When one of the IACC team members traveled to Lombardy, Italy, last year, he was surprised to learn that young chefs there are regularly serving their guests barbecue. But not just any smoked meats, no: Across Italy, classic dry rub “Texas BBQ” is the word of the day. You won’t find any mention of “Kansas City BBQ” or “Memphis BBQ.” For the Italians it seems, only Texas BBQ will do!

(See this article on Texas BBQ in Italy by longtime Houston Chronicle columnist Chris Reid, a frequent IACC partner and founder of the Houston Barbecue Festival.)

On Monday, February 26, on the occasion of the 10th annual Taste of Italy trade fair and festival, the IACC will once again be presenting the “Italian Wine and Texas BBQ” seminar with leading Houston pit master Ara Malekian (in the picture above), owner of Harlem Rd. Texas BBQ, and Italian wine writer and educator Jeremy Parzen, author of DoBianchi.com.

The event begins at 2 p.m. and will be held at the Hilton Post Oak.
To pair with smoked wagyu brisket marinated in red Italian wine, smoked Pork belly, both items served with creamy polenta – prepared by Chef Ara – we selected the following 6 wines, featured in the Seminar:

Langhe Nebbiolo, Cerrino, Piemonte  (available at Spec’s)
Aglianico del Sannio, La Guardiense, Campania (available at Spec’s) 
Ferzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Citra, Abruzzo (available at Spec’s)
Cabernet-Merlot, Carlo Scala, Puglia New to the market
Chianti Riserva DOCG, Castelsina, Toscana New to the Market
Chianti Governo, Il Risveglio, Valvirgino, Toscana (available at Spec’s)

Please note that this event will sell out quickly! Please reserve at your earliest convenience to ensure availability.

And for those who register before January 31, there is an early bird discount.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the most popular Italian wine events of the year!