As someone fresh out of college and still navigating the crazy, chaotic world of adulting, my palate for anything alcoholic mostly consists of cheap, local beers from convenience stores and the wild concoctions my friends and I come up with. Ask me about wine? I can only recall a few instances when I had it, like the time my grandfather let me have my first sip when I was eight.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
However, this time was different and definitely memorable! Last June 4, we were invited to a luxurious wine dinner hosted by Export Manager Mr. Andrea Masuelli, in partnership with Viberti Wines—a winery founded in the early 20th century by restaurateur Antonio Viberti.
Held at Il Lupino Prime inside Opus Mall, we were immediately welcomed by a modern bar area that set the tone for the evening. Right off the bat, it was the perfect spot for guests to enjoy their wine or cocktails and ease into the night. The Italian-inspired decor and contemporary interiors made it feel like we had stepped out of the mall and into an entirely different world.
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After a few lighthearted conversations made in the bar area, we finally made it inside the main dining room. At this point, we knew that we were bound to have an unforgettable dining experience.
Luxurious wine and dine
This sophisticated wine dinner spotlighted Viberti Wines’ elegantly structured and aged selections, showcasing how each bottle pairs beautifully with delicious meals.
For the appetizer, we had the Carpaccio di Manzo, a thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin topped with 36-month-aged Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and rucola pesto. Aside from being served premium wine, it was also my first time trying raw meat. I thought I’d be put off or overwhelmed by the idea of eating it raw, but the dish surprised me with its fresh and subtle flavors that I genuinely enjoyed.
Carpaccio di Manzo (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
This cold appetizer was paired with the Viberti 2022 Rinato—a full-bodied Chardonnay with a light, crisp flavor. In conversations with fellow guests, we realized why this white wine complemented the dish so well: it cut through the richness of the meat and refreshed our palates, preparing us for the next course.
For the first main course in our high-end Italian meal, we were served Trofie al Pomodoro, Scamorza e Burrata, a flavorful tomato-based trofie pasta with smoked Scamorza cheese and creamy burrata. This dish was paired with the Viberti 2022 Derthona.
Trofie al Pomodoro, Scamorza e Burrata (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
The Viberti 2022 Derthona was arguably the most unique-tasting wine I had that evening. On the first sip, it revealed petrol-like and salty notes that I surprisingly loved. It’s a high-intensity white wine with great structure and a super versatile character. That distinct petrol flavor makes it a perfect complement to rich dishes like pasta or chicharon.
We were served with mouthwatering meats right after! The first meat dish of the night was the Agnello Scottadito—succulent grilled lamb chops infused with the earthy aroma of rosemary. It is generously portioned and perfectly cooked, and honestly, this dish alone was enough to make my night feel complete.
Agnello Scottadito (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
But to complement the rich flavors of the lamb, this course was paired with the Viberti 2020 Barbera d’Alba Superiore, an expressive red wine known for its vibrant acidity, floral notes, and subtle mineral undertones that balanced the dish beautifully.
Finally, the last dish to cap off this memorable wine dinner was the Bistecca Alla Griglia, a beautifully seared USDA Prime dry-aged ribeye steak served with roasted cauliflower and sautéed garlic. This mouthwatering steak was easy to slice, incredibly tender, and bursting with flavor.
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The ribeye was paired with the Viberti 2017 Barolo Piserva Bricco Delle, which turned out to be my favorite wine of the evening. Each limited-production bottle represents the winery’s highest quality, aged for five years in large barrels. The wine boasts a distinct perfumed character, with elegant notes reminiscent of balsamic and eucalyptus. Rich, smooth, and refined, the wine and steak complemented each other perfectly, with neither overpowering the other but enhancing the experience with every sip and bite.
The verdict
Overall, this wine dinner was such a great introduction to the world of wine tasting for me! While it’s undeniable that we were served amazing dishes and sophisticated wines, what truly elevated the entire experience was the warm hospitality and exceptional service throughout the night. Honestly, I’m not quite sure how this experience could ever be topped.
More than just a fancy dinner, it felt like a crash course in appreciating the genuine stories behind every bottle—the history, the craft, and the passion that is poured into each glass. I walked away not only full and satisfied, but it also imparted a deeper appreciation for how wine can elevate a meal and bring people together from different walks of life.
If you’re looking for a truly memorable Italian dining experience, make your way to Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener, located at Opus Mall. From their luxurious ambiance to the thoughtfully curated dishes and premium wine selections, it’s a destination that you’ll keep coming back to.
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