The Carlton Restaurant

In honor of our Best of Italy Wine Dinner tonight, here’s some great information on Barolo from WineIntro, which is the region of Italy where many of our wines come from this evening.

Barolo is a section of Piedmont, Italy, southwest of Alba. While wine in Italy is timeless, Barolo came about in the 1800s when the Marchesa Giulietta Colbert Falletti started making wine out of Nebbiolo grapes. Nowadays, there are 3,000 acres of Nebbiolo producers in the towns of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Cherasco, Diano d’Alba, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello, Roddi, and Serralunga d’Alba.

The standard grape used in Barolo is still nebbiolo. Of the towns in the area, the “left” hills have compact soil and produce long lasting wines. The “right” hills have softer soil, making a wine that should be drunk more quickly. Both vineyards are regulated – Barolo vineyards can only grow around 3200k of grape/acre.

The Piedmont area of Italy in general is ripe with history – ancient castles, legends of feuds and loves, beautiful hills and valleys. This is a great area to go both wine touring and vacationing.

Barolo alcoholic content is set at 13%. There are two grades of Barolo:

• Standard Barolo, aged two years in the barrel, one in the bottle.
• Riserva Barolo, aged three years in the barrel, one in the bottle.

Barolo wines are typically a deep red. Their flavor is thick and complex. Some are flowery – violets, roses. Others are fruit, licorice, or oaky. Barolo should be drunk at 60F and can age for 5-10 years.

Just a reminder that our Best of Italy Dinner is tomorrow tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. We will welcome Stan “the Wine Man” for the next installment of his “Best of Italy” series featuring great Barolo’s!  This Barolo “blowout” will showcase eight wines that are rated between “91″ and “96″ points!  Stan’s dinners have been popular for years and it is fitting that he is on hand to take part in our birthday celebration! Click  here for the full dinner menu. Give us a call to make your reservations!

Here are The Carlton’s Quick Picks for the week of December 7.

Remember, you can always find more events on the Post-Gazette’s Event Calendar as well as the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Calendar.

These are just a few of our favorites!

1. Steelers Charity Toy Drive. Get into the holiday season by giving back to the community.  Amongst the shopping, baking and visiting family, stop over to the Mall at Robinson on Tuesday, December 8  to meet members of the Pittsburgh Steelers — including LaMarr Woodley, Willie Parker, Dennis Dixon and Ziggy Hood —and get autographs in exchange for the donation of a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Child Life Department at Children’s Hospital.
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2. Best of Italy Wine Dinner. Stan the Wine Man is back for another installment of his “Best of Italy” Wine Dinner on Wednesday, December 9 at The Carlton.  You don’t want to miss out on this fantastic dinner paired with exquisite Italian wines!  Click here for more details.

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3. The Carlton’s 25th Birthday. It’s hard to believe, but this month marks the 25th Birthday of the Carlton Restaurant!  Thursday, December 10 is the official date and we want to wish a special thank you to all of our customers over the years.  All guests joining us for dinner on that day will enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, will be able to choose from several dinner selections priced at $25 and sample some of Pastry Chef Jeff Julin’s birthday cake for dessert! Hope to see you here for this wonderful occasion!
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4. The Nutcracker. For me, nothing says “Christmas” like the Nutcracker!  And on Friday, December 11, the hit show opens at the Benedum Center.  Stop by the Carlton for a fantastic meal and we’ll provide you free limo service over to see the show!
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5. Saturday with Santa. Take the whole family to the National Aviary on Saturday, December 12 to visit Santa! Those visiting will have the opportunity for an unforgettable holiday photo with Santa himself and one of the Aviary’s penguins. The day includes a take-away treat, crafts and admission to all daily events. Guests can snap their own photos of the children sharing their wishes with Santa, or purchase a photo taken by Aviary staff. For more information, call (412) 323-7235.

On Wednesday, December 9 (the eve of The Carlton’s 25 birthday) we will welcome Stan “the Wine Man” for the next installment of his “Best of Italy” series featuring great Barolo’s!  This Barolo “blowout” will showcase eight wines that are rated between “91″ and “96″ points!  Stan’s dinners have been popular for years and it is fitting that he is on hand to take part in our birthday celebration!

“BEST OF ITALY”
“BAROLO” WINE DINNER
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 – 6:30 PM
With Stan “the Wine Man” Lalic

Culinary offerings by Mark Swomley
$109 per person – excluding Taxes & Gratuity

ERNESTO PICOLLO GAVI DI GAVI RUGHE’08

TUNA TARTARE
With Almond-Napa Slaw, Rice Wine-Peanut Vinaigrette & Yuzu Jam

SAN BIAGIO BAROLO ROCCHETTIVINO’05
SAN BIAGIO BAROLO PRIA CAPALOT’05
BRUNA GRIMALDI BAROLO VIGNA REYNOLA BADARINA’05

BRAISED SHORT RIBS
Served in Herb Roasted Zucchini with Caramelized Onions,
Carrot-Parsnip Sauté, Pan Jus and Fontinella

SAN BIAGIO BAROLO SORANO’05

VEAL SCALLOPINE
With Brioche-Pancetta Stuffing, Ricotta-Leek Risotto Cake,
Tomato-Herb Reduction, Parmesan Areggiano and grilled Scallions

BERGADANO BAROLO SARMASSA RISERVA’03
GIOVANNI ROGGERO BAROLO RISERVA’03

BEEF WELLINGTON
Beef Tenderloin, Wild Mushrooms & Boursin Cheese roasted in Pastry
and served with Cabernet Glaze and Tomato-Pepper Coulis

LUIGI VIOLA MOSCATO PASSITO’07

APPLE CIDER DONUT
With sweet Mascarpone and Caramel Glaze

The holidays are officially upon us and if you’re looking for the perfect wine to pair your holiday feast with, we’ve got your answer right here!

Whether it’s ham, turkey or something else, this list from About.com is a great little cheat sheet when preparing your dinner this year.

Wines to Serve with Ham

Reds:Beajolais Nouveau , Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Tempranillo
Whites: Riesling and Gewurztraminer

Wines to Serve with Turkey

Reds: Pinot Noir , Zinfandel , Syrah/Shiraz, Beajolais Nouveau
Whites: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Gewurztraminer

Wines to Serve with Goose

Reds: Zinfandel , Red Burgundy, Tempranillo
Whites: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Wines to Serve with Prime Rib

Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Tempranillo
Whites: Typically white wines have a difficult time holding up to the bold flavors found in red meats, so while it is possible to enjoy white wines with red meats, it is challenging to find a good match.

Just a reminder that our Best of California Wine Dinner is tonight starting at 6:30 p.m.  Some of my favorite wines – including Talbott’s “Kali Hart” Chardonnay, Duckhorn’s Golden Eye Pinot Noir and Caymus Special Select Cabernet (rated 95) will be enjoyed around five outstanding courses!  We are excited to welcome Post-Gazette columnist and “The Paris of Appalachia” author Brian O’Neill as our special host!   Click  here for the full dinner menu.