A Taste of Wine

You might think that with a bottle of fermented grape juice, drinkability comes as standard equipment. But, it just ain’t so. And what exactly is drinkability, anyway? Many of Italy’s wines are first and foremost food wines. That is to …

I first met Giovanna Neri, proprietor of Col di Lamo winery, on one of those raw and rainy New York days when the city takes on the monochromatic tone of a black and white photograph.  Along with daughter Diletta Pieraccini, …

Prelude: Tonight, my wife caught me with my hands all over Fiona. That’s what we call our refrigerator. Fiona Frigidaire, actually. Caught in the act, there was no turning back: we made it a threesome. At first, it was all …

In your neighborhood, it may be called a “sammich.” But, in the mash-up of English and southern Italian dialect we grew up with, it’s referred to as a “sangweech.” Call it what you may, there have been few items of …

Leftover wine from that party last eve? Don’t toss it – make these simple Italian cookies instead.  I first came to learn of these wonderful little cookies during a cooking class at Locanda Demetra in Montalcino.  Leftover wine from their …

I traveled as a guest of Consorzio Carignano del Sulcis on an educational press trip  to experience the Carignano wines of Sardegna’s Sulcis region. Although I had many times tasted and enjoyed these wines, I would come to learn that …

Dinner guests are a-comin’. And you’re one of them. “What can I bring?” you ask. “Bring the wine!” says the host. “An interesting red would be great.” Scary thoughts may cross your mind. These might include: choose whatever wine is …

When I think of comfort food Italian style, I think of polenta and this is the perfect time of the year for it. Not only because of the cold temperatures, but because many of us have likely just finished making …

I’ve always appreciated that the Italian-American experience, whether for survival or success, issues its own good advice. You may recall, for example, in the movie A Bronx Tale (1993, Chaz Palminteri) when Lorenzo, played by Robert De Niro, said, “The …

Chances are good you’re aware that Italy’s northernmost province of Alto Adige, the self-governing region tucked away in Italy’s northeast, shouldered-up against Austria and Switzerland, has a reputation for producing a number of superb white wines. But it may surprise …