Sampling the Brand-New Canella Bellini at Tarrazza Baia
Prosecco is practically the lifeblood of Pattaya’s social scene, frequently greeting us as the very first chilled glass of bubbly when we step into the most exclusive and upmarket events around town. It has rightfully earned its crown as the ultimate drink of choice to get any glamorous party started here on the Eastern Seaboard. So it was with delight and eager anticipation that I recently received an invitation to sample a brand-new, variation on this old favorite, hosted at the stunningly beautiful and newly opened Tarrazza Baia Restaurant. A charming Italian restaurant famed for its authentic homemade pasta, this gorgeous venue boasts a spacious beachfront terrace located on the second floor of the Central Festival shopping center, offering panoramic views stretching all along Pattaya Beach Road.
As we settled in to experience this exciting new arrival, the hospitality proved nothing short of exceptional as the hosts generously supplied us with delicious samples from their carefully curated cold cut selection, which complemented the flavor profile of the tasting. It is always an absolute pleasure to attend any event organized by the team at Italasia, because they have a genuine passion for the fine wines and beverages they promote. Their impeccable taste, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering dedication always impress me, effortlessly solidifying their reputation as the premier wine and beverage supplier of choice right here in Pattaya.
The focal point of the afternoon centered around a fascinating deep dive into the history, ingredients, and meticulous production methods behind the traditional Bellini cocktail, courtesy of the renowned Canella brand.
Looking closely at the presentation and chatting with the experts, I learned that this sparkling masterpiece captures the authentic essence of Venice right here in Thailand. The classic recipe is expertly proportioned, consisting of approximately seventy to seventy-five percent Prosecco, translating precisely to three parts fine Spumante Brut combined with one part fresh white peach purée, finished off with a subtle touch of raspberry juice that imparts its signature, delicate flavor and lovely pink hue.
What makes this version so remarkable is that it is crafted using hand-picked white peaches grown directly by the Canella family, ensuring an uncompromising standard of agricultural quality and fresh flavor.
The conversation naturally drifted toward the rich historical origins of the drink, which was originally created by Arrigo Cipriani at the legendary Harry’s Bar in Venice. Historically, enjoying a true Bellini was strictly limited to a fleeting summer indulgence when fresh white peaches reached their absolute peak ripeness during specific calendar months.
However, modern ingenuity has bridged the gap between tradition and convenience through an innovative production technique. The brilliant creators developed a specialized method to pasteurize the fine wine and fresh fruit juice together seamlessly without ever relying on chemical preservatives, artificial flavorings, or added sugar, keeping the beverage gluten-free, low in calories, and wonderfully natural with an alcohol content hovering gently around a very approachable five percent.
At only five percent alcohol by volume, the drink isn’t overwhelmingly strong, but it put me in a wonderfully relaxed, elevated mood as I admired the stunning seaside view from the open-air terrace restaurant area at Tarrazza Baia. Our geographical exploration also touched upon the finer points of wine production, highlighting Valdobbiadene as the historical, rugged hillside region renowned for producing premium Prosecco, which stands in fascinating contrast to the newer, more commercial flat-land cultivation areas extending outward toward Venice.
For those fellow expats in town who are keen to elevate their next private gathering or social function with something truly special, you can easily book a table at Tarrazza Baia by calling 065 707 4889. To find out more about Italasia wines contact Mauro Sciaccaluga at their showroom in North Pattaya. He can be contacted via email at [email protected], and has some wonderful special deals for local customers eager to try and purchase Canella Bellinini this exciting new Italian cocktail sensation.