Monday, January 14, 2008

Passionate Mondays - Italian Wine

I'm just back from New York and newly inspired about Italian wines.

Since the first time I tried any Italian wine of quality, which was a Barolo and a Barbaresco, I have been hooked on Italian wines. I knew from that moment on that what I wanted to do was sell, or somehow be involved with promoting Italian wines. Yes, it was that simple, like a lightning bolt. I did and still do follow that passion.
I am ceaselessly promoting my favorite Italian wines - like Canella Brut Rose' in this photo.

I realize that Italian wines can be very confusing for the average consumer due to thousands of grape varieties and wine labeling practices that make it difficult for most people to understand what is actually in the bottle. Without getting into a lesson, I simply want to encourage wine lovers out there to not be intimidated by these things and actually experiment with trying a variety of Italian wines. I recommend starting with a knowledgeable wine retailer and getting their guidance on how to buy Italian wines that you will like.

My other strong recommendation, besides taking one of my great wine trips to Italy (see my company website for more information), is reading all that you can about Italian wine. One of the best magazines for that is Gambero Rosso from Italy. Gambero Rosso, the leading wine magazine in Italy, each year gives out their Tre Bicchieri, or Three Glasses, award to the top 100 wines of Italy. They recently announced their 2008 winners, which you can read about here. They also do a Tre Bicchieri road show where you can taste all these top wines and talk to the wine producers or their representatives yourself. It is a wine tasting that I highly recommend.

So, on this Passionate Monday, why not pick up a nice bottle of Italian wine for dinner tonight?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love Italian wines! I prefer reds. I like Sangiovese grapes. But one of my favorite whites is the Moscato D'Asti. Let's have toast for each other!!

Bella Baita Marla said...

Oh how I wish I could get Gambero Rosso in English. I'll have to have a look and see if they have anything on line. I love the hearty Piemontese wines and add Barbera and Dolcetto to ones that I love also.

Anonymous said...

I'm always eager to learn more about Italian wines. I will now have to go into the kitchen, pour myself a glass and be passionate. But it's Wednesday. Is that ok? haha

The Passionate Palate said...

My Melange - I love to toast!

Pasticcera - I will count on sharing a glass of Dolcetto or Barbera with you one of these days.

Maryann - Oh, okay, go ahead and be passionate on a Wednesday, just don't let anyone see! ;-)