What An Abbondanza It Was!

We would like to extend a very special thank you to all those who attended this past Thursday’s amazing Barolo and Barbaresco Abbondanza event. This was the largest, most well attended Abbondanza yet, and for good reason; we uncorked a ridiculous lineup of world class wines from Piedmont. It was our pleasure to host such a wonderful event, to see some of our great long term customer-friends, as well many new friendly faces. So, with Piemonte under our belts we look forward to next month’s Abbondanza, it will not disappoint. What’s the theme you ask…Tuscany! It too will be a truly epic lineup!

Missed the Piemonte Abbondanza, check out this post from one of the attendees - we couldn’t put it any better ourselves! http://balthassar.wordpress.com/

Escape to the Islands

When you think about basking on a sunny island beach, you might picture yourself with a pina colada in hand and requisite cocktail umbrella, of course! But take a moment to imagine instead the islands of the Mediterranean. Craggy rocks leading down to foamy surf in the turquoise water, the fisherman in colorful, old wooden boats bringing in the days catch for you to enjoy that evening, simply grilled with local lemon and olive oil. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Experience a journey through the glass to Sardinia and Greece.  Both of these stunning Mediterranean islands have incredibly untapped wine resources, you are in for a special treat.

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Ricette Regionali del Friuli!

This Month’s Featured region is Friuli-Venzia Giulia, known for it’s incredibile Prosciutto di San Daniele as well as Alpine influences from neighboring Austria and Slovenia.  

Tagliolini al Prosciutto di San Daniele 

Tagliolini

Wine Pairing: I Clivi Galea or other Friulian white, preferable based on the Tocai (Friulano) grape.  THe bright acidity and soft fruit of the tocai is a perfect complement to the prosciutto and cream.

Recipe adapted from the Consorzio di Prosciutto di San Daniele (prosciuttosandaniele.it)  

Read on for the recipe…

Rah! Rah! Ree! Kick ‘em in the Knee!: A Tasting of Lazio

Poor Lazio… (Located at Italy’s “knee”) The first I ever heard of winemaking around Rome, was in a guidebook about the majestic city.  It warned that if you were offered “local wine” to immediately demand something from Tuscany.  While in general it is best to drink local, the Lazio wine scene was sufficiently underwhelming to deserve this disparagement.  Even in Jancis Robinson’s latest edition of the World Atlas of Wine, a thorough ode to the vine if ever there has been one, she devotes only 59 words to cover the region!  However, when we decided to tackle Lazio this month given its proximity to Umbria, we were delighted to see the first signs of improvement.  Read on…

Italy’s Green Heart - A Tasting of Umbria

“Il Cuore Verde D’Italia”: Umbria is often referred to as Italy’s “Green Heart”.  Being the fourth smallest Italian region, landlocked between Tuscany to the Northwest, Le Marche to the East and Lazio and Abruzzo to the South, Umbria is often overlooked.  The expansive Umbrian Valley is split by the mighty Tiber that rushes towards Rome.  The Appennini Mountains cut the landscape leading to Italy’s largest central lake, Lago di Trasimano.  A multitude of ancient villages dot the hilltops: Perugia, Assisi, Bettona, Torgiano and the looming Montefalco.  The towns are surrounded by Central Italy’s sleeper region for wine and olive oil, not to mention tartufi!  From the mineral driven Orvieto Classico Bianchi to the earthy and rustic powerhouses of the cult favorite: Sagrantino, a specialty found only here. Read on…

Versatility in the Veneto

Romeo and Juliet, Gondoliers, Sunset over the Grand Canal…
The romance of Venice and Verona are second only to the multi-dimensional wine production of the Veneto.  Stretching from the Sudtirol Dolomites of Cortina D’Ampezzo to the canals of Lido, the vastness of the Veneto is showcased by the diversity of its wine styles.  Rich, gamey fare is the choice of the rolling interior regions around Verona while delicate and stylish cuisine featuring regional seafood is on display in Venezia.  Refreshing, fun bubbles of Prosecco are a classic, but do not underestimate the qualities of quality Soave!  Like Soave, the Valpolicella or “Valley of Many Cellars” is home to both large co-operatives as well as some of the most artisanal houses in Italy.  And of course, what would a tasting of this region be without a sultry Amarone to finish! We will take you on a tour of some of our favorites and introduce you to the pleasures of the vinously rich Veneto region!

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