by guest blogger Kristina Vanni
Organically produced foods had a strong showing on the National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot” chef survey as one of the hottest culinary trends in 2009. This includes not only organic produce, but also organic wines. Being the intrepid traveler I am, I recently visited the region of Piemonte, Italy and had an opportunity to learn about the unique and diverse grape varieties of the area.
The region is home to 45 Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and twelve Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) wines. Are you left scratching your head trying to figure out what I’m talking about? Have no fear (and remember, everything sounds better in Italian!), this is simply an Italian quality assurance label for food products and especially wines. In order to be labeled DOC or DOCG, a product must be produced within the specified region using specific methods and that it satisfies a defined quality standard.
Piemonte’s wines are as abundant and distinct as the region’s beautiful landscapes – the shutterbug in you will swoon. From the light and fruity Gavi to the intense, full-bodied Barolo, this region is home to some of the most prestigious and fascinating wines.
If the wine enthusiast in you is thirsting for more about Piemonte’s many varieties, we have them defined here “by the barrel.”
There are records of these wines being produced in Monferrato and the Langhe as early as the thirteenth century. Both are produced from the “moscato bianco” (muscat blanc) grape, are straw-colored and have a distinctive fragrance. The Moscata is ideal for pastries and fruit and forms the basis of traditional zabaglione.
Barolo
This is Piemonte at its best. Barolo is produced in a very narrow area, made from grapes grown exclusively on the hills around Barolo, Castiglione, Falletto, Cherasco, Diano d’Alba, Grinzane Cavour La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Novello, Roddi, Serralunga d'Alba and Verduno. The wine is garnet red with hints of orange; it has an intense, full-bodied aroma, and a dry, velvet, harmonious taste.
Brachetto d'Acqui or Acqui
A red dessert wine produced from the vine of the same name, grown in the Alto Monferrato area on the hills of Acqui Terme and Nizza Monferrato, between the provinces of Alessandria and Asti. Ruby red in color, with a musky aroma and sweet, soft, delicate taste.
Barbera
Ruby red with hints of orange, is one of the most popular of Piemontte’s four DOC label wines. It can be served with traditional warm starters, with savory first courses, white and red meat, poultry and hard cheeses.
Dolcetto
Seven varieties of this wine are produced in Piemonte, all of them awarded the DOC label and can be enjoyed young. It is a wine that can be served at any stage in the meal and with any kind of dish, and goes especially well with roast rabbit, filled pasta, poultry and salamis.
Gavi or Cortese di Gavi
Produced in a very restricted, hilly area in the province of Alessandria, this wine goes well with seafood starters, delicate meat dishes and vegetables. It is ideal with omelets, batters and vegetable flans.
The highlight of my wine experience in Piemonte was a tour of the Villa Sparina Estate. Watching the winemaking process from the fields to our dinner table was absolutely fascinating.
Located in Monterotondo, the heart of Gavi DOC, Villa Sparina was founded by Mario Moccagatta. The winery is currently run by Mario, along with his two sons Stefano and Massimo. Head enologist Beppe Caviola, one of the foremost winemakers in Piemonte, has brought Gavi to new heights exploring the full potential of the Cortese grape. All of the Villa Sparina wine are produced from estate grown fruit and are estate bottled. The vineyards are overseen by agronomist Federico Curtaz, formerly of Gaja. They are increasingly oriented towards reducing yields, in an effort to achieve the highest possible quality. Harvest is delayed until the last possible moment, giving the wines great concentration and a wonderful balance of acidity and fruit. Check out this video tour of the Villa Sparina winery.
This classic Gavi has a pale straw golden color with a floral nose and hints of peach fragrances. It has wonderful peach, pear and lemony citrus flavors with hints of wet stone and a long finish.
Remember to be adventurous. There are many growing regions and wine styles to choose from located around the world.
Celebrate your love of wine at the third annual International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB), held May 23-24, 2010 at McCormick Place in Chicago. It’s where the restaurant and hospitality industry comes together to sip, savor and swirl spectacular wine, spirits and beer from around the world. The third annual IWSB pairs vintners, distillers and brewers, leading beverage experts, beverage alcohol buyers and more for 2 days only.
For registration and more information about IWSB’s free education sessions, including NRA Show 2010 on May 22-25, 2010, visit www.winespiritsbeer.org.
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