ITALIAN WINE DISCOVERIES AT VINTAGES

During my numerous tours visiting the region of Piemonte in Northwest Italy, I encounter many small realities of Viticulture that are not found anywhere else.

Among these, It is worth to mention the production of a red grape variety called “Grignolino”, producing a wine that always attracted my curiosity because of its spicy character and extreme versatility with food.

Last Saturday, October 3, 2015, I was happy to find in our Ontario stores, one of the best examples of Grignolino. “Accornero Bricco del Bosco 2013” #426635 $19.95 from the area around the town of Casale Monferrato in Piemonte, also known for its great Barbera wines.

Try this “Grignolino” with roast beef and red beats salad, smoked prosciutto cotto, or a simple risotto with butter, sage and mushroom white sauce.

A unique white grape variety is Fiano, produced both in the Southern regions of Campania (around Avellino) and Puglia. “Donnachiara Montefalcione Fiano di Avellino 2013” #372482 $17.95. I like Fiano with my “Caprese salad” (mozzarella di Bufala and tomato), although for this Fiano you need a good earthy, spicy extra-virgin olive oil (try a Pugliese one), lots of fresh basil and a few grains of coarse sea salt.

Talking about sea salt….what about Nero d’Avola? A red grape from the island of Sicily, often blended with “international varietals”, expecially by young winemakers, less “traditional”. A great blend of Nero d’Avola, Merlot and Cabernet can be found in this October 3 Vintage release of Cusumano Noa’ 2012 #109512 $22.95

We are in Sicily, Fish is a staple here. How to drink a red wine with fish? A great fish steak (tuna, swordfish, halibut) grilled, seasoned with lots of herbs and a sauce with olives, fennel, sun-dried tomatoes, capers….and experience ecstasy!

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Salute amici!