Halloween Edition
An Exquisite Collaboration with Chef Javier Duarte & The Wine Jokers
Partners:
Alben and Aghen – Wine Experts (Instagram: @the_wine_jokers) Chef Javier Duarte – Executive Chef and teacher at Le Cordon Bleu, renowned for his expertise in fine dining and luxury banqueting (@javierduartechef)
At Alivini, we are thrilled to introduce our latest venture, Taste & Toast – Halloween Edition. This unique series brings together the seasonal, bold flavours of autumn with some of Italy’s finest wines in perfectly crafted pairings. This collaboration with Chef Javier Duarte and The Wine Jokers (The Wine Jokers Facebook) has produced a distinctive three-course menu designed to celebrate the heart of autumn.
Each course features exclusive wines chosen by our expert team at Alivini to complement the rich, seasonal dishes developed by Chef Duarte. Here’s a look at what you can expect from this special edition pairing experience.
Taste & Toast – Halloween Edition
Starter: Beef Tataki with Ponzu Dressing, Garlic Crisps, and Jalapeño 🌶️
Wine Pairing: Grande Annata Brut Metodo Classico Rosé 2015 Costaripa – Lombardia
The evening begins with an explosion of flavour. Chef Duarte’s beef tataki is delicately balanced with garlic crisps and a hint of heat from jalapeno. Paired with the refined Grande Annata Brut Metodo Classico Rosé 2015, this wine’s crisp acidity and delicate bubbles perfectly lift the dish, enhancing the beef’s rich umami notes with subtle berry undertones. The result is a harmonious start that sets the tone for an unforgettable meal.
Watch Chef Duarte’s presentation of this starter on Instagram
Main Course: Dover Sole with Meuniere Sauce, Burnt Lemon, and Baby New Potatoes 🐟
Wine Pairing: Vigna Maso Reiner Chardonnay 2022 Kettmeir – Trentino Alto Adige
Next, a beautifully tender Dover sole served with a luxurious Meuniere sauce and a touch of burnt lemon creates a sumptuous yet refreshing main. Alivini’s Vigna Maso Reiner Chardonnay 2022 adds a layer of complexity to this dish, its hints of oak and vanilla intertwining with the buttery sauce, while its crisp finish provides a perfect counterpoint to the sole’s delicate richness.
Explore this pairing in Chef Duarte’s main course reveal
Dessert: Pumpkin Coulant with Mascarpone Ice Cream 🍮
Wine Pairing: Monteolivo Moscato d’Asti 2022 Bersano – Piemonte
To round out the evening, Chef Duarte has crafted a light and airy pumpkin coulant, paired with creamy mascarpone ice cream for a sweet finish. For a unique twist, Alivini selected the Bersano Monteolivo Moscato d’Asti 2022 instead of a traditional dessert wine. This Moscato’s light floral notes and fresh acidity highlight the sweetness of the pumpkin while keeping the pairing refreshingly balanced, providing a perfectly festive end to the meal.
Check out the dessert pairing and Chef Duarte’s finishing touches
A Note from Alivini
As a leading importer and distributor of Italian wines in the UK, we’re committed to bringing the finest selections to both our private and B2B clients. This collaboration with Chef Duarte and The Wine Jokers has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase our wines in a way that elevates and celebrates their true potential. Through these pairings, our goal is to inspire memorable experiences around the table, where seasonal ingredients meet exceptional Italian wines.
Stay tuned for more in our Taste & Toast series, as we continue exploring the incredible world of wine and food pairings. And let us know – would you love to try these pairings yourself?