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Discover Piedmont: Wines and Delicacies from Northern Italy with Cecilia Sitran
Cecilia Sitran

Discover Piedmont: Wines and Delicacies from Northern Italy with Cecilia Sitran

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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The second-largest region of Italy, Piedmont is an unspoiled paradise for gastronomes and wine lovers. In the land of castles, vineyards, and lush rolling hills, let your palate be amazed by truffles, agnolotti, and a glass of Barolo or Barbaresco.
Located in the northwest corner of Italy, bordering Switzerland to the north, France to the west, and the beautiful Mediterranean coastline and fishing villages of Liguria only an hour and a half south, Piemonte means ‘at the foot of the mountain’. In autumn, thick fog hovers over the brightly colored hills (the red and orange vines actually glow with the reflection of the snowcapped Alps), and you can just make out castle towers and hilltowns poking up on the horizon. We will start briefly in the capital city, Torino, and then we will explore the rest of the region to uncover the secrets of the Wine of Kings, Barolo, the most famous product of the area.
Piedmont’s traditional cuisine is based on rich flavors, such as gamey meat and root vegetables that are usually cooked for long periods on low heat. UNESCO added the wonderful area of Le Langhe to its list of World Heritage Sites because the local cultural landscape provides outstanding living testimony to winemaking traditions with a long history. But the area is also famous for its cheeses such as Toma Piemontese, Bra, Raschera, and Murazzano: all very intense flavors to pair with intense wines like Barbera!
The Langhe region offers an array of specialties that we will discover together: truffles from Alba, porcini mushrooms, and hazelnuts along with typical dishes such as Agnolotti al Plin (flattened pasta dough folded over a filling of roasted meat or vegetables) and Brasato al Barolo (local beef braised in red wine).
Led by a food expert and certified sommelier, Cecilia Sitran, this interactive seminar will combine history, authentic recipes, and an in-depth look at the most famous regional wines. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased interest in visiting this breathtaking region where ancient villages, valleys full of vineyards, and green forests are the homeland of tasty recipes and very elegant wines.
If you would like to enjoy a glass of Italian wine during the seminar, Cecilia suggests the following options:
  • Michele Chiarlo - Barbera d’Asti
  • Da Milano – Barbera d’Asti
  • Elio Altare – Barbera d’Alba
  • Da Milano – Barolo Le Cinque Vigne
  • Massolino - Langhe Nebbiolo
  • Vietti – Nebbiolo Langhe
  • Travaglini – Gattinara
  • Produttori del Barbaresco – Barbaresco
Best vintages for Piedmontese wines: 2001 – 2004 – 2005 – 2006 – 2007 – 2008 – 2009 – 2010 – 2011 – 2012 – 2015 – 2016

After her degree in Economics of Art and Culture at the University of Venice, Cecilia Sitran studied for two years to obtain her diploma of Sommelier. She has worked in one of the most prestigious wine shops in Venice. She has also completed a master's in the South of France on organic wines. As a freelance sommelier, she shares her Venetian roots while tasting local wines surrounded by the beauty of Venice. She teaches cooking courses in Venice that combine fresh ingredients and wine aromas. In 2020 Cecilia studied for the globally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2, successfully passed with distinction. At present Cecilia leads wine courses for few American Military bases in Italy.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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Sabrina Polansky (Santa Monica, US)
Extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm

This is the second presentation I’ve attended with Cecilia (the first was her excellent discussion of Easter in Italy). Her knowledge is extensive and her enthusiasm is infectious. It is clear that she has a passion both for her topic and for people. I very much look forward to attending her future Context talks.

M
Mel Marsh (Springfield, US)
Love Cecilia!

This was packed with information shared in a totally engaging way.

D
Debbie Hinkle (Richmond, US)
Excellent Class!

Cecilia was wonderful! She covered every aspect of the Piedmont region which is less thought of when most consider areas of Italy. The cultural information, the wine, cheese, truffle - and most surprising of all - rice from the Piedmont area was so informative. She’s right! Visiting the Italian Piedmont region will take at least two weeks to experience it all! Can’t wait!

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
100%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Sabrina Polansky (Santa Monica, US)
Extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm

This is the second presentation I’ve attended with Cecilia (the first was her excellent discussion of Easter in Italy). Her knowledge is extensive and her enthusiasm is infectious. It is clear that she has a passion both for her topic and for people. I very much look forward to attending her future Context talks.

M
Mel Marsh (Springfield, US)
Love Cecilia!

This was packed with information shared in a totally engaging way.

D
Debbie Hinkle (Richmond, US)
Excellent Class!

Cecilia was wonderful! She covered every aspect of the Piedmont region which is less thought of when most consider areas of Italy. The cultural information, the wine, cheese, truffle - and most surprising of all - rice from the Piedmont area was so informative. She’s right! Visiting the Italian Piedmont region will take at least two weeks to experience it all! Can’t wait!