Food and Wine in the Time of Michelangelo

Thursday, 24 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Wine Blog Ciao Asheville

Nourishing Genius: Food and Wine in the Time of Michelangelo


	Three Grocery Lists with Sketches(detail), 1518, Michelangelo Buonarroti, pen and brown ink. Archivio Buonarroti, X, 578, Casa Buonarroti, Florence, Italy

Date: Sunday, October 4, 2020
Time: 2:00 p.m. PT; 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: Getty's YouTube channel
Admission: Free; no registration necessary
(cost of optional wine and food pairings noted below are approximate)

Michelangelo was wined and dined at the tables of popes and patrons. He also owned a vineyard, a cheese cave, and an orchard. Join Fred Plotkin, specialist in Italian gastronomy, opera, and history, and Getty drawings curator Julian Brooks as they travel back in time to explore the fascinating connections between art, food, drink, and this incomparable Italian Renaissance artist.

Then, raise a glass to Michelangelo and discover select wines from Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria in the virtual tasting. Audiences can live chat with presenters during the premiere. This program is part of the Drinking in the Past series and complements the exhibition Michelangelo: Mind of the Master.

The Wine
Discover three wines that would have been familiar to Michelangelo. Get all three in advance, select one, or just grab a glass of whatever you have at home – preferably Italian!

• Principe Pallavicini Frascati Superiore 2018 - $13.99
70% Malvasia del Lazio, 15% Trebbiano della Toscana, 15% Greco – Lazio, Italy

• Villa di Capezzana Carmignano 2015 - $31.99
80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon – Toscana, Italy

• Bellafonte Collenottolo Montefalco Sagrantino 2013 - $53.99
100% Sagrantino – Umbria, Italy

• Non-alcoholic beverage: Acqua di Fiuggi bottled water

Other Frascati, Carmignano, and Sagrantino options are welcomed. Order wines through your local wine shops or national online retailers (prices are approximate).

The Food
Enjoy some tasty Italian cheese and bread with your wine (Michelangelo did). We suggest:

• Cheese: Pecorino di Pienza, Pecorino di Siena, Pecorino Romano, and/or Marzolino

• Bread: Pane Casareccio (Roman rustic), Pane Sciocco (Tuscan unsalted) and/or other Italian bread

• Fruit: Pears (Forelle or San Martino), peaches, plums, and/or grapes

The Fun
Explore this downloadable pdf for wine notes, tasting cards, and a few Renaissance etiquette tips to get the festivities started.

Create Your Own Zoom Viewing Party
Zoom with your friends. The host can screen share the video for the whole group to enjoy together. Salute!

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Banner: Left: Studies of the Upper Body of a Man, and Separate Studies of an Arm, a Hand, and an Ear; Sketch of a tree (detail), 1511–1512, Michelangelo Buonarroti, red and black chalk. Right: Seated Male Nude, and a Study of His Right Arm (detail), 1511, Michelangelo Buonarroti, red chalk, heightened with white. Both images: Teylers Museum, Haarlem. Purchased in 1790. © Teylers Museum, Haarlem

55 Hits

Joseph DeLissio and River Cafe and RAATS

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

A Wine Sentinel Stand Down
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/10/dining/drinks/river-cafe-wine-joseph-delissio.html

After 43 Years, the Wine Sentinel of River Café Stands Down - The New York Times
(JosephDeLissio in 1986)
After 43 years, Jospeh DeLissio, a self described "blue collar kid in a white collar job"
steps down as Wine Director of the highly regarded River Cafe in Brooklyn. Joey D,
that's what his friends call him, put together a mighty fine wine list, one in which we share
a lot of bottles here @MetroWines. But the best connection is Raats Chenin Blanc.
If you shop @MetroWines, you know we, and YOU,
have supported this South African Winery since the doors opened.
But lately, you have turned to new labels. All good, but don't forget this classic. Joey D never did!

Raats Original Chenin Blanc (Unwooded) 2019 | Wine Info

The 2019 Original Chenin Blanc comes from two soil types: decomposed granite and sandstone,
with six months’ aging on the lees. The lively, outgoing bouquet features bold lemon curd,
damp straw and mango aromas. The palate is fresh and crisp on the entry with notes of lime and orange zest, leading to a vibrant, zesty finish. Delicious. 13.5% ALC 90 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Nov 2019)

Unoaked. $14.99 @MetroWines

39 Hits

Corzano Chianti

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

From The MetroWines
"Hiding in Plain Sight Department"

What do we mean by hiding in plain sight? This wine has been on our shelf since last March
when Winemaker William Goldschmidt was @MetroWines.
https://metrowinesasheville.com/wine-blogs/blog/entry/corzano-e-paterno-interview
But somehow, this bottle got lost in the shuffle until Andy pulled it out for Blind Tasting League
We all tried it again. WOW. Smoother with less of the hard edge present in many Chianti wines.
Go solo or with almost any menu!

Corzano e Paterno Chianti 2018 - Nicholas Wines

This picturesque estate lies in the commune of San Casciano, just outside of Florence.
Goldschimdt is a farmer first; his pristine vineyards contain Sangiovese,
ranging in age from 5 to 35 years, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines, averaging 20 years in age.
The vines are tended organically, the grapes, hand harvested.
Generous use of small barrels in vinification barely tame the exuberant,
broad fruit quality of his wines, and the firm, large-scaled tannic structure in them makes them
suitable for extended aging. The aromas are wonderfully complex and delicate,
showcasing Corzano e Paterno’s incredible terroir, exemplary farming techniques
and non-interventive vinification practices.
The 2018 Chianti has juicy fruit with just enough backbone
to make it the perfect companion to food.

The 2018 is $21 at Princeton Corkscrew
$21 at Vivino
$20.95 at Nicholas Wine in NJ

$16.99 @MetroWines

17 Hits

Palmira for the Weekend

Friday, 18 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Wine Blog Ciao Asheville

*** The Big DEAL of The Week ***
2018 Palmira Rosso, Venezia Giulia, from Visintini

Image may contain: text that says 'PALMIRA ROSSO'

Importer says: Palmira, Oliviero and Cinzia Visintini are wine geeks of the best kind.
You can see Slovenia from their farm, it’s the next line of low hills on the horizon, 6km away.
Their grandfather Domenico Visintini bought the estate and its ruined medieval tower in 1884.
A portion of the original 13th century cellar is full with Palmira Visintini’s personal wine stash!

Certified Organic. Practicing Biodynamic. Beautiful ruby red color in glass.
Good red fruit on nose and plate. Accessible taste with soft, pleasant tannins.

13% ALC. $12.99

54 Hits

Venice Vicariously

Thursday, 17 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

Join Us Virtually

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 | 7:00 P.M. EST
AND
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 | 7:00 P.M. EST

Italy in Our Hearts and Minds:
Venice, The Most Improbable of Cities

Join Carla Gambescia, author of La Dolce Vita University, and explore Venice's complexities and contradictions as we discover some of its many secrets. Venice has been lauded as Queen of the Adriatic, being nicknamed la Serenissima and boasts having been maritime republic of over 1,000 years, a vast museum, a triumph of human will over nature. Once a beehive of espionage, the luxury and pleasure capital of Europe, a mecca of extraordinary artists and personalities and zenith of all Grand Tours yet even today, Venice remains in many ways, an enigma.

During this two-part series, we will celebrate the city of myth, mystery, and majesty that has captured the imagination of dreamers and travelers alike for hundreds of years. Registration fee: $25 per session.

REGISTER FOR PART 1

REGISTER FOR PART 2

Carla Gambescia is the author of La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A to Z, Silver Prize winner of "Best Travel Book of the Year" awarded by the North American Travel Journalists Association. A regular lecturer on topics of Italian cultural interest, Carla has written about and toured every region of Italy on foot or by bicycle and curates the photoblog Postcards from the Boot. Carla conceived and co-led the Giro del Gelato bicycle tour winner of OUTSIDE Magazine's "Best Trip in Western Europe," and, for a decade, owned and operated Via Vanti! Restaurant & Gelateria in Mount Kisco, NY.

Following Carla's, presentation there will be a brief Q&A session.

Not able to join us on Zoom, but want to tune in later? If for whatever reason you are not able to join the webinar, all paid and registered attendees will receive a recording of the session no later than two business days after the event.
Refunds will not be issued.

We can't wait for you to join us!

Learn more about all NIAF Virtual Events

THE NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION
Amb. Peter F. Secchia Building
1860 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.NIAF.org

39 Hits

Cascina Zerbetta and Mimi Thorisson

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

From The Ciao Asheville
Book Suggestion Department
https://www.facebook.com/CiaoAsheville/

https://www.malaprops.com/book/9781984823595

Mimi explores the beautiful coasts and countrysides of Italy in this lavishly photographed cookbook
featuring simple, authentic recipes inspired by the country's devoted producers and rich food heritage.
From Tuscany to Umbria to Naples and more, Mimi dives into Italy's diverse regional cuisines
and shares 100 recipes for authentic, classic dishes, enriched by conversations with local food experts
who share their time tested techniques and stories. Find dishes culled from across the country,
such as agnolotti in sage and butter from the north, the tomato-rich ragùs and pastas of the southwest,
and the multifaceted, seafood-laden cuisine of Sicily. The mysteries of Italian food culture
will unravel as you learn to execute a perfect Neapolitan-style pizza!
“These stories and recipes are a real tribute to everything I love about Italy..... —Lidia Bastianich
Mimi writes from her home in Turino, Piemonte, Italy.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/food-blogger-mimi-thorissons-kitchen-is-a-feast-for-the-eyes-1473951711

Your Read it With, Serve it With, Pair it With,
Drown Your Jealous Tears Because You Don't Live in Turino With Wine:

BK Zerbetta Barbera.jpg

100% Barbera. Organic and Vegan. The 2017 Barbera del Monferrato is a rich,
spicy wine with strong hints of blackberry fruit and a great acidity balance. $19.99

54 Hits

Cooking Eggplant

Sunday, 13 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

Cooking Demonstrations

Cooking demonstrations at the U.S. Botanic Garden Looking for ideas on how to use seasonal fruits and vegetables? The following cooking demonstrations provide instruction, tips, recipes, and ideas on plants you can grow so you have the freshest ingredients at your fingertips. Enjoy!

Cooking Demonstration Videos

Find all of the Garden's Online Cooking Demo videos in these two playlists. Explore and find new recipes to cook and new plants to grow!

Eggplant Eggstacy!

The striking eggplant, with abundant color variations and shapes, is a versatile fruiting vegetable. Join Danielle for this online demonstration as she highlights how eggplant can be used in egg-celent ways. Then join Adrienne in her garden as she reviews what worked for her eggplant crop this year and how to prolong production even as the weather begins to cool.

DATE: Posted on Thursday, September 17
TIME: 12 noon
LOCATION: Here on our Cooking page
FREE: No pre-registration required

31 Hits

Photo Contest with National Italian American Foundation

Saturday, 12 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

NIAF's 2020 Photo Contest –
Now Accepting Entries!

Calling all photographers—amateur-or professional! We are now accepting submissions to our Seventh Annual NIAF Photo Contest! Granted, this year's contest is like none before it. The pandemic has changed everything for all of us, sometimes tragically. But we're looking for uplifting images that represent your hopes and dreams during these difficult times.

So, please enter your photo that best captures this year's theme: Non Mollare! (In Italian, that means "Don't Give Up!") Use your imagination! Show us your resilience. Focus on what's getting you through this Covid-19 catastrophe. Our judges will choose five winners. Each will be awarded a one-year NIAF Sustaining Membership.

LEARN MORE

THE NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION
Amb. Peter F. Secchia Building
1860 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.NIAF.org

48 Hits

Gala Honoring Dr. Anthony Fauci

Friday, 11 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

Saturday, October 31, 2020

6:30 p.m. EST Pre-Show
7:00 p.m. EST Live Event

LIVE in the comfort of your home

REGISTRATION REQUIRED (even for members!)

For 45 years, the National Italian American Foundation has recognized Italian and Italian American achievements in business, art, science, finance, music and medicine.

Join us as NIAF celebrates its 45th Anniversary, honors Dr. Anthony S. Fauci with the Leonardo da Vinci Award for Leadership in Health and Science, and celebrate the Italian heritage we all know and love. Since we can't be together in-person, this year's event will be virtual with guest appearances, entertainment, and special surprises. This event is one-night only, and only available LIVE.

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Free for Members
$75 for non-members but hurry, ticket prices will go up October 1, 2020!

REGISTER

Registration Required - EVEN FOR MEMBERS!
(yes, this means you!)

with SPECIAL GUESTS

Don't miss this once in a lifetime event!

REGISTER

THE NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION
Amb. Peter F. Secchia Building
1860 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.NIAF.org

32 Hits

Your Italian Passport

Tuesday, 08 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

Join Us Virtually

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | 6:00 P.M. EST

Your Italian Passport:
Successfully Navigating the Consulates: What to Expect Before, During, and After your Appointment with Lauren Hopkins

Navigating the Italian Consulate system in America is probably just as complicated as obtaining your Italian dual citizenship and now with the COVID-19 pandemic, the process has become even more confusing. But don't lose hope! In this fourth session of NIAF's Virtual Dual Citizenship Series, Lauren Hopkins, founder of Your Italian Passport, explains the ins and outs of setting up an appointment, how to prepare for it and communicate effectively with consulate personnel during it and what to expect after it. Registration fee: $25.

REGISTER

Lauren Hopkins, founder of Your Italian Passport, is a practicing attorney, licensed in New York, Florida and Washington, DC, of Italian American descent with a thorough understanding of the ins and outs of the Italian dual citizenship application process, including collection of U.S. vital records, the research and procurement of naturalization documents, and the affixation of apostilles required for recognition of foreign records by the Italian government.

Not able to join us on Zoom, but want to tune in later? If for whatever reason you are not able to join the webinar, all paid and registered attendees will automatically receive a recording of the session no later than two business days after the event.
Refunds will not be issued.

We can't wait for you to join us!

Missed a virtual event? Check out all NIAF Virtual Events

THE NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION
Amb. Peter F. Secchia Building
1860 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.NIAF.org

49 Hits

Montessori and Ampeleia and the Vespa

Monday, 07 September 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

From the Ciao Asheville "Who Knew" Chronicles
Maria Montessori was Italian
and started her education method in Rome!

Studying Maria Montessori for Women's History Month in the Montessori Classroom - NAMC Montessori Teacher Training Blog
August 31st marks the 150th anniversary of Dr. Maria Montessori’s birth! (1870-1952)
She was an Italian physician, educator, and innovator, and acclaimed for her educational method
that builds on the way children learn naturally. She broke gender barriers pursuing her education
and opened the first Montessori school, the Casa dei Bambini, in Rome on January 6, 1907.
Today, the Montessori method is in use in thousands of public and private schools globally.

Lets celebrate with some of my favorite wines by Elisabetta Foradori!
Ampeleia was born in 2002 from the collaboration and friendship between Elisabetta Foradori,
Thomas Widmann and Giovanni Podini. They saw Ampeleia as a place to not only develop
an agricultural project but also fulfill their commitment to shared values and experiences.
Elisabetta's Wine Story: https://www.bowlerwine.com/producer/foradori

Ampeleia | David Bowler Wine

This lively fruited blend of Grenache and Mourvedre makes a great everyday quaff. From vines growing happily along the cool Tuscan coast, ripe cherry aromas and flavors lead to rustic mineral tannins. Easy, clean finish.
A wine that will place you under an olive tree overlooking the clear blue of the Mediterranean. $24

80% Carignano, 20% Alicante Nero (aka Grenache). All concrete.
Low alcohol, salty, with a hint of welcome tannin. Certified biodynamic. $26.
I don't know if I have mentioned this lately, but THIS is my favorite winery. This Rosé is to die for!

VESPA UPDATE: SCOOTEROMA!
A Rome based tour company does it on Vespas!
Must have accessories: helmet, sunglasses and RED lipstick!
https://scooteroma.com

47 Hits

Nero Di Troia and Pizza

Tuesday, 25 August 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

Ciao Asheville Presents

** The Ultimate Pizza Wine **

Welcome to Greyhound Adoption

More than 1200 Pizza Hut restaurants are up for sale.
Closure looms. This is another American icon down. Sad.
Who does not have a Pizza Hut memory?
A lot of us probably had our first glass of red wine there!
Let's reminisce with a pizza
and a wine that brings out the best in the pie!

Barbanera Nero di Troia Puglia | Wine Info

Wine critic Luca Maroni gave 94 points to this intense Nero di Troia from Puglia,
the heel of the Italian boot. Here, Barbanera makes the most amazing wines according to their philosophy of offering value for money. And it is certainly
the case with this wood-ripened power wine.

"An iron fist in a velvet glove." This is how the Barbanera wine house describes
this powerful Nero di Troia, which is palate rolling thanks to silky-smooth tannins. Starting with an intense deep red color with purple reflections, the wine rolls into a sultry nose of violets, ripe black blackberries and berries, herbs, with hints of balsamic vinegar and tobacco.

The wine is made from the native Nero di Troia variety that grows only in Puglia.
It produces dark, fruity, solid wines with a silky smooth texture and Italian spices.
The grape ripens very late. This longer ripening time requires more courage
because the winemaker is at greater risk when harvesting. In this case,
the grapes were picked at the right time, in a perfect condition.

$9.99 (red tag)

41 Hits

Ventisei in Tuscany and Pets

Monday, 17 August 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville Women Vintners

Finally, Pets Really Are Part of the Family!
Some Big Companies are offering Dependent Benefits!
https://www.wsj.com/articles/pets-company-employer-
perks-coronavirus-adoptions-11596993137

Calls for a Family Wine!
A wine where you can sit around the table with family
and friends and a second another bottle!
2017 Ventisei, Toscana Rosso, Organic

Rosso Toscana IGT - Cover
91 Points from James Suckling
2018 Silver Tuscan Masters
Blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Organic. Vegan.

Fermented in stainless steel tanks with the use of indigenous yeasts,
Ventisei Rosso receives partial carbonic maceration, which adds that candied-fruit flavour we all love. It’s all about fruit and elegance, it dances on your palate
like an artful acrobat who always lands on his feet, precisely and smoothly.

Rosso is the wine you want for long talks and big thoughts, the ideal one
to wash away all the heavy matters from your heart. Fresh raspberry notes,
delicate underbrush hints and sweet spice aromas from the first sip.
Juicy with mineral finish will call for another glass straight away.

$17.99 @MetroWines. Ask for 2!

94 Hits

Earthquakes Relief in Italy

Monday, 17 August 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

Join Us Virtually

MONDAY, August 24 | 6:00 P.M. EST

NIAF Relief Efforts -- Post-Earthquake Norciawith Dr. Richard Mollica

On August 24th and October 30th in 2016, two devastating earthquakes struck Central Italy killing 297 Italian villagers, dislocating tens of thousands, and destroying areas of Norcia's ancient village. NIAF raised $450,000 through its Earthquake Relief Fund and partnered with the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT) and the Italian National Trauma Center (INTC) to build a new multi-purpose community center in Norcia and to provide on-going training, mentoring, and support to the local medical community. Join Dr. Richard Mollica'sdiscussion to learn more about what the HPRT and the INTC have done in Norcia for those impacted by the disaster. Following Dr. Mollica's discussion, there will be a brief Q&A session. Registration is free.

REGISTER

Dr. Richard Mollica is the Director of the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT) of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and a faculty member in the Counseling Psychology and Global Mental Health program at William James College. In 1981, Dr. Mollica co-founded the Indochinese Psychiatry Clinic (IPC). Over the past two decades HPRT and IPC have pioneered the mental health care of survivors of mass violence and torture. HPRT/IPC's clinical model has been replicated throughout the world. He and his team have cared for over 10,000 survivors of extreme violence worldwide. Through his research, clinical work and trainings he is recognized as a leader in the treatment and rehabilitation of traumatized people and their communities.

Not able to join us on Zoom, but want to tune in? All free NIAF virtual events will be streamed simultaneously on Facebook Live and posted on NIAF's Youtubepage approximately one business day after the event has taken place.

We can't wait for you to join us!

Learn more about all NIAF Virtual Events

THE NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION
Amb. Peter F. Secchia Building
1860 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.NIAF.org

51 Hits

All Things Roman and Wine

Thursday, 13 August 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

*** All Things Roman ***
https://www.wsj.com/articles/cant-travel-to-italy-this-summer-
read-this-book-instead-11596030002

I asked Andy Hale, Director of The Asheville School of Wine,
if there was a wine from Rome. And he said:
"If you went into a cafe in Ancient Rome and asked for the good stuff,
you would be brought wine from Compagna and that's Aglianico!"
Tired but true: When in Rome.....................

FontanaVecchia Aglianico, 2015 17.99

Company - Fontanavecchia

To recount the origins of Fontanavecchia is like telling the story of Torrecuso and its people.
An old register from the Bourbon era mentions that already more than 160 years ago,
the excellent wine of this area was produced by the Rillo family, attentive caretakers of the vines
and guardians of the antique traditions of the magical city of Benevento. The Fontanavecchia company
is considered one of the most important and historic wine-producers of the whole Samnium region.

And FontanaVecchia Aglianico Rosé, 2019 15.99

Aglianico del Taburno Rosato

90 Hits

Virtual Trip to The Veneto

Tuesday, 11 August 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

National Organization of Italian American Women

Connecticut Region presents

A VIRTUAL TASTING AND TOUR

Viaggio nel Veneto

Prosecco & Tiramisù!

Travel with NOIAW from Home for

A Taste of the Veneto and Prosecco Region!

Enjoy a virtual viaggio to the Veneto & Prosecco region with three of the region's leading experts and NOIAW!

Ortensia Blu Italian Adventures travel advisor Laney Sachs will be our guide as she escorts us to Valdobbiadene where we will be treated to a live-from-Italy wine tasting with Italian sommelier Elisabetta Berra. The evening will be capped off with a special sweet ending—a Tiramisù demonstration from the Connecticut kitchen of Treviso native, Maria Pietrobon, Chef and Founder of Caffè Bon.

The wines which Ms. Berra will talk about include:

Bisol Prosecco Jeio Superiore DOCG

Montresor Valpolicella Ripasso Capitel della Crosara

Pieropan Soave Classico Veneto

These wines are available at Total Wine for purchase before or after the program, or ask your wine seller for something similar.Registrants will receive the Zoom link via email the day before the program.

ABOUT OUR SOMMELIER

Elisabetta Berra was born in England to Italian parents from Veneto. "Wine has always been on our table," she says. "I remember the gatherings with Italian friends with many Italian dishes and of course wine. I wasn't a big wine fan until I moved to Valdobbiadene when I was 21 and where it is just impossible not to drink prosecco! I later became more and more interested in the wine world and therefore became a sommelier in 2013. I work as a Tour Leader and often take tourists to the local wineries. I love tasting different wines from other parts of Italy and learning directly from the producers how their wines are made and listen to their amazing stories."

Wednesday, August 19th, 2020, 7-8:30PM

ONLINE via ZOOM

Registration - $10.00

REGISTER HERE

Gentlemen always welcome!

See what's happening on our social sites:

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‌

62 Hits

Veneto and Wine, etc.

Tuesday, 11 August 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

Perchance to Dream:
Travel Through the Treasures of Venice Online

Byways of La Serenissima: The Venice You (Probably) Don't Know - WSJ
https://www.wsj.com/articles/byways-of-
la-serenissima-the-venice-you-probably-dont-know-11596279600

Your Travel Veneto Vicariously Wine
(Just arrived in shop!)

Product - Alla Costiera Bianco Costiera-1.jpg

Brett says: "Fresh and viscous floral stone fruit from the classical Veneto grape of Friulano
and balanced floral finish coming from the high elevation varietal in the blend. The weight is similar
to Viognier making this wine a crowd pleaser. The Cabernet and Merlot Blend is glorious.
All in all, these wines, for the clean quality, should cost double the price."
Certified Organic, Biodynamic and Vegan.
$15.99 for the White or Red
You are probably familiar with the Prosecco from Alla Costiera.
Another amazing value at $16.99.

Read about the family here: https://www.piedmontwineimports.com/alla-costier

72 Hits

Priest Choker, Selvapiana and Cala Civette Toscana

Tuesday, 04 August 2020

Gina Trippi

Wine Blog Ciao Asheville

*** PRIEST CHOKER ***
Will economic conditions reinvigorate a traditional Tuscan savings plan?
https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/
the-choking-history-of-italys-prieststrangler-strozzapreti-pasta/news-story/3c3c5d599fee7ac42df25f5d4f63489f

Your Discuss it Over OR Pair with the Pasta - Wine

SELVAPIANA | Our Producers | Dalla Terra

92 Points Wine Enthusiast
LA Times: http://www.selvapiana.it/los-angeles-times-recommened-selvapiana-rufina-2013/

A blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has alluring,
earthy aromas of new leather, tobacco and ripe black-skinned berry. On the smooth palate,
fresh acidity brightens juicy raspberry, Marasca cherry, orange zest, star anise and eucalyptus. Polished tannins lend elegant support.
$21 Cellar Potential: Drink through 2025.
*************************
Also Consider Cala Civetta Toscana 2018 $14.99

Los Angeles Times recommened Selvapiana Rufina 2013 - Fattoria ...

89 Hits

Columbo and Freisa

Monday, 03 August 2020

Gina Trippi

Ciao Asheville

New York Times Says Cling to COLUMBO

Columbo turns 50 - why we still love Peter Falk's crumpled ...
NYT suggests that we take a step back to find comfort in troubled times.
Before there was cable TV with omnipresent gratuitous and graphic sex and violence,
unremittant misogyny, stupid story lines and blood, blood, blood, there was Columbo!
In this David vs. Goliath show, Columbo, a poorly paid, stogie smoking LA detective
wearing a cheap rain coat, takes down the rich and famous every week without violence,
DNA, CCTV, smart phones, or GPS, just good old fashioned smarts.

While the Columbo character was said to be of Italian Heritage,
and Peter Falk played the part to perfection, Falk's heritage was from Poland and Russia
on his father's side and from Hungary and Poland on his mother's side.

Your Sink into The Comfort Zone and Watch it With Wine:
We chose this bottle as it is made in the colder, northern climate of Piedmonte.
So whether you celebrate Peter Falk, the actor with real-life Northern European roots,
or Peter Falk as the character of Italian Heritage, Colombo,

It works!

La Casaccia Monfiorenza Monferrato Freisa U.V. | Wine Info
Teaching Moment: Freisa is a love it or leave it grape, but you,
if you dare to step outside your comfort zone, (and I know you will) should try it!
Wine Folly says: Freisa Wines have deep color. The aromas are lightly fruity,
with sour, wild red berries and then deeply herbaceous with notes of sage, green olive,
earth, tar, and bitter green almond. On the palate, the wine has zippy acidity
and astringent bitterness with chalky and grippy tannins. Several producers
will actually leave a touch of residual sugar in the wine to complement its astringency.
Explore this grape. All in all, Freisa is a rare treat.

La Casaccia Monfiorenza Monferrato Freisa 2018
The organic Freisa grapes by the Rava Family in the Montferrato region.
are hand-picked and selected individually to produce this medium structured wine,
fruity when young and good for medium aging. Tannins play well with barbecue.
More on the winery: https://www.piedmontwineimports.com/la-casaccia
*** Try it With a Little Chill. $14.99 @MetroWines ***

More on Columbo: A scene from "Any Old Port in a Storm"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3g3TARlQfU

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Summer Big-Ger Red is Lis Neris Cabernet

Monday, 27 July 2020

Gina Trippi

Wine Blog Ciao Asheville

Summer (Big) Red

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Alto Adige, 13% ALC

Venezia Giulia IGT Cabernet Sauvignon Lis Neris 2016 0,75 L

Lis Neris Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Why is this the Summer Big Red?
John Kerr of The Ashevilles School of Wine @MetroWines says:
"This is an Italian Cabernet made with very little oak so the wine retains
the bold rich flavor experience from Cabernet but, because of low oak,
the fruit shines through. Low in tannins, this wine will not conflict
with barbecue sauce even one with a touch of the sweet."

The Cabernet Sauvignon of Lis Neris winery is an elegant and precise wine,
which matures for six months in oak barrels and then for a short period in glass, before being ready for consumption. At sight, it shows a beautiful
intense ruby red color. On the nose, it develops pleasing hints of cherry
and ripe red fruit, while on the palate it comes fresh and balanced,
with delicate tannins and a persistent final. It is excellent if drunk in combination
with pasta with ragout, white meat and medium-aged cheeses.

Lis Neris winery is one of the most interesting realities of Friuli Venezia Giulia,
which has continued its success for four generations. Owner, Alvaro Pecorari,
has continued his paternal tradition by producing exceptional white wines,
trying to exalt the characteristics of the different vines and the territory at their best. The perfect conditions of the land, favored by the proximity to the Adriatic Sea
and the winds of Bora, have allowed him to produce exceptional, harmonious
and balanced wines avoiding any form of weeding and placing Lis Neris
as the authentic excellence of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

$23 (red tag)
Personal Note: You know how you have a comfort level doing business with friends? It's like that with Lis Neris. This is a really nice, competent, dedicated family that we and, hence, you can trust. And with everything going on, we need trust!

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