Celebrating Italian Wines in April
Fort Worth Restaurants - Wine and Spirits
Today let’s take a look at the remarkable wine industry of Italy. Italian wines are second in the world to France in production and sales and it is due in great part to the Mediterranean climate that so affects the growing process.
Italy is further aided by the fact that it is a peninsula which further enhances the moderate climate that is so important to viticulture. Add to that the fact that Italy is a country with numerous mountains and hills which makes it possible to grow a wide-variety of grapes and thus produce a wide-variety of wines. Like France, Italy is a near-perfect location for grape cultures and wine-production.
The Ancients certainly figured that all out very early on in history. The Ancient Greeks were growing grapes and making wine as early as 800 B.C. and the Roman Empire had large grape plantations run by slaves as early as 200 B.C., so you see this is certainly an established industry in Italy and consequently some of the finest wines in the world are produced in this extensive region. So let us take a look at four wines from Italy that we will be featuring in our next Chef Pointe Cafe Wine & Dine.
Sartori Pinot Grigio
The Sartori family began their wine business in 1898 and it has grown into one of the most respected wine companies in the world. Controlling over 6,200 acres in the Soave and Valpolicella zones of the Veneto Region, Sartori produces some exceptional wines. The Pinto Grigio is pale and delicate in color, has an aroma laced with pear, citrus and floral and tastes of lemon and apple. All in all this is the perfect summer wine.
Banfi Chianti Superiore
From the Brunello Region in Tuscany, more specifically the Chianti Classico Zone, comes Banfi Winery, established in 1919 and considered one of the leading old-families of Italian wines. The Chianti Superiore is aged for five months rather than the required two in French oak barrels and the end result if a full-bodied Chianti that is an intense ruby red in color and fruity to the nose. Drink this with most meat dishes and you will not be disappointed.
Villa Pozzi Nero D’Avola
Now into their fourth generation of wine growers, Villa Pozzi produces some very memorable wines in the western part of Sicily around Marsala. These grapes are grown at 1,300 feet elevation in clay soil and produce some marvelous wines. The Nero D’Avola is an intense dark purple in color with an aroma of black plums, dark licorice and spice and the taste has a hint of vanilla and figs. Strong-bodied, this wine is best served with meat meals.
Zonin Baccorosa Spumante
Established in 1821 and now headquarters in Vicenza Province in northeastern Italy, Zonin Winery is a name to be reckoned with in the Italian wine industry. Zonin controls 4,446 acres in seven provinces including the highly regarded provinces of Piedmont, Lombardy and Tuscany. The Baccorosa Spumante is pale, ruby red in color with fruit and flowers in the bouquet and a sweet, fruity aftertaste that will not disappoint.
And there you have our mini tour of the Italian wine industry. Hopefully you will get a chance to pick up one of these wonderful wines and if not remember you can taste all four at our April Wine & Dine.
