The Royal Princess features the largest collection of Super Tuscan wines at sea. Wine enthusiasts will delight with the wide array of world class wines available while dining, as well as specialty wine programs available for guests.
One such event is the Super Tuscan Wine Tasting in Sabatini’s. For a charge of $40, guests can enjoy tastings of five Super Tuscan Wines, as well as bites of delicious foods expertly prepared to accompany each wine.
As I entered Sabatini’s, I was greeted with a glass of champagne. Then it was time to choose a table, all of which were heavily laden with gleaming wine glasses ready for the tasting.
The first of the five red wines was soon poured, as the winemaker – Lamberto Frescobaldi – spoke about the nuances of each wine. After each introduction, a small plate was brought out, ranging from lasagna to beef carpaccio. Master Chef Alfredo Marzi, who has been with Princess Cruises for 40 years, took the microphone to describe why he thought that each entrée expertly paired with the wine.
The small audience was captivated as each wine was poured, and each plate was served. Wines included Remole, Lucente della Vite and Ornellaia, a rare wine that costs $230 a bottle. When I didn’t completely finish my tasting pour, two of my tablemates begged for the remaining wine in my glass.
A question and answer period followed, as well as the opportunity to buy the wines. With so much food and wine, it would have been easy to skip dinner. Yet a Winemaker’s Dinner was on my agenda.
Another great way to indulge in the Royal Princess’ extensive wine collection, the Winemaker’s Dinner is available in a secluded room surrounded by wine bottles in both the Symphony and Concerto dining rooms. Up to 12 people can be seated in each alcove, at a cost of $40 per person.
The Winemaker’s Dinner further expands on the expert food and wine pairing of Princess’ chefs and the winemakers that are represented on the ship. After being greeted with a champagne cocktail, we were soon presented with the fixed menu specially prepared to accompany the two chosen wines for the evening, again from Marchesi de Frescobaldi.
White bean veloute and chorizo soup, asiago cheese stuffed gnocchi, filet mignon tournedos and a Napoleon of three mousses for desert were amazing, as was the service and attention.
So much wine in one day! Yes, it was easy to overindulge in these amazing wine events. Yet the superb wines are not relegated only to specialty dining or classes. They can be found throughout the ship.
I’m still wanting to plan a trip to Bellini’s, the brand new champagne cocktail bar overlooking the Piazza serving up Bellini-inspired cocktails inspired by Italy. The innovative offerings sound intriguing, but I will have to visit another night. Moderation is important, and I think I’ve already indulged in every single one of the more than 20 Super Tuscan wines onboard the Royal Princess.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
