Fairmont Royal York

EPIC Welcomes The Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Wines

TORONTO, September 20, 2004 - EPIC restaurant's chef de cuisine Jean-Charles Dupoire along with resident sommelier David Smuck, are pleased to welcome Marchese Leonardo Frescobaldi, Vice-President of the Marchesi de'
Frescobaldi, a 700-year-old Tuscan family-owned winemaking business.
Marchese Frescobaldi will be sharing his wisdom at an exclusive Winemaker's Dinner to be held on Friday October 22, 2004. The Winemaker's Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. in EPIC at the Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front Street West, Toronto.

Marchese Frescobaldi will speak on the latest trends in winemaking and the new business ventures of the Marchesi de' Frescobaldi family. He will also reveal his family's expertise in producing some of the finest vintages in the world. Guests at the dinner will have the opportunity to savor six of the wines made under the Frescobaldi name including the Brunello wines, which are legendary and consistently score in excess of 90 points each vintage from Wine Spectator Magazine. Also being previewed at the dinner is the Vendemmia Tardiva Castello di Pomino, which is being air freighted directly from Tuscany for this event. This is the first time this particular wine is being poured in Canada. The majority of the wines being served at the dinner will be released to Vintages at the L.C.B.O stores just before or immediately after the dinner date.

Sommelier, David Smuck confirms that the visit from Marchese Leonardo Frescobaldi is one of the most prestigious Winemaker's Dinners EPIC has hosted. ''This event is unprecedented. There is an enormous amount of history behind these wines and the Frescobaldi family. It is an extreme privilege to have Marchese Leonardo Frescobaldi take the time to speak at EPIC''.

The Frescobaldi family has been Tuscan royalty for over 700 years. Today, Marchesi de' Frescobaldi is one of the largest wine-growing businesses in Europe with over 2,500 acres of land at nine estates. From Edward II to Henry VII, the wines of the Frescobaldi family have been enjoyed throughout the ages.

This limited engagement is part of a continuing series welcoming renowned international winemakers to EPIC at The Fairmont Royal York. The series gives Toronto diners an opportunity to personally meet winemakers and discuss the most notable vintages in an intimate setting. In addition to gaining insight into the distinct history of the Frescobaldi wines, guests will enjoy a menu tailored to the Frescobaldi wine tasting experience.

Since the 1800's, research and innovation coupled with their experience led the Frescobaldi family to plant Pinot, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot grapes to blend with their sangiovese. Marchesi de' Frescobaldi was one of the first wineries to introduce the use of stainless steel and oak barrels in Italy. At the end of WWII, the senior Lamberto Frescobaldi with his son, Vittorio modernized wine-growing production with new technology. By the end of the 1950s Marchesi de' Frescobaldi was an active business known throughout the world. Today, Frescobaldi wines are sold in more than 60 countries including Canada and the U.S.

The Marchesi de' Frescobaldi wines will be poured during the Winemaker's Dinner on Friday October 22, 2004, beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m.
The dinner is $125 per person, plus taxes and gratuities. Dining reservations for this event in the EPIC winemakers series can be made by calling (416) 860-5097.