Red wine with fish might once have been fighting words in certain wine circles, but this year it was the backdrop to honoring peace.
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon was paired with the main course filet of monkfish in a red wine sauce served with carrot-coriander confit, green asparagus and roasted potatoes. This year's lavish banquet, held at The Grand Hotel, honored Kim Dae Jung, President of South Korea, in recognition of his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and, particularly for peace and reconciliation with North Korea.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Castello Banfi estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, Tavernelle is a full-bodied red wine aged in oak barrique and reflecting both local terroir and varietal character in its flavor. It recently ranked #65 in the top 100 wines of 2000 by the influential Wine Spectator magazine.
"We had several red wines to choose between," said Sigrid Langebrekke, Events Manager of The Norwegian Nobel Institute, "but when the Institute Director and I tasted the different wines we agreed that the Tavernelle would be the perfect one."
Peace is one of the five prize areas mentioned in Alfred Nobel's will, which provided for prizes to those who, during the preceding year, "shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind." Recipients are honored with a lavish banquet every year on December 10th, the anniversary date of Alfred Nobel's death.
A family-owned vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany, Castello Banfi's dedication to excellence in the art of winemaking has been recognized by wine aficionados the world over. Capturing honor after prestigious honor, the American-owned estate was declared "International Winery of the Year" for an unprecedented fourth year at the 2000 VinItaly Wine Competition. The winery has also been named Italy's best wine estate every year since 1994.