One of the things that sets the Vallone family of restaurants apart in Houston’s ever-expanding food scene is Tony’s connections to Italy.
Last week, Tony hosted winemaker Cristina Ziliani (above, left), owner of the Berlucchi winery in Franciacorta, an appellation about 45 minutes east of Milan where classic-method sparkling wines are produced.
“I go to Milan every year,” says Tony. “The best restaurants there all serve Franciacorta by-the-glass. They love Champagne as much as we do here in the U.S., of course. But Franciacorta has richer fruit flavors. It’s fresher and it’s more food-friendly. After all, it’s Italian! And that’s why I’ve been serving Franciacorta by-the-glass at all my restaurants.”
“Franciacorta is one of our favorite wines here at the Vallone family of restaurants,” says Scott Sulma, who oversees the wine programs at all three restaurants. “It just works so well with the food. You can even pair the rosé with our 55-day-aged steaks.”
Look out for the Berlucchi Franciacorta sparkling Rosé, made from 100 percent Pinot Noir grapes.