HaiVy (the other faithful Recipes, Wine, Entertaining blogger) and I have been on an Italian wine binge this month! We participated in two tastings - one, a lesson on Wines of Southern Italy and the Islands at France 44 and the other, a fantastic tasting put on by Solo Vino at Il Vesco Vino. We both agreed that this is the best and most affordable way to really get a good understanding of wines from a particular country or region! I'd like to highlight a few of my favorites from the tasting at France 44. I especially enjoyed this wine class because of the obscure varietals that we were introduced to!
De Angelis Lacrima Cristi 2006, Sorrento ($19.99): This was a well-balanced, earthy red. Perfect for pairing with fall comfort foods. Andrew and I enjoyed a bottle of this with walnut-crusted pork chops (see Cooking Light Magazine for the recipe - quick and easy!) and roasted buttercup squash. This would also pair well with lamb chops or veal.
Taurino Salice Salento, Campagnia ($15.99): I put three stars next to this selection! A blend of the Negroamaro and the Malvesia Nera varietals, I commented that this wine "full-bodied," "well-balanced" with a flavor profile that can be described as a "burst of berries with a hint of herbs." Campagnia is a region in the southwest of Italy - pair this with a regionally-based dish and your friends will be extra-impressed.
Layercake Primitivo 2006, Puglia ($16.99): Our teacher described this wine as "opaque and purple-colored with a nose of jammy black cherry and blackberry fruit, truffles, tar and spice." Made in the style of California Zinfandels, I described it as having a "berry, licorice, chocolate" flavor profile and "ripe and oaky." Either way, this wine made of 100% Primitivo grapes from 100 year old vines in the southeast region of Italy is a fantastic fireside wine. In my opinion, it is too big and juicy to pair with food, but perfect for sipping on a cold winter's night!
Salud! :)
De Angelis Lacrima Cristi 2006, Sorrento ($19.99): This was a well-balanced, earthy red. Perfect for pairing with fall comfort foods. Andrew and I enjoyed a bottle of this with walnut-crusted pork chops (see Cooking Light Magazine for the recipe - quick and easy!) and roasted buttercup squash. This would also pair well with lamb chops or veal.
Taurino Salice Salento, Campagnia ($15.99): I put three stars next to this selection! A blend of the Negroamaro and the Malvesia Nera varietals, I commented that this wine "full-bodied," "well-balanced" with a flavor profile that can be described as a "burst of berries with a hint of herbs." Campagnia is a region in the southwest of Italy - pair this with a regionally-based dish and your friends will be extra-impressed.
Layercake Primitivo 2006, Puglia ($16.99): Our teacher described this wine as "opaque and purple-colored with a nose of jammy black cherry and blackberry fruit, truffles, tar and spice." Made in the style of California Zinfandels, I described it as having a "berry, licorice, chocolate" flavor profile and "ripe and oaky." Either way, this wine made of 100% Primitivo grapes from 100 year old vines in the southeast region of Italy is a fantastic fireside wine. In my opinion, it is too big and juicy to pair with food, but perfect for sipping on a cold winter's night!
Salud! :)
