Now in its 3rd year, Gaja Day 2013 took place on Friday 11th October. The focus for this year was firmly on all things new, visiting restaurants with whom we are hoping to work with or have just begun. We focused on 5 key wines; Rossj Bass Chardonnay 2012, Sito Moresco 2011, Barolo Dagromis 2007, Barbaresco 2009 and Brunello di Montalcino 2008, Pieve Santa Restituta.
With the dynamic duo of Marco and Giusy our Italian specialists as well as the indomitable Gaia Gaja, I knew it would be a busy day and also one that would challenge my very basic knowledge of Italian!
Naturally the day started with an espresso whilst we waited to start the first tasting. This is a new opening, a secret at the moment, which will bring an Italian addition to Mayfair with roots in Sicily. A name which is famous in Italy so watch this space as I am pretty sure that some of these wines will feature on their list.
From one family business to another, we headed to the beautiful surroundings of Mosimanns in the heart of Belgravia. A stunning private members club who decided to taste the Brunello and Barbaresco later on in the day. I am sure they enjoyed them.
Onwards to London Bridge and Restaurant Story, a fabulous new opening in a great building which at just 6 months old has already gained a Michelin star. Diners are encouraged to donate books to the restaurant in order to share memories and inspiration. The team enjoyed a tutored tasting with Gaia and we look forward to seeing the Gaja wines on the list too.
Hidden away in the streets behind Sloane Square, the elegant restaurant Tartufo can be found in Number 11 Cadogan Gardens. The new sommelier thoroughly enjoyed the guided tasting with Gaia and I am sure that these wines will be a feature on their wine list in the near future.
Over lunch, the team at Harrods were indulged with a tutored tasting from Gaia. Hopefully it will help them to sell the magnificent display which is currently in the shop.
We needed a small pause to rebuild our energy stores and the lovely team at new restaurant Cucina Asselina on Aldwych were able to help! The surroundings are beautiful and the food was delicious. After lunch, the team tasted the wines and in particular it looks as if Sito Moresco, Dagromis and some Grappa will be available there soon.
A small corner of Italy can be found at Valentina in Putney selling every Italian delicacy imaginable with shelves filled with wines from every part of the country. The team enjoyed their tutored tasting of all the wines so hopefully those shelves will see more Gaja wines shortly.
We progressed to the elegant Lucio restaurant on Fulham Road in time for a tasting with the father and son team before dinner service began. They thoroughly enjoyed the tasting and I am sure that some of these wines will be making an appearance there presently.
The final destination of the day was the beautiful shop Vini Italiani on Old Brompton Road where a very select number of customers had been invited to a dinner in conjunction with Chef Roberto Costa, co-founder, Maxelâ Italian Butchery. Guests enjoyed the finest Fassone meats paired with Barbaresco 2010 and 2004 as well as Barolo Sperss 2009 and 1998.
Thanks again to Gaia Gaja for her support and boundless energy on Gaja Day 2013!