Vini e Capricci – Wines & Whims recently hosted a Sella e Mosca wine-pairing dinner at its premises at the Gozitano Agricultural Village in Xewkija.
Chef George Borg was tasked with designing a menu to match six prestigious wines from the extensive range of this Italian producer.
Located in Alghero, Sardinia, Sella e Mosca has been considered the most important winery on the Italian island for more than a century. It produces premium wines made exclusively from estate-grown grapes, including Vermentino, Torbato and Cannonau, but has also been among the first to introduce international grape varieties, notably Cabernet Sauvignon.
Torbato Spumante Brut and Oleandro Rosé di Alghero were served as an aperitif. The spumante is made with Torbato grapes and has a light straw colour, with brief hints of lemon, a fine persistent mousse and a fresh, lively palate with dry top notes that leave a long aftertaste.
The rosé, made from young Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, has fruity top notes, followed by the more austere varietal sensations typical of Cabernet. It pairs very well with pasta and rice dishes or lean meat with light sauces.
For the mise en bouche, a white Terre Bianche Alghero was chosen. Made with a grape variety with very ancient origins, the Terre Bianche is a fresh, dry wine dominated by the variety’s typical fruity flavours.
A white wine, Monteorom, a Vermentino di Gallura, was served with a first course of pasta, while a red wine Terre Rare was served with the second course. Made from bush-trained Carignano grapes, Terre Rare is grown in a coastal area of the southwest part of Sardinia.
The red wine Marchese di Villamarina, with its pleasant notes of red fruit, vanilla and hints of spices, accompanied the main course, which consisted of slow-cooked rabbit in jars infused with cherries and served with risotto.
The last wine served was a fortified wine, Anghelu Ruju, made from partially sun-dried Cannonau grapes. This complex, elegant wine was served with cheeses and biscuits and basil and lemon panna cotta with chocolate bites.
For more information, visit www.sellaemosca.it.