Federico Corra', enterprising young owner of Fiordimela, "strudel of the gods," is in town looking for an American licensee to make strudel for distribution to strudel-craving Yanks and Hosers.
Fiordimela means "apple blossom" and the name was inspired by the most esteemed apples in Italy, in the far-north Val di Non, obviously the critical ingredient in a classic strudel. Starting as a consumer-oriented Internet business, now Fede has won contracts with some excellent restaurants and gourmet food shops in Italy. He's looking to repeat his formula for success in the very much bigger US and Canadian markets.
Contact him if you are a potential licensee.
Here ends the unpaid friendship plug for Fede and his wicked good strudel.
Last evening I met Fede and his amica, Cristina, for a drink, stopping by Gabrio's shop for a cheerful hello, then on to Falai for dinner. Since I called at the last minute, Alberto couldn't give me a table till 9:30, so I asked if we could eat in the garden. Which was lovely -- our private dining room with a fungo (a gigantic portable heater) to keep us warm. The Italian visitors even took off their scarves!
The food was very good, but I really want to focus on the wine -- the first wine, a bottle of Selvagrossa 'Trimpilin' 2005, which is made by Alberto's brother near Pesaro, on the northern Adriatic coast. A 100% Sangiovese, this vintage of Trimpilin was far more refined and balanced than the 2003 we had back at our "Big Night" last December. The 2005 had much more of the lively acidity you hope to find in Sangiovese, and the fruit wasn't overpowered by its own superripeness, as was the 2003. This isn't the deepest or most complex Sangiovese you'll ever have, but it's much more than a simple wine to knock back at supper. Seriously enjoyable.
Alberto goes home to help with the harvest each year, and he told us that the 2007 Trimpilin should be strepitoso. (Fantastic.) You'll always be able to find it at Falai.
Depending on where you shop,Trimpilin retails for $25-30.
Finally you talk about a real wine :)It was nice to see you and Federico last night.
Posted by: Gabrio Tosti | October 31, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Fede! Have fun in nyc and good luck with finding an importer for "The Strudel of the Gods"!
Posted by: Fredric Koeppel | November 01, 2007 at 10:55 AM
@ Gabrio: it was nice to see you and your shop. Truly, I was impressed by the research yo've put on it. The right bottles at reasonable prices! I would definitely shop at your place even if it was somewhere in Italy! Complimenti!
@ FK: You'll be the first to know! Spread the voice!
@ TH: Thanks for everything, kind as usual!
Posted by: Fede - Fiordimela | November 01, 2007 at 11:00 AM