Captured Event

August, 20 2003 - Sargent and the Super Tuscans

What: Italian Arts and Wines

Where: Denver Art Museum

When: August 20,2003

Beneficiary: American Wine Society - Denver Chapter

Host(s): Joe Hubbard

Catering: Nancy's Catering

Attendance: 110

Information: www.aws-denver.org

Table Captain Lou Tornambi (now, that's Italian) says "these are my wines."
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One of the many great things about the Denver Chapter of the American Wine Society is that you get to learn a lot, and not just about wines. Wednesday night's tasting of the Italian Super Tuscan's threw in plenty of history as well. Combine the fabulous wines with the interesting members of the AWS, AND a tour of the Sargent exhibit at the Denver Art Museum and you have a memorable event. The AWS Denver chapter spans the globe in its search for extensive wine knowledge. Other tastings this year have included North American versus South American wines, the French Bordeauxs and Zin's. On Wednesday night attention was turned to wines of the Italian Peninsula. And who better to lead this taste treat than Phil Laramore? Mr. Laramore is a man of many talents. Not only does he manage the European portolfio for Grand Vin, but he is widely recognized in his role as a sommelier at Adega. He gave a brief history of Italy; 19 separate countries' joined in the 1850's each with their own varietal wines. They thought they could take on the wine producers from Bordeaux and were by and large correct. The Denver chapter of the AWS has over 150 members and is one of the larger chapters in the United States. This membership gives them the opportunity to taste a variety of wines. The Italian tasting included the following: Borgo Scopeto Borgonero 1999, $30, Capezzana Ghisie della Furba 1999, $40, Columbaio di Cencio Il Futuro 1999, $65, Monsanto Rosso Toscono Tinacvil 1999, $35, Tredonne Roero Arneis, $13, Castelpietrio Ghinibaldo, 1999, $34 and Capanace Poggio, 1999, $34. Even if you didn't like the taste, they were fun to say. Table captains insured that the "trains runs on time," to quote an infamous Italian. They were also there to help answer questions and provide an enjoyable experience for all attendees. Judging by the turnout and the enthusiasm expressed by the participants, the table captains met their goal. Upcoming events include Jay Fletcher, one of only a very few Master Sommelier's presenting a special blind tasting . The wines will be bagged and Jay will explain how to tell what they are using only taste, smell and sight. That event is scheduled for September 18th. So, if you believe that "in vino, veritas" and fun, better make sure you don't miss another tasting.