Tasting Journey with Château Angelus and Lucciola
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Last night, Apr 3, 2023, at Lucciola, we kicked off our Wine Club's French Wines Month in style, showcasing the extraordinary Bordeaux from Chateau Angelus.
Maître d' Alexandra Lascu warmly welcomed the guests, adding a personal touch to the evening. From the first bite to the last sip, every moment celebrated culinary excellence and shared camaraderie.
Under the expert guidance of Chef Michele Casadei Massari, Sous Chef Dario Sanchez, and guest Chef Alberto Marcolongo, meticulously crafted dishes to harmonize with the exceptional wines from Château Angelus.
The Menu
The evening started with a delightful Amuse Bouche of Garlic and Herb Snails, setting the stage for a culinary adventure. As the courses unfolded, our palates were treated a Piedmontese Beef Tartare, Bone Marrow Sunlight, Adams Baerii Caviar, Springtime Risotto with Asiago Cheese Fondue, Trout with Hazelnut Crust, Balsamic Red Endive, Hanger Steak Milanese, San Marzano Tomato Purée, and Cremona Fruit Mustard, ending with a Cheese and Fruits - Délice de Bourgogne, Aged Parmigiano Reggiano (36 Months), Gorgonzola with Assorted Berries.
A highlight of the evening was the mysterious "Ghost Dish," a culinary dish that Chef Michele likes to present to challenge the wines and add a fun note to the dinner that left guests intrigued and delighted. Adding an element of surprise to an already exceptional menu.
The LineUP
Château Angelus Carillon: 2010-2015
Château Angelus 1er Cru: 2014-2015-2016
Each sip transported us to the sun-kissed vineyards of Bordeaux, where centuries of tradition and expertise culminate in liquid perfection.
Guided Wine Tasting
The success of the evening was further enhanced by the presence of Château Angelus Brand Ambassador Clément Puech, who expertly guided the tasting. With passion and expertise, Clément illuminated Angelus's history and heritage, unraveling each wine's intricate layers and providing invaluable insights.
Clément shared fascinating details about Château Angelus, including its prestigious status as a Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" and the significance of the bell emblem on its label. He highlighted the evolution of Carillon d'Angelus, a wine renowned for its purity of fruit aromas, velvety tannins, and elegant finish, reflecting the high standards upheld by the estate's teams.
A natural amphitheater cradles the vines, blessed with a south-facing slope and a soil blend of limestone and clay, nurturing Merlot on the hill and Cabernet Franc below.
This terroir's magic yields a wine that is both lush and elegant. Early growth gifts it with density, while Cabernet Franc imparts freshness. The balanced soil composition adds complexity, resulting in Angélus's signature style: opulent yet refined, a testament to terroir's influence.
Our exclusive tasting dinner with Château Angelus and Lucciola was an unparalleled success, leaving a lasting impression of gastronomic bliss and the promise of future adventures in fine dining.
*Additional Insights*
**A Symbol: Originally a Prayer**
Situated in a natural amphitheater overlooked by three Saint-Emilion churches, the vineyard of Château Angelus resonates with history. The sounds of angelus bells ringing in the morning, at midday, and in the evening once marked the rhythm of life in the vineyards and villages. This tradition, immortalized in Jean-François Millet's painting "The Angelus," reflects a moment of prayer and devotion deeply ingrained in the estate's heritage.
**Since 1782: Eight Generations**
The legacy of Château Angelus spans eight generations of the Boüard de Laforest family. From its origins in the 18th century to today, each generation has contributed to the estate's growth and reputation. Guided by values of integrity, hard work, and a sense of duty, the family's dedication to excellence has solidified Angelus's position as a premier Bordeaux estate.
**Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal: The Third Woman to Run Angelus**
As the current custodian of Château Angelus, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal represents the eighth generation of the Boüard de Laforest family. Her leadership is characterized by a deep connection to the land and a commitment to upholding the estate's founding values. With courage and determination, she ensures that Angelus continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in fine wine.
**The History of a Great Wine**
Less than a kilometer from the famous Saint-Emilion bell tower, Château Angelus is a testament to centuries of winemaking tradition. Since its classification as a Grand Cru Classé in 1954, Angelus has weathered challenges and embraced innovation, guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
In every sip of Château Angelus wine, one discovers not just a drink but a story of devotion, tradition, and the enduring pursuit of perfection.
April is French wines month at Lucciola, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in the exquisite wines and culinary creations that embody the essence of French gastronomy?
Until we meet again for the next dinner on Apr 23, 2024 with Billecart Salmon
Alberto Ghezzi
Co-Founder, Wine Director