I flew to New York City to attend a big event recently celebrating the winemakers of Italy and their wines. It’s called VINO and honors notable wine and vintners in Italy. From the launch of the first tasting event, the vibe was electric. Over 150 brands represented, seminars included wine experts covering topics from Rosé to Barolo and 600 media and trade individuals participated.
Italy owns 32% of the wine market share in the US making it the number one importer of wine here. Italy continues to produce many domestic wines including Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Barbera and Nero d’Avola (to name a few), they have turned to some of the more commonly sipped grapes in the US for their wines as they expand their markets. They are also making incredible blends.
Being a Rosé lover, I was thrilled to participate in the A Passion for Pink: Italy’s Love Affair with Rosato. I am not a big drinker of Rosato’s purely because I don’t know much about them. What I do know is Rosé has a completely different position in the marketplace than it had two or three years ago. Today Rosé enjoys a far more serious place in the lives of many a wine drinker.
I was thrilled to see two experts in our midst, Jeff Porter, of Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group and Eric Guido, of the Marketing Morrell Wine Group (historically one of the most famous wine retailers in the US). Guido says today he is seeing Rosé at the dinner table and paired throughout the seasons. People are looking for a Rosé they can find depth in today and taking those tastes far beyond thirst quenchers.
This presented an opportunity to venture into Rosato or Rosati from the Italian perspective. In the US we are usually exposed to 4-6 varietals used in the production of Rosé we drink. Italy has a completely different spin on it. In sharp contrast to their French counterparts, there are hundreds of varietals used in Italy to produces wine.
We tasted nine different wines from Cerasuolo di Abruzzo one of the most historic in the group, to Iripinia Rosato. Cerasuolo di Abruzzo from Cataldi Madonna transcends the run of the mill sipping rosés to a more robust and sophisticated rosé. Red fruit, lavender, and hints of herbs highlight the dark ruby pink wine. The area this wine grows is known as “the oven of Abruzzo” and is located 380 meters above sea level.
Next up was the panel for Barolo, Barbaresco and Their Crus led by Ian D’Agata, Scientific Director Vinitaly International Academy– Verona, Italy. Setting the stage for the seminar, D’Agata notes that Barolo & Barbaresco, hailing from cool climates which are more vintage dependent, were never single vineyard wines. Cru, in contrast, have been single vineyard since 1961 peaking in the 1980’s.
Wine cousins? Barolo and Barbaresco are just like Margaux and Burgundy, made in viticulture areas that have different townships. Barolos are known for higher tannins which could be part of the reason they are required to be in barrel the better part of three years. Barbaresco on the other hand, two years. Both regions reside in Northwestern Italy’s famous Piedmont (Piemonte) region.
Nebbiolo, the grapes used to make Barolo & Barbaresco is highly ageable. If you’re drinking an older vintage you may notice the color is lighter. That is because Nebbiolo’s oxidize faster than other grapes. It doesn’t affect the quality of the wine.
Out of the nine wines we tasted of Barolo and Barberesco I found the most delightful to be G.D. Vajra’s Barolo DOCG Cru Bricco delle Viole 2012. This wine is seductive, it beckons with cherry & black fruit. The anise is an underlying surprise and the light floral made me sigh. This is a Cru. The best of the best. 100% Nebbiolo, with bright ruby red hues. Perfection!
One of my highlights at VINO was talking to a Sicilian Vintner with roots dating back six generations. We talked about the wine he and his family make at Feudo Disisa. Located in the territory of Palermo, Feudo Disisa enjoys a close location to the coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea (about 15 km away). Their elevation varies from 400-500m (meters). The Di Lorenzo’s own 400 hectares. On their estate grows the longest standing Chardonnay grapes in the country.
Versatility, hard work and an eye on the future separates this family from others. Mario Di Lorenzo took time out with me at Spring Studios to talk about what makes his delicious wine different, the terroir and the climate of his winery. Listen in:
The best thing about wine period? It’s the opportunity for geographical exploration. You don’t have to leave your city to have a global palate. The wine that drew me to Marco Di Lorenzo was the Tornamira. It is Feudo Disisa’s most important international wine. A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, the wine is well-balanced. This Tornamira has juicy red berry flavors, smooth seductive tannins, and a long luscious finish.
Wine in Italy has changed over the last 20 years. The number of varietals grown and blended has expanded. You will find a wine that offers not only value but, versatility and excellent taste. It’s the perfect way to jazz up your wine cellar.
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
Barodlino has a rich history in both wine and culture. There is no better Rosé that takes the beauty of the region and expresses it than Chiaretto Rosé.
Could it be that this region, today known as the Fastest Growing Wine Region in the United States is the world’s next Napa Valley? This is Idaho Wine Country.
All I want to do... is have some fun @tressabores #NapaValley check them out. Absolutely outstanding down to earth vibe and wine that`s better for you and planet earth. Sustainable, organic & truly killer wine! #certifiedsustainable #certifiedorganic
I know no joy as great as a moment of rushing into a new love, no ecstasy like that of a new love.
~ Anais Nin
The words say it all. Magnificent drink. If you can get it. @turleywine 2015 Napa Valley Library Block Petite Syrah
Dark, brooding with a side of magnificent freshness.
And now back to Paris for a formidably fabulous Friday! Michelin-star restaurant- check! Fabulous dark and exquisite library for enjoying cocktails, a breathtaking entrance of a French hideaway from years ago...
Stunning Michelin star restaurant and beautiful bibliothèque with Parisian friends.
Bookmark this spot! I don’t often share where I dine unless I am out of the country, but because so many people ask 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren I am going to change that. Take my favorite brunch and Fried Chicken spot! @southsidenapa offers not only some of the freshest most inviting dishes in Napa, they also have a wide array of coffee, tea, wine and bubbles to pair your dishes with.
Its one of the few #petfriendly places with great food and an inviting team. Lots of talent here in the food arena and the outdoor seating area is equipped with swinging chairs, a fire pit and comfortable seating inside and out.
Fried Chicken you ask? Yes! Pairs perfectly with your Napa Valley Sparkling and #Champagne.The best in Napa Valley. Make sure and call ahead, they often sell out.
Hours are 8am-2pm
Breakfast served all day and an expanded lunch menu.
With over 30 years of sustainability under their belt, Domaine Carneros has a big headstart in the way of sustainability. They built the first significant solar installation, recognized as the largest in the world at the time. Far beyond complacent, Domaine Carneros continues to push the limits and try new techniques and strategies to improve their abilities.
Domaine Carneros
An incredible indulgence and the ultimate experience.
It’s in my neighborhood. Two miles away door to door. Why do I find myself returning again and again? Because this is one of the most stunning destinations in Carneros and Napa Valley. Stunning in both taste and views.
The skies, the ultimate blue, the vineyard hills throughout the landscape. It’s a breathtaking pinch yourself situation no matter how often you visit.
The team is so welcoming and the sparkling wine is world class and made sustainably. If you’re ready to step up your sparkling wine game this is where you need to be.
The wines tasted:
2016 Estate Brut Cuvée (late disgorge) ripe pear, white flowers, creamy, beautiful structure.
2019 Brut Rosé Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, incredible well poised, citrus, red berries, almonds and floral notes
2015 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs Tête de Cuvée The dream. A signature must taste from the most prized blocks of Chardonnay. Evocative of citrus curd, pie crust, a nuance of ginger and tart lemon. I could drink this all day every day!
2017 Ultra Brut Tropical fruit, lime, lemon zest, crisp, lovely palate and exquisite finish.
The ultimate indulgence, featuring three of Tsar Nicoulai’s finest caviars:
Classic, Select, and Golden Reserve
Served with potato chips, toast points, and Cowgirl Creamery crème fraîche.
Make your reservation today!
Domainecarneros.com and ask for the caviar experience!
#TheWineSiren #DomaineCarneros #CertifiedSustainable #NapaValley #WinePairing #SparklingWine
Incredible experience and it keeps on getting better every time I visit. Have you been to @goosecrosscellars ?
Fantastic red white and Rosé wine. There is absolutely something for everyone. Including clothes for the shoppers amongst us.
#rosé #roséallday #napavalley #winetasting #winelife #summervibes #bestday #goosecrosscellars #visitnapavalley
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