In creating what has become known as the Bellini cocktail in 1948, Giuseppe Cipriani was inspired by a painter, the fifteenth century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini. Peaches were in abundance throughout Italy from June through September, and he had a predilection for the white ones. So much so, in fact, that he kept wondering whether there was a way to transform this magic fragrance into a drink he could offer at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
by Andrew Chalk
So here’s the story. A rep. sends me a black bottle with a black label containing Prosecco, the sparkling Italian wine that sells for half the price of Champagne (and about the same price as Spain’s sparkling wine, Cava). The label has stiletto’s all over it and the name is Stlto (which I think is Italian for stiletto, but with a spelling error because the Italian for stiletto is stiletto). Not only does this appear to be marketed at chicks it even has an all-female winemaking team. Continue reading
Filed under Andrew Chalk
by Andrew Chalk
There is still shopping time before New Years Eve. Here are a couple of budget sparkling wines to help you celebrate.
First,Zardetto Prosecco (SRP $16) from Italy is made from Glera grapes from vines planted almost 20 years ago. Owner Fabio Zardetto has made wines since 1969. I tried this wine last night and it left a distinct impression. It has a tartness and clay minerality that makes it suitable for accompanying a meal as well as the traditional uses of Prosecco for toasting, mixing into a Bellini, and quaffing. Try it with turkey, ham or pasta dishes with cream sauces. Definitely a distinctive example. Continue reading
Filed under Andrew Chalk
by Andrew Chalk
Continuing our frantic quest to observe this most religious of periods we opened a bottle of sparkling wine sent to us by one of the more pious of our wine vendors. LaMarca Prosecco D.O.C.($13 Total Wine & More) is one of the least expensive sparkling wines in town. It comes from a cooperative of 7,000 local grape growers in the Veneto region of Italy. Nonetheless, it has all the qualities your guests will be looking for when celebrating. A crisp, fruity nose, it is dry, it has good acid and a pleasant finish. Best for toasts. Drink this year.
Disclosure and procedures: Wine sent by a vendor at no cost to reviewer. The local reseller named after a price quote is the one who, on wine-searcher.com, had the lowest price. Wines sent by vendors may not be reviewed and will not be returned. Wines considered the most meritorious in the opinion solely of the reviewer, are the ones most likely to be reviewed.
Filed under Andrew Chalk
by Andrew Chalk
Riondo ‘Blu’ Prosecco ($11) may be the bargain Prosecco of the season. Recall that Prosecco comes from a denominated region in north-eastern Italy and is made from the Prosecco grape (aka Glera). It is a dry sparkling wine and usually plays the role of either a half-price substitute for Champagne at celebrations or as a mixer in Bellinis and other cocktails. Blu is perfectly acceptable in either role. The nose has hints of mineral and citrus, the taste is predominantly green apple with stone fruit emerging as the wine warmed up in the glass. Weight is medium. Acid is medium-high. Good value for money.
HEB has just started carrying this wine, according to the importer so look for it at Central Market.
Disclosure and procedures: Wine sent by a vendor at no cost to reviewer. The local reseller named after a price quote is the one who, on wine-searcher.com, had the lowest price. Wines sent by vendors may not be reviewed and will not be returned. Wines considered the most meritorious in the opinion solely of the reviewer, are the ones most likely to be reviewed.
Filed under Andrew Chalk
by Andrew Chalk
Martini, the Italian drinks company, has just refreshed their line of sparkling wines. The Asti ($14 Pogo’s) is a traditional Piedmont Asti Spumante. That is, sweet and easy-drinking. Perhaps to have with cake or tarts for dessert. The Rosé ($12 Total Wine and More) is the pink version of same. Prosecco ($16 Goody Goody) is a traditional Prosecco, originating from the Veneto-Friuli region of northeastern Italy. It is dry, crisp and and can be served with shellfish or in a “Martini Royale” cocktail.
Disclosure and procedures: Wine sent by a vendor at no cost to reviewer. The local reseller named after a price quote is the one who, on wine-searcher.com, had the lowest price. Wines sent by vendors may not be reviewed and will not be returned. Wines considered the most meritorious in the opinion solely of the reviewer, are the ones most likely to be reviewed.
Filed under Andrew Chalk
