Giuseppe Rizzardi, from the famed Veneto wine producer Guerrieri Rizzardi, has recently visited Malta to conduct a Masterclass tasting at Farsonsdirect’s The Wine Shop in Mriehel. He was also host to a Winemaker’s Dinner at the de Mondion Restaurant, Xara Palace in Mdina.

The Masterclass started with Guerrieri Rizzardi’s Valpolicella Classico and their Ripasso Pojega, followed by comparisons between their two Amarones – Villa Rizzardi and Calcarole – from two different vintages.

For the Winemaker’s Dinner, Giuseppe and the de Mondion chefs expertly paired the great Veneto wines with some extraordinary creations. A chicken leg confit with a mushroom and squash ragout was paired with a Costeggiola Soave Classico and a slow-roasted beef tenderloin with a talleggio and parsley crust with Villa Rizzardi Amarone Classico della Valpolicella.

Guerrieri Rizzardi is a result of the union between two ancient Veronese wine producers of substance: the Counts Guerrieri, owners of a centuries-old estate with vineyards and cellars in Bardolino, and the Counts Rizzardi, who acquired their vineyards in Negrar back in 1649, building the historic cellar of Pojega shortly thereafter. In 1913 the two families came together through marriage and Guerrieri Rizzardi was formed launching their first label in 1914.

Guerrieri Rizzardi wines are imported and distributed by Farsons Beverage Import Company (FBIC) Limited, a member of the Farsons Group. The wines are available in selected restaurants, wine boutiques and Farsonsdirect in Mriehel (www.farsonsdirect.com).