Il Vinattiere di Chambord

 Grand Hotel Entourage

Gorizia

www.entouragegorizia.com

 

Review copyright - Ginda Simpson

www.gindasimpson.com

 

 

Located below the southern slopes of Gorizia Castle, the Grand Hotel Entourage is the restructured 16th century villa of the Strassoldo family, a palazzo with a long and unique history.  During its most recent renovation, which lasted a decade, careful attention was paid to the safeguarding of the architectural and artistic heritage of this famous palazzo and the present owners are justifiably proud of their achievements – not only for the successful conservation of this historical building but also in the realm of the first-class hospitality they offer. 

The hotel has many temptations.  Namely, its cozy wine cellar named “Il Vinattiere di Chambord.”  In a relaxed and warmly rustic atmosphere, we allowed Ennio, the sommelier, to select the wines we enjoyed with a simply satisfying supper, a tasting menu that began with a sformata di zucca, a pumpkin soufflé blanketed in a cream of melted Montasio cheese with a hint of truffle oil.  The bocconcini of veal in a local red wine simply melted in your mouth.  For finer dining and banquets, there is the very atmospheric Bearnaise Restaurant, located on the ground floor in vaulted rooms, the oldest part of the structure, dating back to 1481.  It’s hard to imagine that these rooms once served as the stables.