A Swiss Dream for Violante Gardini
The Hotel Splendide Royal in Lugano, is one of the most famous and exclusive historic hotels of the world where elegance is evident everywhere you look, from the building’s architecture down to the smallest details such as the luxurious bathroom accessories which you find in every room and suite. This hotel organized an evening dedicated to Donatella Cinelli Colombini wines and Violante went to represent the company in person
Hotel Splendide Royal, October 14th
It was a true Tuscan Evening with a gourmet meal which started at 7.30 in the evening with Rosa di Tetto IGT Toscana which accompanied the pre-dinner appetizers which were inspired by traditional Livornese dishes. This was followed by a dinner for 40 guests which was served around a table which had been decorated magnificently. It had a centerpiece with pomegranates, grapes and chestnuts, there were stunning metre high chandeliers all arranged on a crisp white linen tablecloth.
It was a Tuscan menu but the hotel’s chef Alessio Rossi, who is very creative in the kitchen, had put his personal interpretation on it, and had made it feel slightly more International in its delicious flavours. There was a dish made with Ricotta Cheese and Porcini Mushrooms which was served with the Rosso di Montalcino, then Ravioli with rabbit sauce was paired with Doc Orcia Cenerentola 2007 and finally the Roasted Cinta Senese Pork was served with il Drago and the 7 Colombe IGT Toscana 2006, the Vin Santo was served with the toast, which was made to the wonderful kitchen and dining room staff.
Violante then told the assembled diners the history of the company and its wines, alongside Davide Comoli, President of the Professional Sommeliers Association, who led the tastings. The amusing anecdotes and absorbing history of the company captivated all those present.
Violante had a wonderful time, she was made to feel very welcome, and she felt totally pampered, Mr Rossi treated her just like a princess, the Princess of Montalcino!!.
But Violante did not have a lot of time to savour the pleasures of this prestigious hospitality because the next day she was representing the company at another event in Florence. Here she took part in a very important tasting alongside another 27 Brunello wineries. The event was a collaboration with the ‘Ais Toscana which drew 600 wine lovers. It’s a hard life – working for such a successful company!!