We dedicate our new wine festival to the very special producer of Verdicchio – Villa Bucci and two recognized producers from Piedmont: Moccagatta (you will be able to try its Barbaresco of the vintage 1999 from the Bric Balin vineyard) and Azelia (two Barolo ’98 by the glass, including Cru Bricco Fiasco).

Here you could familiarize yourself with the new special menu from Costantino Passalacqua.

Our first wine festival of 2008 could be easily referred to as the festival of the modern Italian wine. All wines are big and powerful, even white ones. For instance, Poggio Argentato from Le Pupille which is a blend of Traminer and Sauvignon is pleasantly sweet and fruity on the nose with a properly luscious body, while in Sharjs from Livio Felluga the cream of Chardonnay is nicely balanced by the raciness and vivacity of Ribolla Gialla. With the reds the story becomes even more intricate. First of all it is hard (if possible) to decide which wine to start the tasting from. The price tags don’t help here, since Chianti Classico Riserva from Villa Cafaggio is not less impressive than neither Morellino di Scansano from Fattoria Le Pupille nor Brunello di Montalcino from Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona. All wines are young but nevertheless ready to be drunk, thus confirming on of the most important features of the modern winemaking.

Besides the first wine festival of 2008 we a proud to present a first special menu of 2008. Obviously the author is our beloved chef Costantino Passalacqua. Just think of the ravioli with goose meat and of polenta with porcini…

Yes, again we are playing an unbeatable Piedmont card. This time – with another set of great producers: Gianni Gagliardo, Albino Rocca and Giuseppe Mascarello. All wines are local, meaning classical. Among whites there are Roero Arneis and Favorita from Gagliardo. The first one is easier and very quaffable, the second – rather serious if not the most important of all wines made from the odd Favorita grapes. As for the reds, the two ones from Albino Rocca – are convincing examples of the modern style in winemaking. Both Dolcetto d’Alba and Barbaresco are fruity and intense, although in Dolcetto the fresh aromas of dark berries almost eliminate any feel of tannins while nothing could hide hefty tannins of Barbaresco. On the other hand, they are two wines of different destinies; Dolcetto is to be drunk now whereas properly powerful structure of Barbaresco guarantees its long and successful future. Finally, crowning our festival is Barolo from Giuseppe Mascarello. Things could not get any more classical: very special vineyard (Santo Stefano di Perno of Monforte d’Alba), small harvest, extended aging in large Slavonian barrels. A magnificent wine.

Please learn more about the new specials of our chef Costantino Passalacqua.

Our mini-festival is dedicated to two great wines by great Antinori. We are going to serve super-Tuscans Tignanello and Guado al Tasso by the glass. Five years ago we did just that. The difference between these festivals though is that in 2002 we did put the wines on sale right after their arrival to Kiev, but now gave them a chance to lie for a year in our cellar. Sure, Tignanello and Guado al Tasso of 2003 would have only gained by resting quietly for some more five-seven years, but we wouldn’t have been ready for such squandering as "by the glass" service. Anyway, you can taste these wines now, as well as buy a bottle to two for a further careful storage.

More information about festival

An essay about pizza appeared on our website a few years ago. At that time, I just wanted to find out myself what this culinary miracle is all about… Later I couldn’t help writing about the results of the study. Finally, a few journeys to Naples got me being completely gripped with inexorable desire to build a NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA.

Now, it is time to share a true pleasure: Pizzeria Napulé is opened. We are proud to introduce a hereditary pizzailo from Naples, Mr. Giuseppe Irollo (aka Peppe). He works exclusively with Neapolitan flour (namely - Caputo Rosso 00) and bakes pizza in a real wood-burning oven. The oven is made by the hereditary Neapolitan master, Mr. Stefano Ferrara who refused making any compromises and used only Neapolitan tufa and Neapolitan refractory bricks. Besides pizza, at Napulé you can taste Neapolitan home-style cuisine from Adelaide Zazzaro – Peppe’s fiancée.

Pizzeria Napule'
9 Mechnikova St., 2nd floor
Entrance: glass door with the print, to the left from the main entrance to “Kiyanka NOVA” furniture store.
Phone: 461 9263

New wine festival brings up a very predictable line of wines from Veneto: two whites (Soave and Bianco di Custosa) and three reds (Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone). A very recognizable types of wine, from rather unknown producer – Fratelli Zeni. Quick comment? Sure: pleasant, nicely fragrant wines. Comfortable alcohol level (not very high). Good “tipicita”. Great price/quality balance. What else one might want?..

Finally, please learn more about the new specials of our chef Costantino Passalacqua.

Yet another festival is dedicated to whites from Friuli and reds from Sicily. We will show new producers and new versions of seemingly well-known wines.

Both whites from Renato Keber are extremely full of character. On the one hand - very serious, full-bodied Pinot Grigio, that smells spices and minerals; on the other – almost crunchy from the ultimate freshness Sauvignon. Lots of gooseberry and blackberry leaves and only then all those typical notes of classical Sauvignon… you know what we are talking about.

Three reds are all modern portraits of indigenous Nero d’Avola. Two of them - from Morgante, both – “in purezza” (a fruiter and lighter version and a matured one, respectfully called “Don Antonio”), a third wine, from Firriato, is actually a marvellous blend of Nero d’Avola and Perricone. All three are rich and seductive southern wines, beware of getting addicted to them!

Finally, please learn more about the new specials of our chef Costantino Passalacqua.

During our new wine festival we will show four wines. One white and three reds. Genial Soave from Gini, Chianti Classico Riserva from Capannelle, Super-Tuscan “50&50” from Capannelle and Avignonesi and, finally, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Gianfranco Soldera (Case Basse winery).

All wines are made in minuscule quantities, all of them are quite expensive. To find them in enoteca or a wine shop would be a big luck, to try them by the glass – practically impossible. Well, to be exact, there are three chances. First, if you are a recognized wine importer and you have managed to schedule a meeting at VinItaly fair in Verona. Second, if you are recognized wine importer all the same and agreed about the visit to the winery. Third, if you arrive in time for the wine festival of osteria Pantagruel.

You could learn more about both the wines and the new specials from our chef Costantino Passalacqua on our web-site.

The province of Campania may pride itself upon Vesuvius, Naples and the fact that it was here that pizza became a culinary phenomenon. And upon wines, the wines with long and noble history. It was Campania where the famous Falernian wine, inexhaustible source of enjoyment for Horatio, was produced. Nobody else but Pliny the Elder in his Historia Naturalis mentioned the white grapes Apianis and Aminea Gemella, which are today referred to as Fiano and Greco di Tufo respectively. We managed to get hold of Fiano di Avellino by Colli di Lapio and Greco di Tufo by Benito Ferrara. Only 4 hectares under the vine at Colli di Lapio and only 3 hectares under the Vigna Cicogna vineyard at Benito Ferrara. Special vineyards, special wines.
 
Red wines by Arnaldo Caprai from Umbria is a smart balance of the autochthonous Sagrantino grape and modern (in the meaning “international”) practice of wine-making and deserved bunch of awards from Gambero Rosso and Italian Association of Sommelier. As a rule, they are given to the main wine – 25 Anni. Rare, precious wine. And we are selling it by the glass! And not only 25 Anni, but two other wines by Caprai as well: Montefalco Rosso (blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Sagrantino) and Rosso Outsider  (Merlot and Cabernet in equal proportions). The trio is noticeable for their different characters, though the style of Arnaldo Caprai is to be recognized in all of them. That’s that, the master’s hand…

And just in time the new Specials from our Chef comes.

More information about the festival

Speaking of the surprise, we will delight your palate with the wine that belongs to rather humble territory and an even more humble wine family. But here’s a quote from infamous Gambero Rosso: "Honey, spring flowers and mineral hints on the nose, strength and elegance on the palate, then add depth and complexity. Spectacular." Learn more on our web-site.

And there are no surprises with the reds from Riecine. They are big, full-bodied, nicely done wines with tremendous potential. We will show two of them, the most important ones: Chianti Classico Riserva and a Super-Tuscan La Gioia, of nice 2001 and 2000 vintages accordingly. You might be pleased to know that there were only 722 cases of Riserva made, and 916 cases of La Gioia. You might be as well pleased to try both of the wines by the glass.

And just one more reason for the joy of life: the new specials from our chef Costantino Passalacqua.

The main character of the festival is the Nebbiolo grape. Though it may not be the Nebbiolo, but the old Nino Negri. Though it may not be Negri, but the terraces of Valtellina valley in the north of Lombardia. After all, the main character of the festival may be Amarone as such… Well, when about a hundred years ago Nino Negri guessed of drying of the Chiavennasca grapes (a local clone of Nebbiolo), he was not likely to be thinking which of the wines was closer to him – Barolo or Amarone. Still, he managed to unite two oenological legends in one wine. Indeed, he did guess to take Barolo’s blood (well, or Barbaresco’s) and Amarone’s flesh!

In 1983, under Nino Negri label, came into the world a wine named “Sfursat 5 Stelle”. In ten years, the first desired “tre bicchieri” were obtained from Gambero Rosso, and the same Gambero Rosso called the vintage 2001 of 5 Stelle “the Italian red wine of the year”. Though at the festival will be presented the 5 Stelle of 2003, don’t you worry – it is destined to get those coveted “three goblets” from Gambero Rosso. Apart from 5 Stelle we will offer two more Nino Negri’s wines (both are Valtellina Superiore DOCG, both are cru): Fracia and Sassorosso from the sub-region of Grumello.

And speaking of the surprise, well, you could learn more about it either on our web-site or during the visit to Pantagruel. Same is applicable to the new specials from our chef Costantino Passalacqua.

At the very end of the 2006 season of wine festivals we propose an imposing experience of matching two hugely successful Sicilian wines of Planeta with six dishes of the new special menu from our chef Costantino Passalacqua. The white Cometa (100% Fiano grape) could be accompanied by warm focaccia with smoked salmon and mascarpone cheese. And if you would want to stay with that opulent white, there are either spaghetti with spinach, potatoes and Salsiccia or ravioli with pike perch and cuttlefish sauce that will be waiting to marry Cometa. Do not miss though a famous Burdese (a powerful combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc)! Speaking of which a humble pork kidney sauteed in olive oil with garlic might prove just right or, maybe you will decide for risotto Parmigiana…

In any case the only negative point of the festival is, as always, a limited amount of bottles. Well we have done our best getting the vast majority of Cometa and the total Ukrainian allocation of Burdese delivered to osteria Pantagruel.

If you think that Riesling is made only in Alsace and in Germany, try the one made in Italy, to be exact – in Friuli. Late harvested Riesling from Ronco del Gelso shows a very nice complexity with nuances of herbs, minerals and lemon. The crispiness of its palate should be of no surprise for the fans of Rieslings, but don’t expect all those funny and weird kerosene notes that are so typical for its Northern European brothers.

Now a few words about Barbaresco: a graceful wine from the Sottimano family, it has been harvested from a tiny (1 ha) vineyard called Fausoni, from the 35-years old vines. A precise combination of ageing in both new and used barriques lets the fruit sing without being overwhelmed by vanilla & Co. Be sure to recognize cassis, mint, balsamico and dark cherry. Be sure we leave a lot of other aromas for you to decipher. The tannins are soft and silky but they are there, altogether with acidity and an elegant bitterness, but that chorus doesn’t displease ourselves, for we don’t drink a new-world’s Coca-Cola, don’t we?

When we had a wine festival of famous Tuscan producer Isole e Olena, the ultimate summit of the tasting was a classical super-Tuscan called Cepparello, on which we wrote then: “that by and large, Cepparello is a majestic monument to the precious Sangiovese grape, erected in its life-time.” We should only add, that we snatched a reasonable amount of bottles of the 2000 vintage and starting this Wednesday (Oct. 4th) we will surely serve some of them by the glass. It would be nice to see how autumn will marry those gentle, sophisticated notes of fallen leaves and distant smoke, brought up by this precious wine.

Finally, we can’t avoid providing few hints to the new specials from our Chef Mr. Passalacqua. The warm tart of goat cheese Caprino is a must. A very simple but nonetheless delicious starter. Those who like fresh fish might be surprised by a combination of “sea bass fillets served on ciabatta canapes with baked sweet peppers and anchovy sauce”. And finally, THE PASTA. See, if you could resist to all the tempting smells of either gnocchi with prosciutto of lasagna with Gorgonzola. And what about traditional Sicilian spaghetti alla norma (with chunks of eggplants, capers and tomatoes)? Just add to the list a humble minestrone with pesto sauce… Thank you for your appetite.

Normally, when you hear “Montepulciano d’Abruzzo”, you think or recall an unpretentious wine which serves as ideal match for regular lunches or dinners. You might also see it around being served by the glass, again thanks to a very nice price/quality balance. Alas, there are a couple of exclusivities in the long line of friendly budget-oriented bottles of Montepulciano. One of them is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo “Villa Gemma” from Gianni Masciarelli. A very, very serious wine. Rich, thick and powerful wine with abundant notes of ripe fruits and dark berries, chocolate, tobacco, leather. In the blind tasting it can easily be misplaced with Amarone. It would not make any sense to order another red after having a glass of Villa Gemma, although a sip of aged cognac or grappa might be a right decision.

P.S. One more thing: starting this Tuesday, we will be serving (by the glass!) a 1999 vintage. Probably we have enough bottles to keep going until forthcoming weekend…

However terrifying it might be sounding, but the last festival of Sicilian wines took place almost a year ago. Almost a year without Sicily! Horrible! You must have had enough time to forget of such grape as Nero d’Avola… Ok, we are here to remind, as well as to introduce you to the new varieties too. For this we will resort to the help of one of the most dynamic wineries of Sicily, and perhaps of the whole Italy – Calatrasi.

More information about the festival

This Tuesday (September 5th) we will start a new mini-wine-festival. A very nice bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva from the very nice vintage of 1999, Coltassala carries both classical and modern traits. On the one hand, the wine is made from traditional Tuscan grapes Sangiovese and Mammolo, on the other, it spends 18 months in Allier barriques. In fact, since the first vintage of 1982 and until 1998 Coltassala was qualified as Super-Tuscan and only then the owners of Volpaia village Giovannella Stianti and her husband Carlo Mascheroni have decided to bring the wine into a noble family of Chianti Classico.

Now, it would be rather pleasant experience to provide some hints regarding the portrait of the Castello di Volpaia’s wine. Here is what you should be able to discover in your glass: the refined bouquet combined with the graceful structure and smooth texture. And we are keen on leaving you tete-a-tete with Coltassala so that the joy of deciphering all the particular fruits and spices of the wine will be all yours.

If you happen to be in Kiev despite the holiday season, you may want to entertain yourself with the new mini-wine-festival. Starting this Wednesday (August 15th) we’ll be serving by the glass a very serious Chardonnay from Abruzzo made by Gianni Masciarelli and named after his wife Marina Cvetic. The wine spends more than a year in French oak thus all the ripe, fat, exotic-fruits-and-vanilla-driven warm character. BUT!!! Just add to this roasted hazelnuts, juniper, butter, buckwheat honey and medlar!.. If you feel like interested, osteria Pantagruel will be at your service for the wonderful tasting.

By the way, soon the Chardonnay will be replaced by another monster from Masciarelli. Follow our announcements, get subscribed to our mailing list!