Italian Wines
Trofie with pesto, a Ligurian specialty
We have had a whole lot of pasta since coming to Italy, but none of these shapes are as fun as trofie, a pasta from Liguria. Trofie is a small, twisted pasta. The pasta is slightly thicker where the pasta is twisted, and the thicker part is a bit chewy and provides a lovely texture. … Continue reading
Variety Focus: Pigato wine from Liguria
Another region, another new wine! We are in Liguria, a region in Northwestern Italy that borders the Mediterranean. Liguria is known for the Cinque Terre (Italian for “the five lands”, each bordered by a mountain range one on side and the Mediterranean on the other); its capital, Genoa, (home of that “in fourteen hundred ninety-two” … Continue reading
Franciacorta: the OTHER Italian sparkling wine!
Prosecco rules. I love the affordability, the bright bubbles, the crispness and acidity of the wine… it is good, inexpensive sparkling wine. But Prosecco is not the only bubbly from Italy: Franciacorta is another delicious sparkler that is worth a try. Franciacorta is a sparkling wine from the city of Franciacorta, in the Lombardy region … Continue reading
Goretti “Il Moggio” Grechetto 2008
I think I found what California white wine lovers have been missing. The over-oaked, buttery, vanilla-laden Chardonnays have run their course. Admittedly, there are days when I crave one, and many that I love (yes, I am giving a shout out to you, Rombauer)… but although there are some loyal California-style Chardonnay drinkers out there, … Continue reading
An overview of the wines of Montepulciano, Italy
Italian wines are confusing. Just when you think you’ve mastered their classification system and have a handle on the difference between DOCG, DOC and IGT wines, you show up in Montepulciano and get thrown for a real loop: this area makes the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines, but has nothing to do with the Montepulciano … Continue reading
Tasting wine in Montepulciano
Another week, another wine region. Just when I was getting used to Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso wines, we move on! Poor me. I kid… and I certainly don’t expect anyone to feel sorry for me! This week we are in Montepulciano, a town I thought was known for its Tuscan wines called Vino Nobile di … Continue reading
Getting to know the Torgiano wines of Umbria
A wine named after the region where it is produced, Torgiano is probably the most well-known wine of the Umbrian area. Before we get in to the Torgiano blend, I should note that although this is the most popular wine of the area, it is by far not the only wine produced in Torgiano. Similar … Continue reading
Variety Focus: Sagrantino
It has been two weeks of delicious Umbrian wines and rich dishes… and I still haven’t had enough of the region’s cured meats, aged pecorino, aromatic truffles, and robust wines. Although I recently gave a brief overview of the region’s wines, I would like to go into more depth and share the history of my … Continue reading
Variety Focus: Canaiolo
Canaiolo One of the stranger things about learning Italian wines is how MANY grapes there are. In the United States, we are used to the “big name” varietals: perhaps we begin with the Cabernet Sauvignons and Rieslings and Chardonnays of the world, move on to learn about “foreign” grapes like Grenache, and occasionally stumble on … Continue reading
An Italian Digestif: Amaro
I’ve had some incredible meals since I’ve been in Italy. Beautiful pastas, thin, crispy pizzas with zesty tomato sauce, pillowy gnocchi, flavorful bruschetta…who am I kidding? It’s all been good! And all have been memorable. As dramatic as this may sound, there are some meals that, when over, actually make me sad. I wish there … Continue reading