KenSpearsOnWine

For me, I get excited about Italian wines. Barolo, Brunello, a nice Gavi. These wines get me excited. Italy is special for me. I spent the majority of my honeymoon there. I have always loved the wine.

In college, I drank copious amounts of Valpolicella from the Veneto. It was about $3 a bottle and tasted great. It got you happier faster than beer. But the real reason I like Italian wine is the at there are so many grapes and varieties that you can go your whole life and try them all.

For those of you who like Chardonnay, the best alternative I have found is Gavi. Made from the Cortese grape in Piedmont, Italy, this is a serious white wine with lush flavors of melon, citrus and minerality/stone. It goes great with so many dishes it is crazy. So if you are planning on a light pasta, this might be the wine for you. Mosby winery in Santa Barbara is making an exceptional Cortese. Other white also might include Vernaccia from Tuscany or Verdicchio from the Marche. These whites are all great examples of Italian white wines. The country does flow in a sea of Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano and other whites, but try these and see if they  do not make for a great dinner wine.

But it is the red wines that really shine. I mentioned the big boys, but there are other great reds such as Pignolo, Aglianico and Dolcetto. These are all big, jammy, juicy reds that have a big mouthfeel and a pleasing flavor.

I have had a number of super Tuscans. Those are the wines that are blended from French Bordeaux varietals and Sangiovese. I think that some of those wines are some of the best examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and other blends I have had. There is a certain earthiness to a Ornellia and Sassicia that scream old world. But the fruit is very ripe and loaded with flavor. These are the wines that are best paired with slow roasted chunk of wild boar, bathed in Tomato sauce and topped with olives. Very traditional. Very good.

But I have to confess, I like the reds of Piedmont with extreme prejudice. Barbera, Dolcetto, And all versions of Nebbiolo. These are wines of high acidity, decent fruit and a very long finish. Back to the acidity thing again.

So here is the thought. Go to your local market and get some Arborio rice ad make some Risotto. Roast a duck. Make a cherry  sauce. Make an Arugula salad. Open a Barolo and let it gentle breathe in a decanter for a few hours. Make sure there is good Parmesan cheese on hand. Light a candle. This is the type of meal that will lead to a night of romance.

This is just the tip of the Italian thoughts. As the year progresses, I will dive deep into the wines of Italy and share some tastes and thoughts. In the meantime, if you need any help with this, email me or stop in at California Taste Fine Wine and ask me a question or two.

Be sure to get something to share on Sunday. Uncork Happiness.