As part of this year’s Week of Italian Cuisine in the world, the Embassy of Italy in Canberra proposes a unique “Test & Tasting” experience, hosted at the DECO Hotel.
Guests will embark on an immersive journey that blends scientific insights with sensory exploration, highlighting the differences and similarities between Italian and Australian wines.
The sensations evoked by a wine come from its richness in aromatic volatile compounds, which originate from the grape variety and are further influenced by the soil, the climate, the grape’s ripening process, and the winemaking techniques.
Through chemical analysis, we can uncover differences between two wines that share the same name but have undergone different vinification processes, while the human palate can detect further nuances; since our olfactory receptors are incredibly sophisticated, and can detect thousands of different aromatic molecules.
This means that wines with similar chemical compositions may evoke diverse sensations, while others that appear indistinguishable on the palate may have followed completely different production paths.
During our tasting, we will explore three pairs of wines: a Fiano, a Montepulciano, and a Grenache—three produced in Italy and three in Australia.
Dr. Vilma Hysenaj, an Italian chemist and food analysis expert at the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide, will guide us through the chemical analyses of the wines. Kathryn Oplantzakis, a renowned oenologist based in Canberra, will lead the tasting experience. The wines will be paired with a specially curated Italian menu by Chef Federico Pitasi of Restaurant Two14, designed to enhance the tasting journey.
This event promises to be a delightful blend of science and sensory indulgence, offering an exceptional experience for both mind and palate.
Join us for an unforgettable lunch of discovery, where you’ll savor the intricate connections between science and taste.
📅 Date: Saturday, 16th November
🕕 Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
📍 Location: Restaurant Two14, located inside Deco Hotel, Canberra.
⭐️ Reserve your seat here!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to savour Italy’s finest!
Limited seats are available; secure your spot today.
*Please note that we will be capturing moments during the event for our social media. If you would prefer not to be featured in any photos or videos, kindly inform us in advance. Thank you for your understanding!*