Italian Wines for the Fall
The invading Greeks called it “Oenotria”, the land of wine. Italy has remained steeped in viticulture, and today usually produces more wine than any other country in the world.
Piedmont Wines
The northwestern region of Piedmont, in the foothills of the Alps, is one of Italy’s very best wine-growing districts. Styles made range from the lightest of whites through sweet sparklers to thundering reds of great longevity; some of the great ones are listed below and many of them are my favorites:
Barbaresco: This and Barolo are the two most important reds produced from the brilliant Nebbiolo grape. Centered on the village of the same name,the Barbaresco is often held to produce slightly more elegant Nebbiolos than its longer-established sibling Barolo, but the difference is subtle. These are huge ,tannic,exotically scented wines,very big and strong in it’s youth,but ageing very well to a savory,chocolatey maturity.
Italian heavy red wines go well with a variety of foods …They are obviously good with pasta dishes, red marina sauces, marinated red meats.They also are wonderful compliments to game meats, duck, pheasant, Cornish hen, quail, venison and elk among other dishes.
Try some nice full bodied Barbaresco or Barolo with your favorite dish next time you prepare that special meal.