Noosa Waterfront: Bellissimo Italiano!
When the sun-kissed flavours perfected by Andrea Ravezzani are matched with fine Italian wines expect a brilliant lunch, says Tony Cox.
If the good life is all about a table nudging the Noosa River, enjoying classic Italian dishes punctuated with modern panache and matched with regional Italian wines and generous hospitality whilst admiring the Moreton Bay Figs, then be sure to book early for an extra special wine lunch at Noosa Waterfront.
Joining supremely passionate executive chef and owner Andrea Ravezzani for the occasion will be fellow Italian-born friend and Sunshine Coast local Paolo Sandri, owner of Convivium Wines and a boutique importer of predominantly Italian wines.
The duo will showcase a finely-tuned taste of Italy that will transport you to sun-drenched days living la dolce vita with four hand-selected wines to accompany Andrea’s homegrown flavours.
The ideal way to ease into the afternoon is with canapés to stimulate your taste buds and enjoy with a glass of Colesel Prosecco Superiore Prato Scuro DOCG from the Valdobbiadene sub region in Veneto. Made from the indigenous glera grape variety it is vibrant, fruity but delicate, and at eight grams residual sugar not as sweet as most of its counterparts from the region.
The second and third wines come from the same producer in Tuscany, Tenuta Montecchiesi, based in the far eastern town of Cortona. The white wine is a blend of vermentino and chardonnay. Vermentino is widely grown in Central Italy, reaching its greatest heights in Maremma Tuscany and Sardinia and often features a saline/mineral tinge to the palate which your scribe finds delicious.
The vermentino/chardonnay blend has herbal notes which combine with a sweet citrus edge and slight saline finish. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks which are temperature controlled to maintain freshness. Maturation occurs in stainless steel tanks with lees stirring adding a little creaminess to the middle palate – ideal for simple seafood.
The red is the Selverello Syrah DOC. When most people think of Tuscany and red wine, Sangiovese is the grape that comes to mind but Cortona is one of the hottest areas of Tuscany and, despite a little altitude (just under 300m), it manages to sufficiently ripen syrah grapes whilst maintaining freshness.
Maturation takes place in large format oak which imparts more subtle flavours. Featuring dark fruits and spice notes the palate is medium-bodied with savoury notes and persistent length on the finish – ideal with beef tagliata.
The final wine is a return to the northeast and showcases Toblar’s Ramandolo. Grown in the Colli Orientali del Friuli region it is made using verduzzo friulano grapes and features dried fruit notes and citrus nuances with a touch of richness on the palate.
What isn’t to like – great food and wine, wonderful outlook and two passionate Milanese, admittedly both from the blue side of Milan but you can’t judge someone on the football team they follow. This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of all things Italian – and yes, Italians do do it better!
CHEF ARTIST PLACE:
Be amongst the first to secure your copy of the limited-edition coffee table book, Chef Artist Place.
This collaborative showcase of more than 270 pages explores the boundaries between food, art and destinations with recipes by Andrea Ravezzini and stunning photography and creative direction by Andrew Maccoll. A new book crafted by two creatives devoted to excellence.
Find out more @chefartistplace on instagram.
A TASTE OF TUSCANY:
Enjoy an afternoon of Italian hospitality at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant.
Indulge in four courses of sublime, traditional Italian food with matching wines showcasing the very best wines of Tuscany!
FRIDAY 23 AUGUST,
12noon for 12.30pm start
$120 per person
