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What do an iconic Sicilian winemaker and a famous haute couture designer have in common? Recently Donnafugata and Dolce & Gabbana collaborated to produce a stunning bottle of Rosa, a new rosé wine that happily transported me back to Sicily.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Why the collaboration you might ask? To quote Donnafugata, “ United by values such as love for our land, attention to detail, craftsmanship and the desire to make the colors, scents and history of Sicilian culture known everywhere, we decided to strengthen our partnership to represent the tradition and expertise of “Made in Italy”. Driven by the color, Dolce & Gabbana created a graphic design for the label inspired by the iconic Sicilian cart, which represents the island’s craftsmanship, culture and tradition the world over. The geometric patterns on the label depict the intricate detailing of traditional Sicilian carts. (cart photos courtesy of www.alamy.com)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Rosa Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata, Sicilia DOC 2019 This 2019 vintage is an original blend of Sicily’s indigenous grape varieties, Nerello Mascalese and Nocera. The Nerello Mascalese is manually harvested from the volcanic soils of the northern slopes of Mount Etna. It contributes minerality and a fine floral component to the rosé. Nocera is manually harvested from the hills of Contessa Entellina on the western side of the island. Donnafugata chose this ancient variety for its ability to reach an ideal sugar maturation with a high level of acidity that results in a fruity bouquet and persistence in the wine. After fermentation, the wine is aged in tanks for two months and then another three months in bottle before release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This elegant, soft pink rosé has lush aromas of exotic flowers, strawberry and white stone fruit. Succulent flavors of strawberry, raspberry, a hint of citrus and a trace of fennel blend beautifully with minerality and fresh acidity. Enjoy as an aperitivo or serve with seafood, vegetables and light entrees. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $45 The bottle is so pretty that I can’t bear to throw it out. It might make a nice container for olive oil or perhaps a few long-stemmed roses!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss To read more about Donnafugata, please click on the menu at right.
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] For the past several months my wine glass and I have been touring a variety of wine regions around the globe. It can be a bit challenging when one is doing it from their living room! So, I was ecstatic when the Loire Valley Wines paid a visit to my home bearing gifts of wine and a sumptuous meal! The Loire Valley wine region is France’s third-largest winemaking region. It spans 170 miles and is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River, (France’s longest river) in central France. Loire Valley is also called the “Garden of France” noted for its vineyards, floral gardens, castles and historic towns. There are more than 4000 wineries, and 57,400 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are situated along the river that stretches from the Atlantic coast to north-central France. Diversity in soil composition and climate along this stretch plays a key role in the production and characteristics of the wine. The Loire Valley is divided into five sub-regions each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations and styles. There are 51 appellations of origin (AOP) and six protected geographical indication (IGP). Most of the wines produced here are pressed from a single varietal as opposed to most classic French wines that are blended. There are 24 grape varieties in the Loire Valley with the vast majority of production being white wine. The leading white varietals are Melon De Bourgogne, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon. The leading red varietals are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Gamay. My focus today is on Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc (Pineau de la Loire) This versatile grape produces dry, off-dry, sparkling and sweet dessert wines. “Unlike any other grape except Riesling, Chenin Blanc can be vinified in a range of styles from austere, mineral, and refreshing to rich, honeyed, and sweet, and its versatility surpasses Riesling in that it also makes excellent sparkling wine.” loirevalleywine.com I received three bottles of Chenin Blanc representing different styles and sub-regions of the Loire Valley.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss These wines were paired with a beautiful dinner prepared by Chef Bernard Bouissou of Bernard’s Restaurant located in Ridgefield, CT. Thanks to Loire Valley Wines, my dinner was ready for curbside pickup in keeping with “safe dining” during COVID-19. The appetizer was Warm Goat Cheese Salad with mixed greens, caramelized walnuts & pears. For the main course Chef Bernard made a mouthwatering Roast Halibut Filet with carrot risotto, asparagus, sugar snap peas and chanterelle chive sauce. I tasted all of the wines with each course and my palate was singing! La Forcine Vouvray Demi-Sec AOP 2018 Vouvray is located in the sub-region of Touraine and is especially noted for demi-sec, sparkling and sweet wine production. This particular wine is 100% Chenin Blanc, harvested from soils dominant in limestone- rich tuffeau. (A porous limestone that contributes to acidity in the grapes.)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This off-dry wine has intoxicating aromas of floral, candy apple and a hint of citrus. A lush palate of apples, pear, honeysuckle, melon and citrus are well balanced with this mineral-rich and zesty acidic wine. It was a winning combination with the savory goat cheese! Pair with fish, white meat, cream sauces and savory cheese. Or enjoy it as an aperitif! Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13 Domaine de L’Echantoir “Terres Blanches” AOC 2018 This 100% Chenin Blanc is hand-harvested from certified organic vineyards in the Saumur sub-region. Vineyards are scattered over limestone slopes and are exposed to a temperate maritime climate. This wine is matured for eight months on lees in concrete vats.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Lovely aromas of white flowers, apricot and white fruit lead to a palate of pear, citrus, honeysuckle and a hint of anise with vibrant acidity. This paired well with both courses and I especially enjoyed it with the halibut. Serve with seafood, shellfish, salads and cheese. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $19 Château D’ Epiré Grand Cru D’Anjou 2017 AOC and (Appellation Savennières Controlee) Chenin Blanc is the only grape allowed in Savennières appellation, which is located in the Anjou sub-region. Grapes are hand-harvested from sandstone shale soil that contributes to the minerality and freshness of this wine. A mild climate and the benefits of south, southwest exposure adds to the grapes’ optimum ripening. 18+-year-old oak barrels are used to age the wine for nine months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Soft white fruit aromas, citrus, floral, and honey open to succulent flavors of white grapefruit, honeysuckle, peach, minerality and fresh acidity. Aromas persist on the palate through to the finish with a hint of citrus zest at the end. This was a rich and enjoyable wine to drink with both courses. Pair with appetizers, seafood, white meat, grilled veggies.
Alcohol: 13% SRP: $24 Thank you to Loire Valley Wines for this special “dining in” experience. My wine glass and I are on cloud nine! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] If you are looking for a red wine to go with summertime grilling, this red blend produced by Domaine Bousquet will definitely make your palate sing!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Domaine Bousquet is Argentina’s largest exporter of organically grown wines. The winery is located in the Gualtallary Valley, which is situated high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley. Altitudes here reach up to 5,249 ft. To read about the winery’s history, the climate, terroir and more, please click on the menu at right. The label on this wine is a striking portrayal of Gaia, who in Greek mythology was the mother goddess that presided over the earth. She is considered the personification of the Earth.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gaia Red Blend 2018 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon make up this blend. The best grapes are used for this wine and are harvested manually from Domaine Bousquet’s organically farmed vineyards. Wine aging takes place in French oak barrels for ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Delectable aromas of dark berries, spice and violet are the opening act for this tantalizing wine. The palate is entertained with blackberry, dark cherry, dark plum, spices and a touch of vanilla all of which lingers on a lengthy finish. A silky mouthfeel and fresh acidity add to the richness and complexity of this wine. In addition to grilled meats, appetizers and pasta, this wine goes well with fish. Try Gaia with a chocolate dessert. It is a great finale! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 The wine paired beautifully with this grilled swordfish surrounded by red grapefruit and peaches.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Note: The photos taken at the restaurant are pre-COVID-19.
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] A few years ago I reviewed Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Pinot Noir 2016. They were impressive wines with a lot of character at a very friendly price! So, I was delighted to receive new vintage releases of these memorable wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss For those of you who may have missed my story on Hess wines, here is a quick recap. Donald Hess is the founder of Hess Wines, a family-owned, fifth-generation company in Napa Valley, CA. In the 1970s, Donald made a business trip to Napa Valley and it was during this visit that he took an interest in mountain winegrowing. He learned that the Mount Veeder mountain vineyards were an ideal area for growing grapes, which produce unique character and flavor due to the microclimate and soils.  In 1978 Donald made his first land purchase on Mount Veeder, a property in which winemaking and farming go back as far as 1876. This property is now the site of the Hess Collection Winery. By 1982, Donald had acquired 900 acres and in 1986 he opened the Hess Collection Winery to the public. Dave Guffy became Director of Winemaking in 1999 and Donald formally retired in 2011, passing on the baton to son-in-law Timothy Persson as CEO and daughter Sabrina, the fifth generation of the Hess family.  Tim & Sabrina with their children. Photo courtesy of Hess Collection Hess Wines focuses on sustainable farming practices and state of the art winemaking. In addition to its mountain vineyards, Hess Wines has estate vineyards in areas such as Pope Valley and near the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. They also produce wine in Argentina and South Africa. Hess Select Central Coast Pinot Noir 2018 The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir are harvested from the Sarmento Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands region of the Central Coast. Sarmento Vineyard is located on the benchlands of the Gabilan Mountains in Monterey, where the Pacific breezes cross the range each afternoon to cool the vineyards, resulting in extended ripening over a long, moderate growing season. (Benchland is a thin stretch of level ground at the foot of slopes or mountains.)  Aging of this wine took place in French oak for up to 12 months. It opens with alluring aromas of berries, cherry, spice and vanilla. The palate offers lush layers of dark cherry, dark plum, raspberry and a lingering hint of baking spice and cherry. A beautiful marriage of silky tannins and acidity complete this irresistible Pinot Noir. Pair with grilled meat, fish, light pasta and appetizers. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $19  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Hess Select North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 This is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 1% Syrah. The grapes are harvested from the North Coast, which is known for its mild Mediterranean climate and well-drained volcanic and gravelly soils. These prime vineyard sites produce flavorful fruit with layers of natural acidity and balanced tannins.  This wine is aged in 27% new French and American oak for 18 months. It has succulent aromas of dark berries, cherry, spice and earth. Mouthwatering flavors of rich dark fruit highlighted by plum and blackberry blend with spice, vanilla, clove and cocoa that linger on the palate. Pair this wine with grilled meat, BBQ fare, hearty fish, pasta and pizza. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $19  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Both wines are perfect for year-round pouring and will pair beautifully with a myriad of cuisine!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] There is a rumor circulating that I’ve been having an ongoing love affair with Sicily. I must confess it is true and it can be confirmed by all the stories I’ve written about this magical island throughout the past several years. The wines of Sicily never cease to impress me. And the fiery passion and pride of the vineyard owners and winemakers are awe-inspiring.  Photo courtesy of Mandrarossa Sicily is the second-largest wine-producing region in Italy with Puglia being first. However, Sicily takes first place for the actual number of vineyards in a region and with so many wineries spread throughout the island, exploration is endless. Since travel is on the back burner for now, my visits to Sicily for the foreseeable future will be through the amazing wine samples that I receive. My latest wine delivery is Mandrarossa, a brand created by Cantine Settesoli located in Menfi, on the southwestern side of the island.  Cantine Settesoli was founded in 1958 and is the largest winery in Sicily. It is a source of ongoing research and innovative ideas. I had the pleasure of visiting the estate and tasting an array of wines from their portfolio a few years ago. However, I didn’t have a chance to taste Mandrarossa wines. So, I was quite excited to open these bottles.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Mandrarossa is Settesoli’s top brand and it emerged in 1999 after an ambitious team of industry experts got together and spent over 20 years in a mission to create high-quality wines of both indigenous and international varieties from Sicily. Their goal was to “produce wines that represent the true essence of the territories they come from.” They spent years studying soils and microclimatic conditions that eventually led to identifying top estates (the ideal habitat) with the best variety/terroir combinations for allowing each grape variety to fully express its potential. “Since 2014 an international team of agronomists and soil experts, together with Mandrarossa enologists, have carried out a scientific study on limestone soils and this has defined them a micro-region with a high-quality potential. The mapping of these soils has revealed wonderful vineyards where it is possible to grow local grapes generating wines such as “Bertolino Soprano” and “Terre del Sommacco”, the new wines of Mandrarossa Contrada.” Mandrarossa vineyards stretch across these limestone soils on intense sun-soaked slopes with cool sea breezes. These factors contribute to the authentic expression of the terroir.  Photo courtesy of Mandrarossa Grillo (white) and Nero d’Avola, (red) are indigenous grapes of Sicily. Nero d’Avola (Calabrese) is considered the number one Sicilian red and has been enjoyed since the end of the 17th century. It is one of the oldest indigenous grapes of Sicily and the most widely planted red variety. Nero d’Avola fills approximately 18% of vineyards. Grillo, one of Sicily’s best-known grapes, is found throughout western Sicily and is noted for its citrus flavors, sweetness and mild acidity. Due to the grape’s high sugar levels, it is ideal for the production of fortified wines. Historically, Grillo was used in the production of Marsala wine but Catarratto has now taken the lead. And due to the innovation of new winemakers, Grillo has a wide range of styles, from crisp and savory, to structured and mature. It is interesting to note that in 1848 Grillo became a hybrid of Zbibbo and Catarratto. Bertolino Soprano Grillo Sicilia DOC 2017 The grapes for this 100% Grillo are sourced from vineyards along the southwest facing hills of Menfi at 482 feet above sea level. Sea breezes and limestone soils contribute to the character and uniqueness of this wine. After fermentation, the wine ages for one month in steel and concrete vats. Further aging of 11 months takes place in large oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Engaging aromas of floral, stone fruit and delicate citrus notes set the stage for this crisp, fruit-driven wine. The palate offers fresh stone fruit with an emphasis on peach, including notes of citrus and minerality. It has a lengthy finish with a lingering touch of lemon and peach. Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with appetizers, grilled fish, light pasta and vegetables. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $42.99 Terre Del Sommacco Sicilia DOC 2016 This is 100% Nero d’Avola with grapes sourced from limestone vineyards along the southwest facing hills of Menfi, 1,017 feet above sea level. This wine is aged for eight months in steel and concrete vats followed by 19 months in large barrels. A minimum of eight months is spent in bottle before release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss On the nose, it is very aromatic with dark fruit, black cherry, baking spice and a hint of herbs. The palate is layered with juicy ripe berries, plum, black cherry, spice and a touch of earth. This is nicely structured with fine tannins and refreshing acidity. It will pair beautifully with roasted meat, game, stews and seared tuna. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $49.99 Both wines are a beautiful expression of the wine-growing area of southwestern Sicily. Curious as to how the pandemic and global warming may have impacted production, Filippo Buttafuoco, chief agronomist at Mandrarossa responded to my inquiry. “In Sicily, we haven’t faced major problems with global warming. We are fortunate to have a regular climatic trend and fresh sea breezes that ensure minerality, freshness and correct development of the grapes’ production.” “COVID-19 has had no real effects on the vineyards; nature has not stopped. Our winegrowers continue to take care of the plants and in about 20 days we will start a harvest that promises to be extraordinary.” As you can see by the photo, all precautions are taken and masks are mandatory, even in the vineyards.  Photo courtesy of Mandrarossa I look forward to the day that I’m allowed to travel again. I can’t wait to return to Sicily and be swept away by this captivating island!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] It’s summer and weather permitting, spending time outdoors is heavenly after sheltering in place for so many months. Reading a good book, gardening, playing lawn games, swimming or chilling with family and close friends is just what we need. For many of us, our backyards are where we will be spending our summer vacation. So, let’s make the most of it! Whether you’re firing up the grill or cooking indoors, here are some lovely red wines to sip while dining.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In warm weather, one tends to reach for chilled white, rose or sparkling wines. I’ve never thought of wine as seasonal and tend to drink a variety of styles all year long. And, sipping red wine with grilled steak or seared tuna during the summer months is more than acceptable and shouldn’t be dismissed! These are five note-worthy and summer-friendly red wines to satisfy your palate. Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera Piemonte DOC 2018 Fontanafredda, whose origins date back to 1858, is a 305-acre estate located in the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy. 250 acres of vineyards spread throughout Serralunga d’Alba, which is a cru site of Barolo. Additional properties are situated in the communes of Barolo and Diano d’Alba. Fontanafredda is the largest contiguous wine estate in the Langhe. In 2009, Piedmont native Oscar Farinetti bought Fontanafredda and with this new ownership, sustainability became a special focus. Today, Fontanafredda is the largest certified organic company in Piedmont, beginning with the 2018 harvest.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is 100% Barbera harvested from vineyards across Monferrato and Langhe. It is aged partly in new Allier oak barrels and partly in large Slavonian oak casks for six months. Perfume scents mingle with dark berries, plum, cherry and spice. These aromas segue onto the palate with sweet blackberries, sour cherry, pepper, anise and a hint of baking spice. Supple tannins and bright acidity make this wine an easy-drinking addition to grilled meat, fowl, cheese and pizza! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $16 Bottega Vinaia Pinot Noir Trentino DOC 2017 Anselmo Martini is the lead winemaker for Cavit Winery located in northern Italy, in the province of Trentino. They have been producing wines for more than 50 years. In the 1990s, Martini realized the potential for a handful of exceptional vineyards in the Trentino region. These family-farmed vineyards are the source of Bottega Vinaia estate-bottled wines that express the Trentino terroir.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. “After traditional fermentation, the juice macerates for eight days to extract color and body from the skins. Malolactic fermentation is then carried out in wood for increased aromatics.” Lovely aromas of floral, cherry, cranberry and spice lead to a palate of cherry, pomegranate, red plum and spice. It is dry, light-bodied, has silky tannins and is nicely balanced with the fruit. Pair with red meat, poultry, appetizers and salads. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $17.99 Salentein Reserve Malbec 2018 Bodegas Salentein is located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Many of their vineyards are situated at some of the highest elevations in the world. This privately-owned estate was established in the late 1990s and boasts almost 5000 acres of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Malbec are hand-harvested from vineyards of 1,110 to 1,300 meters above sea level. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. It opens with delicious aromas of violet, dark berries, plum and tobacco. The palate offers lush fruit flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, dark plum and a touch of baking spice and vanilla. This wine is well structured, has soft tannins and will pair beautifully with grilled meat and poultry, hearty pasta and aged cheese. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $18.99 Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 The estate of Rocca delle Macìe is nestled in the gently rolling hills of Tuscany in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. This is a family-run estate that was purchased by the late Italo Zingarelli in 1973. At the time of purchase, there were only two acres out of 230 acres under vine. Today, the family has six estates throughout Tuscany comprised of 1500 acres with a total of more than 500 acres under vine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. It is aged for two years in French oak and then rests for three months in bottle. Intense aromas of dark berries, dark cherry, plum and spice lead to a layered palate of rich fruit, anise, earth and spice. Fine tannins and good structure make this a noteworthy and expressive wine and a perfect choice for grilled meat, game, seared tuna and aged cheese. The winemaker suggests decanting for one hour before serving and serve at room temperature. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $27.99 Château Greysac Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2015 Château Greysac is located in the Médoc hamlet of Begadan, north of St. Estephe, in the Bordeaux wine region of France. It was built in the 1700s and passed ownership a few times while consistently paying homage to the terroir, winemaking and making improvements. Jean Guyon, the owner of Domaine Rollan de By, purchased Château Greysac in 2012. The vineyard sits on 150 acres with vines that are 20+ years old.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a beautiful blend of 65% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 12 months: 50% in new barrels and 50% in used wine barrels, all 100% French oak. It opens with heady floral aromas, dark berries, spice, and a touch of earth. An explosion of dark, rich fruit entertains the palate with dollops of spice, herbs, earth, tobacco and fine tannins with the bonus of a lengthy finish. It is expressive with structure and sophistication. Put aside a few bottles and open again in a few years. It is a great wine to pair with grilled meat, poultry, hearty fish and aged cheese.
Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $29.99 Impressive…right? (don’t walk…run to a store to buy a case!) Most of the above wines can be served slightly chilled. Don’t chill beyond 30 minutes or the wine might get dull and lose character. I hope this entices you to reach for red wine the next time you fire up the grill or pack a picnic meal. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Who says I can’t travel? Whether it’s preparing a regional dish or pouring a glass of wine, tasting the expressions and nuances of a wine region is the next best thing to being there.  Contessa Entellina Photo credit: Penny Weiss Three years ago I was a guest of Donnafugata, an iconic and impressive winery in Sicily. My three-day visit with the Donnafugata team was memorable and my palate was introduced to an array of wines and mouth-watering cuisine. While staying at the Contessa Entellina estate, José Rallo (fifth-generation of this family-owned company) and Antonino Santoro, (winemaker) guided us through a notable selection of wines, one of which was Anthìlia, DOC, 2016. I was not a stranger to many of the wines, but it was the first time I tasted their Anthìlia and it was heavenly. Looking back at my notes from that morning, I wrote, “This wine has a beautiful fruity and floral bouquet with a palate of stone fruit, soft citrus and the sea.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss From time to time I receive samples of Donnafugata wine and it always transports me back to the magical island of Sicily. So, I was very excited when a bottle of Anthìlia arrived a few weeks ago. I hadn’t had this particular wine since my visit with Donnafugata.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Anthìlia DOC 2019 Lucido (Cataratto) is the dominant grape in this wine and is blended with other autochthonous and international grapes. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel and then aged in tanks for two months. Before release, the wine spends at least two months in bottle. This wine is just how I remembered it three years ago! Seductive aromas of floral and stone fruit segue onto the palate with peach, apricot, citrus, a dash of salinity and refreshing acidity. Every sip transported me back to Sicily! Enjoy as an aperitif or with light pasta, seafood and salads. “It is the first wine to have been conceived at Donnafugata and still remains to this day in the hearts of many admirers.” Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $17 I enjoyed this wine with a simple pasta dish made with sautéed zucchini, red pepper, lemon and herbs. It is topped with grated Parmesan and extra virgin olive oil. If you would like the recipe, please email me.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In addition to my pasta dish, here are two recipes courtesy of Donnafugata in the hopes of inspiring you to bring a touch of Sicily into your home. They pair beautifully with the Anthìlia. Spaghetti In Zucchini and Ricotta Sauce  Photo credit: Donnafugata Time 50 minutes Difficulty Intermediate Ingredients
Rinse the zucchini, cut off the ends and thinly slice. Heat the oil in a saucepan that can hold the pasta and lightly brown the peeled, lightly crushed cloves of garlic. When the garlic has colored, discard and add the zucchini. Keeping heat high and mixing continuously, fry them until they turn golden and then salt. Put the ricotta into a deep serving bowl and mash with a fork to reduce it to a cream. Cook the spaghetti al dente, drain and cook over high heat in the saucepan with the zucchini. Pour into the serving bowl with the ricotta, add the grated cheese, a generous amount of freshly ground pepper, and minced basil leaves. Mix well and serve piping hot. Shrimp Flavored with Lemon  Photo credit: Donnafugata Time
45 minutes Difficulty Low Ingredients (4 serves) 800 gr freshly caught shrimp extra virgin olive oil parsley pepper salt juice of 2 freshly harvested lemons. Instructions Peel the shrimp without washing them; flavor them one hour before serving with salt, pepper and chopped parsley. Add the oil and marinate. Five minutes before serving the shrimp, add the lemon juice. Recipe from Salvo La Rosa – Ristorante “La Siciliana” – Catania Chill the wine, prepare a meal and bring Sicily into your home for an evening! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] This story was supposed to be about my adventures in Montsant DO wine region in Catalonia, Spain. I was invited to visit Montsant this past April, but due to the pandemic, the press trip was canceled.  Photo is courtesy of Montsant Wine Region We are tentatively rescheduled to visit Montsant in late October but I am not optimistic that we will be back to a “normal” traveling pattern by then. So, in the meantime, my wine glass and I will continue to virtually explore different wine regions. I recently received two bottles of Montsant DO wine to whet my palate in anticipation of a future trip there. So, in addition to reviewing these wines, I’ve decided to include a very brief overview of Montsant with the hope of piquing your interest. Montsant DO is located in northern Spain at the southern end of Catalonia. The region is shaped in the form of a semi-circle that almost completely surrounds the renowned Priorat region. Montsant is made up of mountainous terrain with high altitude vineyards situated between 50 to 700 meters above sea level. Seventeen sub-regions are located within this semi-circle.  Montsant was always considered an unexceptional sub-zone of the Tarragona region until growers petitioned to have their sub-region status changed. In 2001, Montsant finally extricated itself from Tarragona’s shadow and was officially recognized as a DO (Designation of Origin). With this new status, growers were motivated to increase vineyard plantings, combine centuries-old tradition with modern technology in wine production and actively promote their wines. There are presently 61 wineries ranging from large cooperatives to small family businesses. Approximately 2000 hectares are under vine, with the majority (94%) being red grape varieties. Montsant climate is Mediterranean with continental attributes that are also influenced by the mountainous terrain. Soils throughout the sub-zones are diverse and tend to be high in granite, slate, calcareous and/or limestone-based. The high diurnal range in temperature combined with the soil components contributes to the development of aromas and complexity in the grapes. The two major red grape varieties are Garnaxta Negra (Red Grenache) and Carinyena (Carignan). Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache) and Macabeu (Viura) are the most widely grown white grape varieties. Both samples of wine are an expression of what Montsant DO has to offer and they are a nice introduction to this region.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss COFAMA was founded in 2002 and represents different wineries as well as their own brands. Clos de Nit is a Catalan phrase that means “vineyard of the night”. Clos De Nit Crianza DO Montsant 2016 This wine is a lovely blend of 40% Garnaxta Negra, 40% Carinyena and 20% Syrah and is aged for six months in oak. The color is dark ruby with aromas of dark plum, black cherry, berries, spice and a hint of clove. It is well structured with mild tannins and dark cherry, berries, cranberry, toast, spice, pepper and anise on the palate. The finish is long with a touch of minerality. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $13  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Clos De Nit Tinto DO Montsant 2017 This wine is a blend of 40% Garnaxta Negra, 25% Carinyena, 20% Merlot, 10% Tempranillo and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of lush red fruit, floral and blueberry make their way onto the palate with plum, red and black berries, red cherry and a hint of herbs and fennel. Smooth tannins and a long finish are quite satisfying. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $13  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Montsant is putting itself on the map with its excellent, concentrated and expressive red wines. And, they are giving value competition to their famous neighbor, the Priorat region. I look forward to traveling to Montsant someday soon to explore more of these delicious wines. And I promise that my next story about Montsant DO will cover winery visits, food, culture and a much more in-depth view of this fascinating wine region.
Until next time, Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Since traveling doesn’t seem to be an option these days, my wine glass and I have been roaming the world from the comfort of home. Our most recent virtual stop was to Rioja, Spain to taste a few delectable wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Rioja wine region is located in north-central Spain and is made up of valleys that stretch along the Ebro River. Rioja is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Baja, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa.  CVNE (pronounced coo-nay) is an acronym for Compania Vinicola del Norte des Espana and it is one of Rioja’s most iconic and historic wine producers. Two brothers founded the winery in 1879 and within six years they began receiving international awards for their wines. By 1915 they introduced Monopole, the oldest white wine brand of Spain. The current owners are direct descendants and represent the fifth generation. CVNE owns 545 hectares of vineyards and several wineries that are dispersed throughout the subregions of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. The vineyards benefit from the influence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates and are rich with calcareous clay, ferrous clay and alluvial soils. Cune Rosado DOCa 2019  CVNE Vineyard Photo courtesy of CVNE This wine is 100% Tempranillo, hand-picked from Rioja Alta sub-region. A cherry red color leads to fragrant aromas of strawberry and candied fruit. This a dry wine with crisp acidity, strawberry, cherry and licorice on the palate. It is a nice balance between sweet and tart. Serve as an aperitif or make it into a spritzer. It will pair well with appetizers, seafood and light fare. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $13  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Viña Real Crianza DOCa 2016  Viña Real Vineyard Photo courtesy of CVNE The first Viña Real wines were launched in 1920 and are produced from grapes grown in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa province. This wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuela. Crianza is a Spanish wine classification indicating the wine is aged for a minimum of one year in casks and a few months in the bottle. This wine is aged in French and American oak casks for 13 to 14 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Dark ruby in color, this wine delivers lush aromas of dark fruit, spice and vanilla. The palate offers expressive and juicy notes of dark plum, dark cherry, pomegranate, floral, spice, vanilla and licorice. Hints of pepper and toasty notes linger on a long finish. Fine tannins, depth and complexity add to the elegance of this wine. I’m still in awe of the price! Serve with grilled meat, grilled fish, stews and pasta.
Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $17 CVNE wines never disappoint me. I’m looking forward to exploring and tasting more of their wines! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] If you are searching for red, white and sparkling wines to serve this summer, look no further. This trifecta of easy-drinking wines will certainly put a smile on your face and entertain your palate.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss These wines are produced by Pasqua Vigneti é Cantine located in Verona, Italy. In January of 2019, I had the pleasure of dining with Riccardo and Alessandro Pasqua, who represent the third-generation of this family-run winery. And ever since then, I have been reviewing and enjoying their collection of wines. Please click on the menu at right to read reviews and learn about the history of this winery.  Alessandro and Riccardo Pasqua Photo credit: Penny Weiss As I’m sure you know, Verona is renowned as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The label for Pasqua’s Romeo and Juliet PassioneSentimento and Prosecco was inspired by Shakespeare’s star-struck lovers and is a tribute to “all great passions, just like our family’s passion for wine”. The label is a photograph of the messages left daily by visitors that are posted to a 20-foot wall outside of Juliet’s house on Cappello Street in Verona. Riccardo and Alessandro felt “it was important for the label to equate Verona with Italy”. And when it comes to making these wines, Pasqua is definitely showing lots of creativity in the winemaking process. Alessandro said, “The Rosso breaks about 10 rules!”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Romeo & Juliet PassioneSentimento Bianco, Veneto IGT 2018
This wine is made from 100% Garganega grapes. Using the appassimento technique, the grapes are left to dry for a short time in crates to enhance the sugar and floral aromas prior to maceration and fermentation. Part of the wine is aged for a few months in French oak and then blended. Lovely floral aromas mingle with notes of citrus, peach and pear that continue onto the palate with stone fruit, and a hint of apricot and melon. This wine is dry and quite refreshing with good structure, crisp acidity and a lingering finish. Serve as an aperitif or with light fare. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $16 Romeo & Juliet PassioneSentimento Rosso, Veneto IGT 2017 This wine is a blend of 40% Merlot, 30% Corvina and 30% Croatina grapes that are hand-harvested from the eastern area of Valpolicella. Like the Bianco, this is an appassimento-style wine. After harvesting, the grapes are dried in wooden crates for a few months to achieve a high sugar concentration. Because the grapes have different aging times, vinification takes place separately in steel tanks and then is blended and aged in oak barrels for three months. Alessandro Pasqua says, “This is a fun wine, inside and out”. This wine starts with a heady bouquet of berries, rose and baking spice. The palate is layered with juicy cherry notes, plum, pomegranate, anise and a hint of chocolate and spice that lingers on a long finish. It is dry and beautifully balanced with silky tannins. Serve with grilled meat, game, stews and aged cheese. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $16 PassioneSentimento Prosecco Treviso Spumante Brut, DOC This sparkling wine is made with 100% Glera grapes harvested from vineyards in the premium Conegliano subzone of Treviso. It is made using the Charmat method where the second fermentation takes place in large stainless steel tanks. What makes this Prosecco different is that the wine remains in the tank for 60 days, which is double the aging period typically identified with Prosecco production. The result offers a much finer and more elegant perlage. This Prosecco is quite aromatic with fresh fruit, pear and a touch of floral. The palate offers pear and green apple with a hint of minerality and citrus zest on the finish. This is a refreshing and balanced wine with persistent bubbles and crisp acidity. Serve as an aperitif or with appetizers or shellfish. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $16 I think you will find these wines suitable for just about any occasion. And the quality to price ratio is impressive! Until next time! Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] |
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