CCR Wine Tasting: Wines from Lombardy - March 9, 2024

Everyone knows the wines of Veneto and Piedmont. But nestled in between is Lombardy, a region largely known for Franciacorta but also rich in a wide range of wine styles which we will discover together.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Monteverde Vecchio area), exact details will be sent to registered participants.

When: Saturday, March 9, 2024

Time: 7 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday, March 4th at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

 

We are pleased to have Marco Lori, Italian sommelier and wine master, lead this CCR wine tasting. Marco’s sommelier training in 1995 sparked his passion for wine and set in motion years of study. In 2014 he earned “Italian Sommelier Executive Wine Master” status, recognized by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. He is the founder of “Off the Vine,” a gastro-tourism venture in Italy.

CCR Wine Tasting: The Reds of Puglia - November 16, 2019

With its long history of wine making and its great variety of terroir, Puglia (Apulia) produces wines rich in bouquet, aroma and flavours. 

image: Especially Puglia

Where: Residence of CCR member (Appia Antica area -- details will be sent to registered participants).
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: €30 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.
RSVP and payment by Mon., Nov. 11, ATTN Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will lead this tasting. Born in the USA, Cynthia moved to Europe in 1990 and has lived in Spain, Belgium, England and Italy. Cynthia chose to centre her career in Rome where she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

This session will be given in English.

CCR Wine Tasting: Wines from Campania and Basilicata - January 26, 2019

To ring in the New Year we will sample an interesting variety of wines produced in Campania and Basilicata. Sparkling, rosé, white and red!

Where: Residence of CCR member (Trieste area -- details will be sent to registered participants).
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost:  €30 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place.
RSVP to Linda and Paul by Wed., Jan, 24 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are responsible for your reservation.

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will lead this tasting. Born in the USA, Cynthia moved to Europe in 1990 and has lived in Spain, Belgium, England and Italy. Cynthia chose to centre her career in Rome where she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

This session will be given in English.

CCR Wine tasting in Tuscany - May 26, 2018

Our wine tastings for this season will end with a return visit to the Tuscan estate of Sassotondo. We were so warmly welcomed there by owners Carla Benini and Edoardo Ventimiglia in 2011 that we’ve decided to go back and see how their vintages have evolved! We’ll start with a tour of their ancient cellar, located in the countryside of Sovana (Grosseto), followed by tasting an excellent selection of their wines, under the expert supervision of CCR sommelier Daniele Maestri. This will be followed by a delicious light lunch of local specialties.

Please note that numbers for this outing are limited.

Lunch Menu
Antipasti of local salami and cheeses
Tortelli burro e salvia (butter & sage)
Sfratto (local Jewish dessert) and coffee

In the afternoon you may want to tour the nearby hilltop town of Pitigliano or go to the thermal baths at Saturnia. Or you could stay in the area for the whole weekend!

When: Saturday, May 26, 2018
Where: Sassotondo Estate, owned by Carla Benini & Edoardo Ventimiglia, in Sovana (province of Grosseto), Tuscany
Transportation & Timing: By car (please carpool). Confirmed/paid participants will be sent exact directions. Be ready to start our visit at Sassotondo by 11:00 am (therefore plan to leave Rome by 8:45 am).
Cost: €40 for members (€45 for non-members). Advance payment is required.
RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com. Please indicate whether you need help finding a ride or rather have room in your car to offer a lift to others. You are financially responsible for your booking.

Some images from our May 2011 visit to Sassotondo

CCR Wine Tasting: We are going white! - March 17, 2018

This time we'll be sampling only white wines all evening! They all come from the northern part of Italy and we'll get to compare those from the north-west with those from the north-east.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Piazza Barberini area) - exact address will be sent to registered participants.
When: Saturday, March 17, 2018
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members, €35 for non-members
RSVP to Linda and Paul by Wednesday March 14 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele writes in-depth articles on Italian wines and food for “Bibenda – Vini D’Italia” produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation and he is a major contributor to their wine guide

CCR Wine Tasting: Franciacorta - Italy’s Answer to Champagne - February 3, 2018

Franciacorta is made in the same way that winemakers in France make Champagne. Known as the ‘Method Champenoise’ or the ‘Traditional Method’ in Italy, Franciacorta produces bubbles by allowing a secondary fermentation to occur in the bottle. Franciacorta is made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, two classic Champagne varieties, plus Pinot Blanc. Produced in a small wine producing area in the Province of Brescia (Lombardy), Franciacorta’s uniqueness can be found in the Italian climate and soil. The result is an elegance and complexity not found in other Italian sparkling wines.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Corso Trieste area) - exact address will be sent to registered participants.
When: Saturday, February 3, 2018
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: €25 for members (€35 for non-members)
RSVP to Linda and Paul by Wed. Jan. 31 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are responsible for your reservation.

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining,’ Daniele writes in-depth articles on Italian wines and food for “Bibenda – Vini D’Italia” produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation and he is a major contributor to their wine guide.

CCR Aperitivo Wine Tasting: Focus on Sagrantino - November 14, 2017

Structured, deep coloured and tannic, the unique characteristics of Sagrantino are unlike any other grape variety in Italy. The tasting will focus on this big and bold wine not well known outside of Italy.

The Sagrantino wines for the tasting come from the Leonucci winery, a small producer of high quality wines located on the hillside of the Montignano in the township of Massa Martina. Leonucci’s wine is intimately tied to its ‘terroir’ which has cultivated grapes for centuries.

The tasting will start with a white from Umbria then move into the highly structured Sagrantino. And as a special treat, the restaurant will choose aperitivo foods to match the wines tasted.

Where: Ristorante La Piccola Casa di Bleve, Via Sicilia, 47 (Reservation required through CCR)
When: Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Time: 5:45-7:45 pm. (The tasting will end at 7:45 to allow the restaurant to prepare for dinner service.)
Cost: €20
RSVP to Linda and Paul by Fri. Nov. 10, at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Culture, Wine, Food and Music in the Italian countryside - May 20, 2017

May is turning out to be a great month for CCR activities! We have another day trip organized for members and guests and it will touch on everything that we love about Italy. 

First, culture. The day begins with a guided tour of the beautiful medieval frescoes in the crypt of the Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria (1072-1104) in the medieval hill town of Anagni, located about 50 km south of Rome. The walls and vaults of the crypt are completely covered with brightly coloured frescoes considered some of the best works of Romanesque/Byzantine art in Italy. Painted in 1237, they form one of the most extensive and best-preserved medieval pictorial cycles in Europe.

Next, wine. From Anagni we drive to the nearby Azienda Agricola Coletti Conti for a tasting of Cesanese wines. The owner Anton Maria Coletti Conti is widely considered to be one of the greatest producers of Cesanese del Piglio, the only DOCG wine in Lazio. Cesanese, with is bright fruit characters and earthy overtones, is considered by many to be one of Lazio's most interesting grape varieties -- and, for the most part, not yet well-known beyond circles of wine enthusiasts.

And then, food and music. We will be treated to a home cooked ‘pranzo al fresco’ hosted by members Evelyn Beller and Blando Palmieri on the terrace of their country cottage in their small vineyard in the countryside outside of Paliano. A time to relax, chat, eat and at the end of the meal enjoy traditional accordion music by a young local musician.

A very special thanks to our friends and CCR members Evelyn Beller and Blando Palmieri who generously organized this outing. In addition Evelyn and Blando are cooking the meal and offering their wine (vino di casa) on behalf of our charity Project Rome.

When: Saturday, May 20, 2017
Transportation, Meeting Point and Time: 9.30 a.m. in Piazza Papa Innocenzo III, Anagni FR. We will meet at ‘Bar del Duomo’ in the piazza for coffee. The guided tour of the crypt in the Santa Maria Cathedral starts promptly at 10.00 a.m. Instructions on where to park will be sent to participants.
Car Pooling: Please let us know if you can offer a ride in your car. We will help organize car pools so that those without vehicles can enjoy this day outing
Cost: €10 for the guided tour of the crypt (members and non-members). The price may vary slightly (higher or lower) depending on the number of participants. We are also asking members to donate on a voluntary basis to Project Rome, CCR’s 2016-17 charity. Non-members may only participate in this exceptional outing and meal with a donation of at least €15, which we will collect on the day of our outing. CCR supports Project Rome's efforts to provide fresh, hot meals to those most in need as well as clothes, shoes, bags and bedding to Rome's poor and disadvantage.
NB: Book early as space is limited and remember that you are financially responsible for your participation.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Thu. May 18.

Jazz & Wine - April 1, 2017

An informal but classic evening of live music in a Roman wine bar-bistrot. We're going to nab a table at the next "Giansanti Jam Night" featuring the Giulia Bellachioma Trio. Their repertoire ranges from jazz standards to American song classics, plus original pieces and new arrangements.

Join us for for another enogastronomic-musical exploration with friends!

When: Saturday, April 1, 2017
Time: 8 p.m. for dinner, 9 p.m. for the music
Where: Enoteca Giansanti, Via Ostiense 34 (near Piramide), tel. 06 574 6768
Cost: concert free; food and drink choices à la carte, no-host/pay-your-own.
RSVP: by Wed. Mar. 29th to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Anna if you'd like to join our table for a bite to eat at 8 p.m.

CCR Wine Tasting: Wines from Le Marche and Abruzzo - February 25, 2017

Let’s taste the difference! This tasting will introduce us to top quality wines made from Montepulciano grapes grown in the Marche and Abruzzo regions of Italy. At the end of the tasting we will share appetizers, a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Piazza Barberini area -- details will be sent to registered participants.
When: Saturday February 25, 2017
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members)
RSVP to Linda and Paul by Wednesday February 22, at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme related to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele writes in-depth articles on Italian wines and food for “Bibenda – Vini D’Italia” produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation and he is a major contributor to their wine guide.

CCR Special Visit: Fiorano - A Roman Country Estate - May 7, 2016

A beautiful country estate with a lovely villa, spring flowers, olive and fruit tree groves, and an exquisite vineyard within Rome’s city limits may sound like an impossible dream in this day and age. Yet, such a place exists and a small group of CCR members will have the opportunity to discover the unique history, beauty and even mystery of these 200 hectares.

Prince Alessandrojacopo Boncompagni Ludovisi will tell us about the origins of his family’s Roman country estate as we visit various areas, both by car and on foot. He will also describe the ground-breaking approach to wine-making taken by his elder, Prince Alberico, a figure who was legendary for both his creativity and secrecy, when he first started producing wine for his own consumption using what were then unheard-of organic methods in the 1940s. Despite his reluctance to reveal his unusual choices, wine connoisseurs soon discovered his fine vintages. Alessandrojacopo and his father Paolo then carried on this tradition, bringing it into the 21st century. Fortunately, we will have the chance to sample the fine products of the Tenuta di Fiorano.

When: Saturday, May 7, 2016
Time: starting at 3:30 p.m. (the visit will take about 3 hours, including driving, walking and tasting)
Where: Appia Antica area; exact meeting details will be sent to confirmed participants.
Cost: free, current CCR members only; limited space so please be responsible when booking.
NB: Participants will need a car to reach the estate. The tour will be in English and Italian.
RSVP & further info: by Tue. May 3, canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Anna.

CCR Wine-Tasting: Wines from Veneto - April 25, 2015

From elegance to block-buster! We have a special tasting lined up of wines from the Veneto, located in the north eastern corner of Italy and one of the largest wine-producing regions of the country. We’ll be tasting both whites and reds and, as always, we will share a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’ at the end of the tasting.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Corso Trieste area -- details will be sent to registered participants) When: Saturday April 25, 2015
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members)
RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation. 

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme related to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele is one of the editors of “Bibenda – Vini d’Italia” -- a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation.

CCR Wine-tasting: Wines from Friuli-Venezia Giulia - February 14, 2015

For this special day we are heading to the northeastern part of Italy. Known for its high quality whites and elegant reds, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region produces wines that are perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day. We’ll be tasting both whites and reds, and, as always, we will share a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’ at the end of the tasting.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Trastevere area -- details will be sent to registered participants)

When: Saturday February 14, 2015
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members)
RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com.
Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation. 

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele is one of the editors of “Bibenda – Vini I’Italia” -- a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation.

CCR Wine-tasting: A Visit to Marche - January 16, 2015

We are starting 2015 with a bit of a difference - the evening will be dedicated to tasting the wines of a single producer. Our sommelier has chosen this producer from Marche (a.k.a."the Marches" in English) thanks to his excellent wines, made using both traditional and international grape varieties. Together we will discover ‘how’ and ‘why’. And, as always, we will share a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’ at the end of the tasting.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Prati area -- details will be sent to registered participants)
When: Friday, January 16, 2015 (PLEASE NOTE - exceptionally, this tasting is being held on a Friday.)
Time: 7:00 p.m.(Please be punctual, as a courtesy to the hosts, the sommelier and other participants.)
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members) 
RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are responsible for your reservation.

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele is one of the editors of “Due Mila Vini” -- a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Association.

CCR Wine-Tasting: Wines from Piemonte - "La Forza di ‘bogia-nen’" - November 22, 2014

Get ready -- the CCR wine-tasting season is about to begin! For our first tasting of the season we are heading to Piemonte (Piedmont) in the north-western part of Italy. We’ll taste a great selection of wines, discover the region and find out why the Piemontese are called ‘bogia-nen’ which comes from the local dialect, close to French, meaning ‘bouge pas’. And as always, we will share a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’ at the end of the tasting.

Each CCR Wine-Tasting session is given in French and Italian (with questions answered in English, too) and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele is one of the editors of “Due Mila Vini” -- a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Association. 

Where: Residence of CCR members (Corso Trieste area -- details will be sent to registered participants)
When: Saturday, November 22, 2014 
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members) 
RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Aperitivo at Buccone - April 2, 2014

We're continuing our exploration of aperitivo spots as we head to the historic "Buccone" on Via di Ripetta. What started as storage space for the Marquis Cavalcabò's carriages later became a tavern and, finally, an enoteca (wine cellar and shop) in 1969. It has been continuously operated by the Buccone family since then.

When: Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Where: Enoteca Buccone, Via di Ripetta 19-20, 00186 Rome (near Piazza del Popolo)

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: Members €10, including one glass of wine and a "misto enoteca" (cheese board and coldcuts). A CCR executive member will be collecting the contribution and then paying the enoteca.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Wine-tasting: Red Wines from the North East - March 15, 2014

Our Italian travels take us to the North-East … from the full-bodied Amarones to the elegance of the Friuli reds. At the end of the tasting, we will share a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’!

Where: Residence of Tany Cohen and Mark Smulders, Casal Palocco area (address details will be sent to registered participants)

When: Saturday, March 15, 2014

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Cost:  Euros 25 for members (35 for non-members)

RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favourite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations will lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining,’ Daniele is also one of the editors of “Due Mila Vini” -- a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Association.

CCR Apericena KmZero - September 30, 2013

NB Entry amended to reflect change in menu/format and price. 

What is an "apericena"? It's the latest trend sweeping Italian cities: a blend of aperitivo and cena! The Canadian Club of Rome will have exclusive access to "TASTEvere KmZero" (on the day of the week they are normally closed to the general public). This small daytime organic food store and rustic evening wine bar in the Trastevere district has become renowned for its carefully selected wines and beers and its locally-sourced food specialties.

Tasting Menu (served buffet style):

Sheep's milk cheeses (2 stages of aging)

Pork coldcuts (salame, prosciutto, lonza and guanciale)

Bruschetta - two types, with Sabina DOP e.v. olive oil and friggitelli peppers, and with tomatoes and pesto ricotta

Fresh seasonal vegetables

Zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta cheese

Herb omelette

Ricotta croquettes

Ricotta dessert with chocolate made with olive oil and with jam

Two glasses of wine or one glass of an artisan brewery beer from the Lazio region

When: Monday, September 30, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Tastevere KmZero, Vicolo de Cinque 30/a (in Trastevere) 
Cost: CCR members €13; non-members €15 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com by Friday, September 27, 2013; please bring exact change. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Wine-tasting: Marche and Abruzzo - April 13, 2013

Although they are not well-known outside Italy, the wines of the Marches (Marche) and Abruzzo offer many new discoveries. Join us for a tasting from these two developing wine regions and share a light dinner with friends afterwards.

Where: Residence of CCR member, Corso Trieste area (address details will be sent to registered participants)
When: Saturday, 13 April, 2013
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost:  25 euros for members (35 for non-members). Please note that you are responsible for your reservation.
RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com 
 

Daniele Maestri

Each session is given in French and Italian, plus some English, and focuses on a specific theme relating to Italian wines. Daniele Maestri, a well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will lead this lecture and wine tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele is also one of the editors of “Due Mila Vini”, a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Association.

CCR Wine-tasting: Sardinia - January 26, 2013

We are starting the New Year with a taste of Sardinia – the wines, the salami and cheeses, and the light dinner will all be from that beautiful island.

Where: Residence of Sarah Finall and Emilio Obino (Via Asmara/Nomentana area - details will be sent to registered participants)
When: Saturday, January 26, 2013
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost:  €25 for CCR members (35 for non-members) 
RSVP to Linda and Paul by January 18 at canadarome@gmail.com
Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations will again lead this lecture and wine tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele is one of the editors of “Due Mila Vini” a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Association.