Cesari/Da Vinci winemaker dinner: an exceptional evening at Bellucci

On March 27, at Bellucci downtown Montreal, I had the pleasure of stepping into an elegant Italian interlude during a winemaker dinner orchestrated by Charton Hobbs. In the spotlight: the renowned houses of Gerardo Cesari and Leonardo Da Vinci, brought together for an evening where gastronomy and wine spoke in perfect harmony.

From the moment guests arrived, the tone was set. A glass of Tavernello Spumante (available at the SAQ) in hand, paired with three refined canapés - smoked duck breast with foie gras, fish tartare with blood orange, and mushroom arancini with Fontina cheese - offered a promising and elegant start.

The concept - a five-course tasting menu paired with six Italian wines - promised a fully immersive experience. It delivered.

The first course, Prosciutto di Tonno with a limoncello caviar, found a bright and refreshing partner in the Centofilari Lugana DOC 2024 (available at the SAQ), a crisp Trebbiano-based white with a hint of Chardonnay (5%). A dish that evoked the gentle charm of Lake Garda.

The second course continued the Mediterranean journey with a revisited Panzarella, accompanied by crispy prosciutto, beautifully matched with the Villa Da Vinci Streda Toscana IGT, a 100% Vermentino—sunny, vibrant, and delicately saline.

Next came a comforting standout: Raviolo alla Carbonara, with a flowing egg yolk and Parmesan espuma. The pairing with Bosan Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2019 (available at the SAQ) brought depth and richness, while preserving the dish’s finesse.

The highlight of the evening? A decadent Rossini di Manzo, featuring fresh truffles and foie gras on toasted brioche, finished with an Amarone reduction. A generous, almost theatrical plate, perfectly supported by the Villa Da Vinci S. To Ippolito Toscana IGT, a structured blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah.

To close, a playful dessert - dark chocolate and raspberry trompe-l’œil mousse - was elegantly paired with the Bosan Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2015, a wine of remarkable depth, with notes of dried fruit and spice that lingered beautifully.

Beyond the pairings, it was the human touch that elevated the evening. The presence of Maria Chiara Severi and Giovanni Lai, representatives of Gerardo Cesari and Leonardo Da Vinci, brought the wines to life through their passion and insights.

Founded in 1936, Gerardo Cesari is deeply rooted in the heart of Valpolicella, extending into surrounding territories and the southern shores of Lake Garda. This strong sense of place is reflected in wines that are elegant, structured, and true to their origins.

An evening just as I like them: generous, thoughtfully curated, and rich in detail. A beautiful reminder that when great wines meet inspired cuisine… magic simply happens.