A Symphony of Taste & Heritage: Recap Of The "Luigi Leonardo – An Italian Legacy" Wine Dinner

In the realm of fine dining, a truly exceptional evening is never just about what is served on the plate or poured into the glass; it is about the stories told, the connections forged, and the memories etched into the minds of the guests. On the enchanting evening of May 21st, 2026, BMWine had the profound privilege of hosting the "Luigi Leonardo: An Italian Legacy" Wine Dinner. Set against the luxurious and intimate backdrop of Link Bistro Cafe at La Siesta Premium Saigon Central, this exclusive gathering was a masterful celebration of Italian winemaking heritage beautifully intertwined with the vibrant, bold flavors of Vietnamese-fusion cuisine.

As a dedicated "Lifestyle Curator," BMWine designed this event not merely as a dinner, but as an immersive cultural expedition. We invite you to look back at the highlights of a night where every detail was meticulously crafted to awaken the senses.

A Gathering of Distinguished Guests and Living Legacies

The ambiance of La Siesta Premium Saigon Central perfectly complemented the grandeur of the evening. The highlight of the night was the rare and honorable presence of Mr. Stefano Sgarzi—the esteemed 4th generation heir and owner of the historic Cantine Sgarzi Luigi winery, an institution that has been perfecting the art of winemaking since 1933. Accompanied by his graceful wife, Nadia, Mr. Sgarzi shared captivating tales of his family's vineyards in Italy, bringing the soul of Emilia-Romagna and Puglia directly to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

The Italian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Ms. Tognonato (second from the left), appears with Mr. & Mrs. Sgarzi (Winery Owners)

The evening was further elevated by the attendance of Ms. Alessandra Tognonato, the Consul General of Italy in Vietnam, whose presence underscored the deep cultural ties and enduring friendship between the two nations. Adding a touch of modern glamour to the historical legacy, we were thrilled to welcome Mister Pham Tuan Ngoc, Chief Operating Officer of the 75th Anniversary Miss World in Vietnam, alongside Runner-up Quynh Anh, influential KOLs, and our valued partners. Together, they transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of networking, sophisticated conversation, and shared appreciation for the art of living.

An Evening of Italian-Vietnamese Cuisine: The Culinary Symphony

At the core of the event was a five-course tasting menu curated by the culinary artisans at Link Bistro, flawlessly paired with five remarkable beverages from Cantine Sgarzi Luigi. Applying BMWine's philosophy of "Structural Harmony," each pairing was designed to elevate both the dish and the wine, ensuring neither overshadowed the other.

A wonderful event bringing together distinguished guests.

The Sparkling Prelude: A Toast to New Beginnings 

The culinary journey commenced with a sophisticated Stuzzichino (appetizer) featuring Vietnamese steamed rice rolls with roasted pork and hoisin sauce, presented alongside a delicate Abalone spring roll with lotus seeds. To awaken the palate, we served the Bianco Spumante (Zero Alcohol). Boasting a bright straw-yellow hue with golden reflections and a fine, persistent perlage, this non-alcoholic sparkling wine offered a refreshing burst of exotic fruit aromas. The crisp, pure bubbles acted as a brilliant palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the roasted pork and seamlessly balancing the savory depth of the abalone.

Pham Tuan Ngoc - Mr World Vietnam 2024 - next to BMWine's Bianco Spumante (Zero Alcohol)

A Crisp Awakening: The Dance of East and West 

Moving to the Antipasto and Insalata, guests were treated to a daring Fillet mignon carpaccio served with crispy puffed phở, followed by a vibrant Seasonal Vietnamese fruit with burrata salad. These dishes required a wine with an equally vibrant yet elegant structure. Enter the Luigi Leonardo Pinot Grigio IGT. Hailing from the Abruzzo region, this wine shone with a bright straw-yellow color and a characteristically fruity bouquet. Its fresh, easy-drinking nature and well-balanced acidity artfully complemented the unique texture of the crispy phở and the creamy richness of the burrata, proving that Italian grapes and Vietnamese ingredients can waltz in perfect harmony.

The Ocean's Melody: A Harmonious Mid-Course 

As the evening deepened, a steaming bowl of Premium Bouillabaisse—a classic French-style seafood soup—was presented for the Zuppa course. The pairing for this rich, oceanic delight was the Luigi Leonardo Chardonnay Trebbiano Rubicone IGT. This blend from Emilia-Romagna offered a fresh and fruity palate with beautifully balanced acidity. The structural weight of the Chardonnay mirrored the hearty, complex flavors of the Bouillabaisse, lifting the marine notes without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the seafood.

The Majestic Centerpiece: Power Meets Elegance 

The crescendo of the night arrived with the Secondi Piatti: a succulent Australian Striploin paired with creamy mashed potatoes and infused with the luxurious aroma of black truffle. A dish of this magnitude demands a wine of undeniable power and pedigree. We proudly poured the Primitivo di Manduria DOC Sgarzi Luigi, a multi-award-winning masterpiece from Puglia. Displaying a deep ruby red color, it enveloped the room with opulent scents of cherry jam and ripe plums. Boasting a robust 15.5% alcohol content, its firm tannins and harmonious blend of ripe fruit and spices embraced the protein of the steak. As the tannins softened against the meat, they unlocked the succulent, earthy flavors of the truffle, leaving a long, unforgettable finish.

The Sweet Epilogue: A Lingering Farewell 

No masterpiece is complete without a flawless signature. The Dolce course featured the timeless Crêpes Suzette, beautifully accompanied by a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream. To ensure the palate was not overwhelmed by sweetness, we introduced the Spritz Orange (Zero Alcohol). With its captivating light orange hue, this fizzy delight offered natural aromas of fragrant apple and exotic fruit, juxtaposed with the natural bitterness of orange and subtle herbal notes. This slight bitter touch was the ultimate key—it neutralized the creaminess of the dessert, bringing the meal to a perfectly rounded and elegant conclusion.

More Than a Dinner, A Lifestyle Statement

The "Luigi Leonardo: An Italian Legacy" event transcended the boundaries of a traditional wine dinner. It was a testament to the belief that wine is not merely a beverage; it is a profound personal experience, a bridge between cultures, and a vital element of the social art of living. Throughout the night, guests engaged in the sensory BMWine 5S Ritual (See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor), exploring their personal palates while mastering the effortless elegance of dining etiquette.

On behalf of the entire BMWine team, we extend our most heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partners: Link Bistro Cafe for their culinary brilliance, La Siesta Premium Saigon Central for their impeccable hospitality, and Cantine Sgarzi Luigi for sharing their liquid heritage with us. Most importantly, we thank every guest who graced us with their presence, curiosity, and passion.

The journey of taste and elegance never truly ends; it merely pauses until the next cork is drawn. Stay tuned for the next exclusive experiential voyage curated by BMWine. Until then, may your glasses be full and your moments be elegant.

Saluti! 🥂