area. In 2009 Tutti Matti won the prestigious “Eccio d’Ore award for “Osteria of the Year”, and award previously won by Chefs Mario Batali and Alain Ducasse.
- Bevilo 2008 is a blend of 90% Sangiovese grosso grapes (the same grapes used in Brunello) and 10% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was aged for two years in previously-used French-oak tonneaux (400l), and four months in bottle before release. We have an order coming in through TWC Imports , and is due to arrive in early March.
- Rosso di Montalcino 2008 was aged for over two years in French-oak barriques, and ageing regime that is much longer than is required by DOC regulations. This vintage is now sold out and we are waiting for the 2009 to be rleased in March.
- Finally, the Brunello di Montalcino, from the 5 star 2006 vintage, was aged for four years in French-oak barriques, with six months of bottle ageing before release. All wines were bottled without fining, and with minimal filtering. This wine is still available, but in very small amounts. We will be moving to the 2007 vintage in March.
If you missed the dinner, but want to try the Casa Raia wines, they are all available on the list at Tutti Matti. Reservations for lunch or dinner can be made by phone (416-597-8839), by e-mail (seneca@tuttimatti.com), or using the On-line reservation system on the restaurant’s Web site — www.tuttimatti.com
For more information about the winery and the wines, visit www.casaraia.com
For information about pricing and availability of the wines, please send an e-mail to TWC Imports at info@twcimports.com
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