Wine

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 …

Red wine has always been a staple in our house.  Growing up, there was the omnipresent Chianti bottle which held wine that was less than stellar but became awesome candle holders for my dorm room when the wine was finished.  …

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 …

For centuries, in various parts of Northern Italy, working folks would fortify themselves before heading out into the bitter cold of winter. Their chosen potion usually was a local spirit distilled as a byproduct of grape residue left over from …

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 …

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 …

It is all manner of libation which has been delivered to my table after having asked for “Spritz, please,” still white wine mixed with sparkling soda water; red wine with still mineral water and fruit slices (something more akin, perhaps, …

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, …

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’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 …