Zyme at Sette Mezzo

Event Chairs Joe Zicherman (“Joe Z”), Doug Hurley, Arnie and Sherie Reiter and the Events Committee are excited to start our 91st Wine and Food Society season hosting a special northern Italian winemaker, Celestino Gaspari and his Zyme wines, at a legendary New York Upper East Side restaurant—Sette Mezzo.

Zyme wines (pronounced “Zeemie”) have evolved to be some of the best wines in the world, mainly because their source emanated from the legendary Giuseppe Quintarelli. Celestino Gaspari, Zyme’s owner, was previously married to Giuseppe’s daughter and began his career in the wine industry at age 20, working for many years alongside Giuseppe Quintarelli, from whom he learned his craft, fed his passion, and instilled his culture for wine.

For those who know Quintarelli wines, Zyme wines are effectively Quintarelli’s with a different label. These extraordinary wines, built in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, were started in 1999 and have evolved through Celestino’s vision to not only emulate Quintarelli but, in some instances, to surpass his style.

We will be tasting many expressions of Zyme, including:

• “From Black and White”
• Kairos
• Valpolicella
• Amarone
• Valpolicella Ripasso
• Several unique wines that Celestino has created over the past 25 years

We anticipate an amazing night, guided by Celestino as he shares his vision. As he has stated, he will share:

“The history of the osmotic interconnection between my identity and the land that I love, defend, care for, and renew.”

We will be dining at Sette Mezzo, an Upper East Side fine Italian restaurant, hosted by owner Gennaro Ventucci. Since 1989, Sette Mezzo has been preparing amazing cuisine to satisfy its demanding and particular clientele. Their private dining space accommodates up to 45 guests.

MENU

Reception

Sette Mezzo “Nibbles”
2020 “From Black and White”

Appetizers (served family style)

• Seafood Oreganata (shrimp, scallops, calamari, and clams)
• Melon and Prosciutto
• Grilled Portobello, Radicchio, and Scamorza Cheese

Wine Pairing:
2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore
2020 Kairos
2018 Amarone Classico Della Valpolicella

Pasta (served family style)

• Rigatoni Siciliana with eggplant, tomato, and chopped mozzarella
• Cacio e Pepe

Wine Pairing:
2016 Harlequin

Entrée (choice of one)

• Chicken Parmesan
• Sautéed Branzino with artichokes and lemon
• Sliced Steak

Wine Pairing:
2009 or 2006 Amarone Della Valpolicella Riserva Classico

Cheese

• Gorgonzola
• Aged Pecorino
• Parmesan

Wine Pairing:
2003 “La Mattorana”

Dessert

• Chocolate Cake
• Ricotta Cheesecake
• Biscotti & Coffee

Wine Pairing:
2016 Recioto Amandorlato

📌 Note: Menu items are subject to slight variations based on product availability.

Event Logistics

Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Time: Reception 6:15 PM SHARP | Dinner 6:45 PM
Location: Sette Mezzo, 969 Lexington Ave (70th & 71st Streets)
Dress Code: Business Casual with name tag

Contribution:

• Members: $275
• Guests: $315
• (4% surcharge applies if paying by credit card – Zelle or check preferred)

The Society thanks:
✔ Celestino Gaspari of Zyme for his generosity and great wines
✔ Gennaro Ventucci and his daughter, Tatiana for their amazing and legendary restaurant
✔ Joe Z for organizing us at “his” restaurant (one of Sette Mezzo’s favorite and best patrons)
✔ Doug Hurley for organizing the wines and visiting with the Zyme team in Italy
✔ Gunnar Pitsch and the Events Committee
✔ Arnie and Sherie Reiter for organizing the event

This is a “not-to-be-missed” event. Seating is strictly limited to 45 members and guests.

We urge you to log in to reserve your seat or contact Rose at ro**@***ny.org or 908-719-0550.

Please note that we are working to restore our credit card processing system. If you wish to pay by card, email Rose to be added to the reservation list until we can process the charge.

In wine, food, and friendship,

Jack A. Gordon
President
Wine and Food Society of NY