Sunday, June 21, 2009

recommendations, part I

A lot of folks ask me for recommendations when it comes to wine, and I don’t blame them because there is nothing short of an ocean of wine out there for us to get our hands on anytime we want. Knowing where to begin—even when most of us can narrow down our preference to red or white, Old World (European) or New World (everything else), etc.—can be a challenge. Except me, of course. I’m devastatingly easy to please when it comes to wine. Now we all lead busy lives and the last thing we have time for is to have to track down that elusive bottle. I plan to make this a recurring post, so that whatever your tastebuds might dictate, you can find a list that applies to you and can help guide you a little. Let’s see…why don’t we start with Italian whites you might never have heard of but will probably really like?

Lolovino’s recommendations:

Moscato d’Asti - okay, you probably have heard of this one but let's revisit for clarity. This is a fizzy (meaning not fully sparkling), slightly sweet wine from the Piedmont region. It is a highly regarded, usually nicely made wine that smells like flowers and fruit candy. A favorite of many.
Gavi - Also from Piedmont, this is made with a local grape called Cortese and is crisp, dry, and great with food.
Tocai Friulano - Hailing from the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, this one has real personality, fragrant and fruity with a citrusy edge.
Vermentino - They make this on the island of Sardinia; its crisp citrus and mineral profile is a perfect match for fresh seafood.
Orvieto - Umbria's famous wine made from a blend of local grapes. A useful alternative to your run-of-the-mill Pinot Grigio.
Fiano - A lovely wine from the South; the nose hints at toasted hazelnuts, and who doesn't love that?
Falanghina - Another lovely white from the South; deliciously round but still zippy.
Verdicchio - The white wine that is the pride and joy of the Marche region.
Soave - The best examples of this reliable white from the prolific Veneto region possess an attractive minerality.
Prosecco - Not obscure, no, but deserving of mention here. This is my go-to bubbly, and that's saying a lot since we all know by now that I have a deep passion for sparkling wines. Delicate and great for every day, every occasion. Try it in your Mimosa.