I Loved Gruppo Italiano And Consorzio Di Tutela Dei Vini Del Sannio’s Wine Tasting!

If you are a lover of Old New York’s glamour, The Leopard is the place for you–the art deco murals of women on the walls were created by Howard Chandler Christy, one of the many famous artists who resided in the hotel that houses the eatery at 1 West 67th. I was lucky enough to go there recently for Gruppo Italiano/Consorzio Di Tutela Dei Vini Del Sannio’s wine tasting although I am all about the food. GI’s goal is to popularize authentic Italian cuisine, Italian wines and Italian products, and enhance their image in the US through education, member restaurants and promotions. Gianfranco Sorrentino of Il Gattopardo Group and founder of Gruppo Italiano and Dr. Libero Rillo from Sannio Consorzio Tutela Vini were seen mingling with the inquisitive guests and answering numerous Italian food and wine questions. When I tell you that The Leopard’s ricotta cheesecake served was the lightest and freshest that I have ever had, I mean it! The restaurant has its own herd of cows in Campagna and fresh mozzarella and ricotta get flown to the restaurant twice per week. The wines served to guests at the event were: Falanghina Del Sannio Dop (Torrre a Oriente Biancuzita DOP 2014, Fontanavecchia DOP 2016, La Guardiense DOP 2016, Terre Stregate DOP 2016, Castelle Kydonia Vendemmia Tardiva DOP 2014, Cantina Del Taburno DOP 2016, Mustilli DOP 2016, Vigne sannite DOP 2016, Nifo Sarrapochiello DOP 2016 (organic), Morone Eleonora DOP 2015, Corte Normanna DOP Spumante); Solopaca Dop (Vinicola del Titerno Sannio Rosso Solopaca); Aglianico Dop (Antica masseria Venditti, Marraioli Sannio Dop Aglianico Riserva 2011 – organic); Aglianico Del Taburno Docg (Ocone vini 2011, Fattoria la rivolta Riserva 2011). For more information on The Leopard and its wonderful sister eateries Il Gattopardo and Mozzarella E Vino, please visit www.ilgattopardonyc.com