News Release: Thursday, August 22, 2019

About:  Fattoria La Valentina Wine Tasting@MetroWines>

*** Italian Language Classes ***
Presented by Ciao Asheville
Hosted by Dr. Valeria Tezzon

*** Low Pressure ***
Learn through subjects like shopping, travel, art, etc.
Details and Seat Reservation here:
https://metrowinesasheville.com/wine-blogs/
blog/entry/italian-language-classes-low-pressure


Let's get started!
This is "The Kiss" translate: il Bacio
by Italian Artist Francesco Hayez

Tickets HERE!

*** AND This (also) Just IN ***
Franco Serra Wine Tasting
Hosted by Antonio Sperone
LIVE from Italy!

Monday, September 30th from 5 to 6:30
"on the house" @ and ONLY @MetroWines


Sponsored by Ciao Asheville
(Added Benefit: Practice your Italian!)
https://metrowinesasheville.com/wine-blogs/blog/entry/franco-serra-wine-tasting

Corte Gardoni Custoza Bardino 2017
Kermit Lynch Import, $16.99

When looking for everyday whites, many automatically pick up old reliables like Chablis, Mâcon, or Sancerre. But with yields down in Burgundy and prices for good Sancerre creeping up, why not experience new flavors?

       Corte Gardoni, the Veneto farm run by the Piccoli Family since 1600s, is just south of Lake Garda. Gianni Piccoli is something of a local legend. Having resisted the wave of globalization that saw native grape varieties uprooted in favor of international ones, this man is a hero! And he has efused to raise his prices over the years, allowing Kermit Lynch to continue offering his wines at affordable prices.

      Piccoli’s Custoza is incredibly complete with spring-fresh bouquet, complex flavors, good body, pleasant acidity, and a stimulating finish. Garganega is prominent, blended with other local grapes to complete your new experience. 

From the "Ciao Asheville"
Book Review Department:



https://metrowinesasheville.com/wine-blogs/learning-italian/entry/out-of-italy

Order the book from Malaprops:
https://www.malaprops.com/book/9782080135001

Make it Real with Locorosso 2017, Fabrizio Pratesi

Wine Spectator: 91 Points, $17.99
“Leads off with an intense graphite aroma and flavors of cherry, currant and mineral. Fresh, fruity and saturated on the long,
firm finish. Drink now through 2024.”

This wine is produced by Fabrizio Pratesi in the LoLocco estate,
owned by his family since 1875. Locorosso is made with hand-harvested
90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet. This fragrant wine offers
flavors of strawberry, cherry and black currant with a wisp of chocolate.
Ample bodied wine, soft on palate with plushy tannins. Long finish. 

HUNGRY?
Summer Pasta Salad Recipes


https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-pasta-salad-
is-your-best-bet-this-summer-11563384481

*** And Don't Forget ***
Italy in America!
Donati Family Wine Tasting with Adam Chesia
Presented by Ciao Asheville
** Thursday, August 22nd from 5-6:30 @MetroWines **
Follow all Ciao Asheville events HERE:
https://www.facebook.com/CiaoAsheville/

Italian Language Classes
(the easy and interesting way!)
Presented by Ciao Asheville
and Hosted by Dr. Valeria Tezzon
starting September 26th and then 10 Thursday classes.


Everything You Need to Know to Get By in Italy!

As this Italian Language class is one of the very few in Asheville
and class size is limited to insure meaningful participation,
there is a very HIGH SELL OUT Risk.
To encourage that all students progress at the same level,
You must purchase the entire series. You will LOVE it!
Go here to reserve your seat:
https://metrowinesasheville.com/store/product/
italian-language-classes-10-class-series/

A MUST HAVE Rose
 (or, in this case, Rosato)
Rosabella 2018 from G.D. Vajra
100% Nebbiolo

In the glass, Rosabella is a delicate and translucent wine, with a pale rose hue
in the glass. On the nose, floral, rich, with rose petals, raspberry, fresh strawberry and strawberry blossoms, cherry stone and a very distinctive signature of Nebbiolo. On the palate, it discloses a lovely balance and texture, with aromatics of oriental citrus, strawberry, raspberry, orange blossoms and a hint of incense.
It finishes long, soft and fruity.

Under Internet Pricing at $17.99

News Release:  August 6th, 2019

Tickets HERE!

News Release: August 5, 2019 (updated from May 4, 2019 release)

About: "Low Pressure" Italian Language Classes

Ciao Asheville presents Italian Language Classes @MetroWines with Dr. Valeria Tezzon. This introduction to the Italian Language will be a total of 10 low-pressure classes that focus on conversation and communication. Classes will be organized by topics, such as ordering at a restaurant, traveling within the country, shopping, and enjoying an afternoon in a piazza! 

"The goal is to teach students what they will need to enjoy and successfully navigate a trip to Italy," says Valeria Tezzon. "The classes, sprinkled with Italian history and culture, are designed to be both fun and informative."

A "kick off" introductory party will be held for attendees on Thursday, September 26th, from 5:30-7pm @MetroWines. We'll all get to know each other and Dr. Tezzon will review the class series and topics. A glass of wine and snacks will be provided "on the house". The 10 language classes will run from October 3 through December 12, every Thursday from 5:30-7pm. Note that there will be no class the week of Thanksgiving. The cost for the series is $150 (plus tax).** Each class will build on the previous classes so you must purchase the entire series to ensure continuity and that everyone can move at the same pace. 

Classes will be limited to 25 students to ensure personal attention. You can register by calling (828) 575-9525 or shopping online here: https://metrowinesasheville.com/store/special-events/

"Ciao Asheville had so many requests for language classes that focus on communication over conjugation." says Gina Trippi, Outreach Coordinator for Ciao Asheville, "We are delighted to offer what Michael Scardaville, Ciao Asheville Travel Consultant, calls Survival Italian!"

Parking is free, close and easy @MetroWines. 

By 1450, all of Europe and the Mediterranean were influenced by the teachings, the economies and the intellect of Italy. Its predominance had been achieved through a long history of effort, patience and strategic victories. How had Italy, or rather a handful of Italian cities, a few men all told, succeed in acquiring and maintaining a position of dominance vis-à-vis Byzantium, Islam, and western Europe?

In this fascinating and insightful study, Fernand Braudel, one of the most distinguished historians of our time, examines the many-sided phenomenon of greatness that characterized Italy during the two centuries spanning the Renaissance, Mannerism, and the Baroque-- dazzling, multicoloured Italy, whose radiance shone all over Europe. Braudel perceptively describes the extent, nature and force of Italian influence abroad, analyses the complex interaction between art, science, politics and commerce, and proposes a paradigm of Italy's extraordinary cultural flowering.

This is the first English translation of Braudel's now-classic text. The volume is beautifully designed and illustrated with works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Ghirlandaio, van Eyck, Rubens, Caron, and Poussin. It is an invaluable work for students of Italian history who will find that their understanding of Italian culture has been immeasurably enriched.

*** Staff Pick: Lou ***
Marziano Abbona 2017 Cinerino, Langhe

100% Viognier aged in oak and acacia barrels and then assembled in steel tank. Winery Tasting notes: The challenge of planting Viognier on the hills of the area has given excellent results. The Cinerino is more compelling every year with its aromas of honey, white flowers, and citrus fruits of rare appeal. On the palate,
this wine is rich, round, smooth, and has an exceptional freshness.

Why Lou picked this wine: "I was looking to pair wine with chicken marsala.
Googled it and found Viognier. Tried it loved it. It totally outclassed my
Chicken Marsala which is not easy to do because my Chicken Marsala
is pretty good." Lou says the wine is versatile and would be a great aperitif,
lovely pairing for light meats and vegetables or veined cheeses.



Very Limited Distribution in US.
$28 @MetroWines and in stock.
Rejoice that you are not in London where this bottle is $42!

Naples, Campagna
NYT says: "A city of glorious but battered beauty, known for its vibrancy and,
yes, a frisson of menace, Naples is now humming with visitors."


You will see this work by El Greco at Museo di Capodimonte.
And you will probably see a bottle of Fiano on the dinner table!

Montesole Fiano Campania

Very limited distribution in US. $16.99 @Metrowines!
The Vitis Apiana grapes from Irpinia hilly landscape make Montesole Fiano, an impressive white with unforgettable delicacy, extraordinary taste of great elegance. Straw yellow color, fine floral scents of sage, whitethorn, racy pear, ginger introduce a crisp and refreshing sip, rich in minerality as well as graceful body and perfect balance. The ideal companion of seafood and Mediterranean dishes.

Planning a trip? https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/campania/naples

Erbaluce from Cieck is Here!
The New. The Old. The Different.
Piedmonte, Italy



Founded in 1985, Cieck is overseen by Remo Falconieri. The winery was one
of the original five producers in San Giorgio Canavese, and a number
of other top estates in the area consult with Remo today. Now in his eighties,
Remo labors daily in the cellar alongside his daughter, Lia, and Domenico Caretto, producing some of Alto Piemonte’s most elegant Erbaluce.
This ancient, indigenous grape, Erbaluce, is derived from two words:  dawn (“erba”) and light (“luce”). Its name alludes to the striking copper color the grapes assume as the sun hits them on traditional pergola-trained vines. $22

"Your Drink it With" Suggestion is:
This BBC piece on Italian Author Andrea Camilleri,
creator of the Inspector Montalbano Series
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48681253
Camilleri died last week at 93. He was 69 when his first novel was published.
Shop one of his many novels at Malaprops here:
https://www.malaprops.com/search/site/inspector%20montalbano

"Io Non Ho Paura" (I am Not Afraid)

Film Discussion with Robert Formento of "Ciao Asheville"

Sunday, July 28th starting 1pm @MetroWines.

Admission is "on the house" and $7 for glass of Red or White Italian Wine.

Ciao Asheville is dedicated to raising awarness about Italian Culture in Asheville. We believe that a review of some of the best regarded films will be a window into the history, attitudes and hopes of Itlay.

Robert's Film Summary:

With this next film (released in 2003) we visit Italy in the turbulent 1970s, sometimes called the “Years of Lead”. Political and ransom killings were rampant at that time. The worst of it often involved kidnapping children of wealthy families for ransom.

This movie, Io Non Ho Paura (I Am Not Afraid), is loosely based on one such kidnapping of a 10 year old boy from Milan. He is taken to a small impoverished town in the south of Italy. The village is tiny and there are only a handful of children who roam the area around them.  The story is about how he was discovered by another 10 year old boy from the local town.

This film can be described as a crime mystery thriller, but uniquely seen through the eyes of a ten year old boy. You get to observe how the boy confronts the idea that the family and neighbors whom he loves and trusts are the same people who kidnapped the boy and shackled him in a deep underground cellar. Does he decide to protect his family or protect the kidnapped boy?

Io Non Ho Paura, is based on the novel of the same name by Niccolo Ammaniti. The movie was very popular in Italy where it won several awards, but had a very limited release in America. The director, Gabriele Salvatore also directed Mediterraneo which won the Oscar for best foreign film in 1992. 

Please reserve your seat HERE!

or call (828) 575-9525. 

"Isle Be Waiting"
5 Mediterranean Islands that offer fabulous food and lodging
but are not so well known making these locations a perfect escape.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/5-mediterranean-islands-
the-tourist-mobs-havent-invaded-yet-11562331771

Let's add history to the escape. One of the suggestions is Mazzorbo.
There you will find the a wine villa owned by the Bisol Family making wine
for centuries. And you know their work well. Bisol makes Belstar!

A unique sparkler created by one of Prosecco's top producers,
the Cuvee Rose is a blend of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. 
Fresh, juicy, somewhat soft and sweet with citrus, licorice, melon and ripe strawberries. Clean, easy style with light, creamy mousse.

The history of Bisol dates back to 1542, when the Bisol family first began cultivating grapes. Today, Gianluca Bisol has assumed the role of president and CEO while his brother, Desiderio, holds the position of chief enologist and technical director.
With 500 years of winemaking tradition, Bisol produces a range of organically farmed and internationally recognized Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG crus. 

And speaking of history...UNESCO has just last week declared
Valdobbiadene Superiore  DOCG a World Heritage Site. check it out:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/unesco-world-heritage-list-additions-2019-1594954



That's a LOT of History for $12.99
$14.99 at wine.com and, not surprisingly, unavailable.

News Release: July 10, 2019

(not Eric Asimov in photo)
Eric Asimov criticizes the critic in NYT on Wednesday. He accurately points out
that a review is just the opinion of one person (including Eric.) 
True. Better idea is to get personal. Shop @MetroWines where staff cards their "picks."
Find the palate that suits you and go on a wine adventure with confidence.
Let's Get Started with MetroWines Staff Picks!

*** Andy's Pick ***


Fontana Vecchia Aglianico del Taburno, $17.99

Why this one? "Because I like the combination of new world like fruit with old world earthy leathery flavors.
This Aglianico is not afraid to show some tannin which I like with food and it is a historical wine.
This is the grape that probably would have been the "premier cru" in ancient Rome.
 It drinks like a combination of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Barolo at a third of the price.

Generally speaking what I am looking for in a "pick" is a wine that pairs
with food showing bright acidity and complexity for the price."

Ciao Asheville Presents

Aperitivi !
Italian Rose' Wine Tasting

Hosted at a lovely covered pavilion at a private home in Asheville,
you will taste 4 bottles of Rose' paired with Italian Finger Foods
including cheese, melon, prosciutto and bruschetta.
The event is hosted by Ciao Asheville and Mike Tiano of Haw River Wine Man
$20 includes wine, food, fun and tax!
Ciao Asheville events sell out so please shop now:
https://metrowinesasheville.com/wine-blogs/blog/entry/aperitivi-italian-rose-tasting

Follow ALL Ciao Asheville Events Here:
http:// https://www.facebook.com/CiaoAsheville/

By night, something more, shall we say, sultry in the glass.
Eva Luna 2016 Cabernet with Cabernet Franc,
Lake Garda, Italy $15.99



In the 1990s, Carla Prospero and her daughter Nadia Zenato acquired a large 18th century farm
in the Sirmione area called Sansonina. With this purchase they accepted a challenge to disprove
some preconceptions. They set about producing exceptional red wine in a zone traditionally known
for whites, while demonstrating that well-structured red wine isn’t necessarily men’s work.
With a typically feminine combination of determination and sensitivity, 
Carla and Nadia have succeeded in producing hearty, powerful and elegant wines.