Sunday, May 31, 2015

Wine & Food of the Giro 2015 Stage 21: Azienda A. San Giovanni Il Chiaretto Valtenesi Rose & Panna Cotta



Where are we: Torino - Milano 185 KM - Flat

Michelin tells me that "Formerly the seat of the Dukes of Savoy, Turin is best known today as the capital of the Italian car industry and the headquarters of Fiat, which was founded here in 1889. The city’s industrial vocation, however, does not eclipse the fascinating charm of its historic centre, mainly the work of architects Juvara and Guarini, or its busy cultural programme, which includes a host of festivals and the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, a fantastic museum worthy of the birthplace of Italian cinema."

Of Milan they say "The capital of Lombardy is the second most important city in Italy in terms of its population, political influence and cultural and artistic role, and the country’s most important economic, industrial and commercial centre. Milan delights visitors with its smart avenues lined with luxury boutiques, its magnificent Duomo (cathedral), major art galleries, and busy, lively atmosphere. The city is also home to the legendary Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world." Lots more info here on their tourist website, including some fun themed itineraries for visitors. 


The stage: This is how the Giro ends, with a sprint stage into Milan.  Much like at the Tour, the last stage is mainly ceremonial, up until the sprint finish.
Today's stage finishes with seven circuits, of 5 kilometres in length, around the centre of Milan.





Speaking of that sprint ahead, this could get ugly:


 Thirty kilometers to go and an attack by Durbridge and Keisse. With three laps to go, they had about thirty seconds. Assorted mechanicals may have changed the situation for the sprint finish, as the lead duo cruised along with a gap of forty four seconds with ten kilometers remaining. Gaps were appearing in the pack behind. Lots more punctures as well. 


 Five kilometers to go and the gap was thirty two seconds. Wow. Three kilometers to go and it was looking good for the duo out front. That was some crazy cat and mouse, but at the end it would be Keisse. Why not a fun and unexpected finish for this Giro?

 Stage:
 

GC:
Wine: Azienda A. San Giovanni Il Chiaretto Valtenesi Rose 2014 
From FranklyWines $17.99

From the producer: A special rosé native to this area of Lake Garda. A beautiful coral pink in colour , pleasantly fruity with a light body. Created from four grape varieties: Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera and Sangiovese. The name derives itself from the once only slight vinfication and brief contact with the grape skins at the midnight hour of the first night. Perfect for warm summer evenings on its own, but also provides an excellent accompaniment to white meats/fish, seafood, pasta and rice dishes. Must be drunk within three years of the vintage. The recommended serving temperature is 12°C.
Our vineyards, situated in the proximity of the San Giovanni farmhouse and the winery, in Raffa di Puegnago, consist of about 15 hectares of loose and permeable land, rich in coarse soil of glacial origin. The Cap del Priù and the Villa Romana vineyard were among the first crus, dating back to the mid-seventies and consisting primarily of Groppello and Marzemino grapes. A further 12 hectares are situated just a few kilometres to the south, in Picedo di Polpenazze, planted in the early nineties with the best Groppello clones in the Arzane cru, along with other local varieties and two hectares of Riesling.


 I say: Aren't we a lovely pink wine to end things?  Crisp and tart strawberries and cherries.  This ia a buy a case and drink all summer kind of rosé.


Food: Panna Cotta
Ending in pink here as well. Panna cotta is one of those so simple desserts that I should make more often. Dissolve gelatin in water and then combine that mixture with warm cream with vanilla and sugar. You can add other flavors, but the simple version is my favorite. For the Giro, we served it with raspberries.
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