Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/551222
THE MESSAGE 14 / the tasting panel / august 2015 THE MESSAGE IN MEMORIAM Legacy: An Iconic Figure L arger-than-life in every way, Philip—or Filippo or Pippo, as he was called—liked to say, "my father brought me here when I was three months old against my wishes: I didn't speak to him for a year." Filippo (I never called him Philip) entered the wine world in 1973, working for his late father's company, Mediterranean Imports. After it was sold to Heublein in 1982, di Belardino repre- sented the Italian wine division until 1999, when he joined Banfi as Vice President of Fine Wines. Filippo made you love Italian wine because he did. He made you thirsty as he explained the dif- ference between Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. He wanted you to know that it was about more than Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes: He made you imagine the dark, purplish berries hanging on the vines, the climate they grew in and the pleasure they brought. Philip's legacy will live on for future wine professionals as Belardino announced that he, Banfi and others in the wine industry will form a national foundation for wine education. —John Foy Philip di Belardino passed away late last year. L say, "my father brought me here when I was three months old against my wishes: I didn't speak to him for a year." wine world in 1973, working for his late father's company, Mediterranean Imports. After it was sold to Heublein in 1982, di Belardino repre sented the Italian wine division until 1999, when he joined Banfi as Vice President of Fine Wines. did. He made you thirsty as he explained the dif Philip di Belardino was born in Rome, but lived in the hearts of everyone he met. Left to right: Yael Vengroff, Beverage Director, The Spare Room; Christine Wiseman, Bar Manager, Break Room 86; and Beau du Bois, Bartender, The Corner Door, all in Los Angeles, show their enthusiasm for ABTG IV. PHOTO: MICHAEL RYAN Art Inside My Glass P icture this: Several dozen of your closest friends, live music, heavy hors d'oeuvres, two floors of colorful cocktails and a DJ bumping house music so loud you can't even hear yourself sip. Now in its fourth year, "Art Beyond the Glass" took over General Lee's restaurant in Los Angeles's Chinatown in June to raise money for KCRW. The lively event fea- tured bartenders performing everything from burlesque to playing ukulele, but we couldn't help but affix our gaze on the real stars of the show: their beautifully crafted cocktails. Snow Leopard Vodka, Bols Barrel Aged Genever and Encanto Pisco all came out to play. And bartenders had a blast rising to the occasion, serving every- thing from the Cachaça Colada: Leblon Cachaça, Giffard Banana Liqueur, unsweetened coconut milk and pineapple, with a thoughtful note that said "OK FOR GLUTARDS AND LACTARDS!!" to Fragrant Salty Nuts: Auchentocshan American white oak, almond demerary syrup, fragrance spray . . . served with roasted salted almonds. —Becky Tsadik