Italian wines

happy hour

Happy Hour: 2008 Rocca di Montemassi Calasole Vermentino

I'm expanding my wine knowledge in 2010.

I'm expanding my wine knowledge in 2010. This means trying new kinds of grapes, as well becoming more familiar with European wines. Recently I got to know Vermentino, a white grape grown in Corsica, Sardinia, and coastal Italy and France. The dry white wine is like a cross between Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. It has the floral, fruity bouquet characteristic of Viognier and the tart finish found in many Sauvignon Blancs.

I wasn't able to locate more bottles of the Calasole online, but while dining at La Ciccia, a local Sardinian restaurant, I spotted a Vermentino on the wine list. Its acidity paired well with my fregola-and-pecorino dish, cutting through the fat and creaminess. Tonight, I'm dropping by a local wine shop in search of Vermentino. I can't get enough of it. Have you recently fallen for a new wine variety?

happy hour

Happy Hour: Tintero Sori Gramella Moscato d'Asti

While perusing the massive wine section at Berkeley Bowl, a bottle of Tintero Sori Gramella Moscato d'Asti ($11.99) caught my attention.

While perusing the massive wine section at Berkeley Bowl, a bottle of Tintero Sori Gramella Moscato d'Asti ($11.99) caught my attention. I've always been a huge fan of Moscato d'Asti, a wine made in Italy's Piedmont region from the fruity, floral Moscato Bianco grape. It falls under the category of a frizzante wine, which is effervescent but has less fizz than typical sparkling wine, with an accompanying sweetness.

This particular wine possesses all the attributes that I love about Moscato d'Asti: It's reasonably priced, not overly bubbly, and, at 5-7 percent alcohol, won't get you too drunk too fast. It's an exceptionally well-balanced yet delicate wine.

The flavor reminds me of peach skins and Osmanthus flowers, and while it's sweet it's not syrupy at all — only refreshing. I can't wait to hoard Sori Gramella for this weekend's Oscars celebration. Have you tried Moscato d'Asti?

News

All the News That's Fit to Eat — Feb. 11, 2009

Meatloaf may be polarizing, but after trying these recipes and pairing tips, you'll be a supporter.

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sandwiches

All the News That's Fit to Eat — Oct. 1, 2008

Early autumn is a perfect time to try some of Italy's most charming reds.

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