On Monday, April 5th Mario Scanu from Winebow Imports presented our second Sit-Down Wine Intensive...wine lovers and locals contemplated and enjoyed great wines and great conversation while learning from one of the wine industry's most effusive educators. The topic...La Dolce Vita: The Italian Renaissance of the Vine!
Mario spoke of viticulture, native varietals and how wines are not "paired" with foods in Italy...they are simply the wines they drink with their regional cuisine. Local wines, local foods. In Breckenridge, Colorado we have no vines, nor native foods...so we, as wine and food lovers seek out complementary flavors and "perfect" pairings. And perfect pairings we had! A carefully articulated Anti-Pastini was paired with each wine...
#1 Argiolas “Costamolino” 2008 DOC: Vermentino di Sardegna
with a mini Caprese Salad: mozzarella, basil, grape tomato, cracker
*Isle of Capri...Isle of Sardegna...why not?
#2 Morgante Nero d’Avola 2007 IGT: Sicilia
with Robiola Bosina, Castelvetrano olive, cracker
*Sicilian olives with Sicilian wine!
#3Prunotto “Mompertone” 2006 DOC: Monferrato
with Pecorino al Tartufo, Prosciutto on a breadstick
with Pecorino al Tartufo, Prosciutto on a breadstick
*Truffles are famous in Piemonte!
#4 Maiana “Leone de Castris” 2006 DOC: Salice Salentino
w/ Ciabatta crostini smothered with Cannellini bean, chunky tomato, olive, spinach "minestrone" topped with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and drizzled with gorgeous Tuscan EVOO.
*Because rustic Italian wine calls for rustic Italian fare!
#5 Allegrini “Palazzo Della Torre” 2006 IGT: Veronese
w/ herb salame, Mountain Gorgonzola, blueberry and thyme compote, cracker
*Big wines call for BIG flavors!
#6 Coppo “Moncalvina” 2007 DOC: Moscato d’Asti
w/ Aldo's Almond Biscotti dipped in white chocolate, fresh strawberry
w/ Aldo's Almond Biscotti dipped in white chocolate, fresh strawberry
*Refreshingly delicious and lightly sweet... Moscato's tiny bubbles paired amazingly with authentic Italian biscotti dipped in white chocolate...and fresh fruit! DELISH.
What we learned:
In recent decades Italy has seen a rapid improvement in quality as well as a revival of wines in classical regions and classical varietals.
Fearless Italian winemakers have made it their mission to improve quality (while respecting Italian heritage) and have adopted new techniques of vinification and ageing. It has been a veritable "Renaissance of the Vine." Regions such as Sicily, Piedmont, Collio, Sardegna and Umbria now flourish with wines that can stand along side the world's finest! Italy is vast landscape with a variety of microclimates and an abundance of unique and indigenous varietals. Today, there is a wealth of producers, modern and traditional, making a fascinating range of ancient and contemporary wines!
Fearless Italian winemakers have made it their mission to improve quality (while respecting Italian heritage) and have adopted new techniques of vinification and ageing. It has been a veritable "Renaissance of the Vine." Regions such as Sicily, Piedmont, Collio, Sardegna and Umbria now flourish with wines that can stand along side the world's finest! Italy is vast landscape with a variety of microclimates and an abundance of unique and indigenous varietals. Today, there is a wealth of producers, modern and traditional, making a fascinating range of ancient and contemporary wines!
We tasted some amazing Italian Cheeses, Salumi andCrostini...and drank some interesting and wonderful Italian wines! We learned about varietals many had never heard of...which transformed the perception of Italian wines! We went on an Italian journey right here in Breckenridge!
Mario Scanu from Winebow Inc (wine importing company) was a wealth of wine knowledge. He waxed poetically about the inherent pleasures of Italian wines... and all things Italian! Thank you Mario! Viva Italia! Viva la Vino!
See you at the next Wine Intensive!
