From Valpolicella to Montalcino then onto Bolgheri, the Allegrini Estates are as much a champion of Northern Italian wine as a goodwill ambassador of Italian culture.
The Allegrini family has been a preeminent vintner in Valpolicella since the 16th century, occupying some of the finest vineyards in the Classico area of what is now an internationally renowned wine region. But Rome was not built in a day, and neither was the success of the Allegrini Estates. Passing down through generations, fine wines for the Allegrinis are much more than just business, they are about family pride and honour.
Now at the helm, Marilisa Allegrini was responsible for the prestigious estates’ expansion into the Tuscan regions of Montalcino and Bolgheri. From acquisition to plantation, and through harvest to vinification, Marilisa is absolutely relentless in the pursuit of quality and character.
“In addition to excellent terroirs and our team of expert winemakers, we have invested substantially in technology and modernising facilities, and have adopted the concept of ‘reasonable agriculture’ in production”, she explained to Macau CLOSER at the Dolce Vita – Allegrini Wine Dinner by Summergate, held last month at Aurora Restaurant at Altira.
Since the acquisition of Villa Della Torre, this 16th century Renaissance-era Venetian Villa has become the family seat, or, in modern language, the “corporate HQ”. This is the charm of the Allegrini Estates – rich in history, uncompromising on quality, and always forward-thinking. As Marilisa points out, “Although North America and Europe remain our largest market at the moment, we are optimistic about the burgeoning East Asian market.”
Italian cuisine is an important part of helping new markets appreciate Italian wine. Introducing Michelle Dell’Aquila, Chef de Cuisine at Aurora, Marilisa notes: “The success of Italian wine has much to do with Italian cuisine; wine and cuisine are inseparable from, and are ambassadors of Italian culture”.
Allegrini Soave Classico 2011
This blend of 80% Garganega – indigenous to Italy – and 20% Chardonnay was sourced from 25+ year old vines. Bright straw yellow in colour, the bouquet of wild flowers, herbs, and lime is refreshingly appealing. Crisp yet supple, aromas of peach and apricot on the palate are supported by steely minerality and vibrant acidity.
Poggio Al Tesoro Solosole Vermentino 2011
As its name suggests, this wine is indeed sunshine yellow in colour (Solosole: literally “only sunshine” in Italian). Made of 100% Vermentino from Bolgheri, white flowers and acacia on the nose are continued by apricot, banana, and tropical fruits on the palate. Already concentrated and persistent, it is also delicate and refined, thanks to is lively acidity.
Poggio Al Tesoro Mediterra 2009
An intriguing blend of French red varieties (40% Syrah, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon) alla Toscana. Dark ruby red in colour with violet tints, its warm notes of berries and plums are topped by hints of Mediterranean macchia. Well-balanced in structure with lively acidity, its sweet finish is impressively long.
Poggio Al Tesoro Sondraia 2008
Red Bordeaux from Bolgheri? The blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc does suggest so, but connoisseurs are invited to discern the unique characteristics of Bolgheri’s terroir. Ruby red in colour, aromas of ripe red fruits are complemented by subtle hints of exotic spices. Plush, warm, and full-bodies on the palate with ripe and silky tannins, the finish is satisfyingly persistent.
Poggio San Polo Brunello di Montalcino 2006
Made from 100% Sangiovese (literally “blood of Jove” in Italian), its colour of right ruby red with garnet rims is captivating. Lovely aromas of violet, red berries, sous-bois, and hints of vanilla are absolutely elegant and ethereal. On the palate, blackberries, spice, and sweet leather come to the fore, supported by a fine structure, deliciously rounded tannins, and lengthy finish.
Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008
A colossus of a wine, its nose is an array of aromas – cherry, damson, plum, coffee, and mint. Weighty and richly fruity, flavours of berries, dates, spices, and mineral on the palate rest on layered tannins and tight acidity. Powerful yet elegant, the lengthy finish is simply impressive.
Chef Michele Dell’Aquila’s Haute Cuisine Creations
Amuse-gueule
Mediterranean Sea Bream Carpaccio, Japanese Sea Urchin, Peach and Kaffir Lime Dressing
Hors-d’œuvre
Lobster Espressino with Scallop, Sicilian Red Prawn
and Foie Gras
Entrée
Burrata Cheese Fagottini, Deer Ragout and Artichoke
Plat du Jour
USA Beef Striploin and Wagyu Cheek, Baby Tart of Vegetable Sautéed, Black Pepper Sauce
Desserts
Cheese Selection
White Chocolate Mousse, Caramel Ice Cream
and Fruit Salad
About Summergate
With branches covering practically all major cities of China, as well as Hong Kong and Macao, Summergate prides itself on distributing an extensive portfolio of fine wines – many of them exclusively from producers – at competitive prices.
Contact
Timothy Feather
of Summergate Fine Wines & Spirits
+853 2875 2566