Taste and talk Barolo with Luca Currado, one of Piedmont’s best winemakers

Lovers of Piedmontese wines have a rare chance Wednesday to taste through the Vietti estate’s wines with winemaker Luca Currado at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. Currado is not only one of the best winemakers in Piedmont, he’s a talker, passionate about Barolo and his family’s estate in Castiglione Falletto. He’s also incredibly down-to-earth and approachable.

Guests for the six-course dinner prepared by Michael’s executive chef David Coleman will taste seven of Vietti’s wines, including two 2009 single-vineyard Barberas, the 2007 Barbaresco “Masseria” and the 2008 Barolo “Brunate.”

Coleman’s menu starts off with butter-poached prawn with summer squash puree for the Arneis, then moves on to Devil’s Gulch Farm rabbit sausage with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and corn salad with the two Barberas.

Could I drop in for just that last course?

Next comes agnolotti stuffed with short rib with the Barbaresco, and for a Nebbiolo “Perbacco,” the chef has chosen grilled swordfish with eggplant caponata (which is from Sicily, not Piedmont, but never mind).

The Barolo “Brunate” is paired with Broken Arrow Ranch venison with porcini mushrooms and farro. Nice, that. And for dessert, sommelier Massimo Aronne is pouring Vietti’s Moscato d’Asti with a cherry tart.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $95 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Seating is available in both the dining room or on the rooftop terrace. Call (562) 439-7080 for reservations.

ALSO:

‘Downton Abbey’ wine: A Bordeaux to uncork for Season 4

Bellini season: Two ingredients for the perfect summer drink

Want your red wine to taste better in the heat? Pop it in the fridge