QUOCo. Mobile Cantina at gusto 2011

QUOCo. also took part in GUSTO. What a fantastic day. Record attendance saw the hoi polloi of Sydney’s restaurant world showcase what they are capable of and why they are so well respected. Back to back, restaurateurs battled over hot burners to produce dishes from all over Italy; it was quite a site.

Along with the culinary delights there were a series of wine master classes held including wines from Sicily, Tuscany and of course Puglia. The Pugliese class was full of surprises. Like three wise monkeys, Sabino Matera, Max Allen and Joel Pizzini guided the full house through what was both educational and humorous, as you would expect from those gents. Questions were raised and answered concerning subjects ranging from the origin of certain grape varieties, the difference between strains of Fiano to the best hangover cure. Which was undoubtedly tested the day following.

The never seen before ‘Il Falcone’ vertical tasting got the juices flowing and people talking, the unveiling of ‘U’Cucci’ Susumaniello was a definite highlight, as was ‘Clerico’ Verdeca, Alberto Longo’s ‘Le Cruste’ had Max referencing the Simpsons and D’Arapri ‘La Dama Forestiera’ was the only sparkling shown for the day setting the bar very high to open proceedings. We must not forget the closing thought; Gianfranco Fino Primitivo ‘Es’ to finish the session, just in case the taste was not sweet enough already.

In the mean time the boys from QUOCo., Marco and Carlo, were in the main arena feverishly engaging anyone who passed by the Mobile Cantine with samples of what Pugliese wine is all about.