Two glasses of Red Wine

A glinting glass of ruby vintage swaying at our fingertips gives us a certain unexplainable rush. Wine – its color, its aroma, its complexity of flavors – is a caressing treat for the soul. A frosted chalice of chilled vino bianco paired to a sunset is guaranteed grounds for a perfect evening. If the company’s jovial and the food abounds, all you need is a good bottle and a corkscrew.

Wine is usually sipped during meals because, at its simplest level, it complements the taste of what we eat. It is also an essential element of the Mediterranean diet, but to Italians wine has always been more than just a mere trendy beverage or accompaniment to a meal.

In fact, in Il Bel Paese, wine also plays an important role in our social lives since – as any Italian or Italian American can attest – wine is best consumed in the company of others. When shared around a table, it relaxes us and creates a sense of well–being. Wine was even inspiring elevated thoughts and profound conversations in Roman times. The Latin “in vino veritas” explains in a simple sentence the curious phenomenon of how wine loosens the tongue and inhibition, thus releasing the truth in any given conversation.

Its appeal to the senses, combined with the way it inspires the human spirit, has raised wine to almost sacred status. Both in Italy and throughout Europe, it has been an element of civilization for eras; not only one of the most sacred symbols in the Roman Catholic religion, but also a daily staple for dynasties of kings and generations of peasants alike.

Wine is as synonymous with Italy’s fertile lands as its centuries–old culinary tradition. Pour a glass of Barolo, and you’ll experience the majestic hills and mountains of Piemonte. Savor a sip of crisp Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and you’ll be transported to the lush, green parks and mountains of Abruzzo.

But we all know wine can be consuming hobby. The vast range of wine styles, the thousands of different producers, the hundreds of grape varieties, and the apparent variance between each vintage and the next all conspire to tickle the interest of the budding wine connoisseur. But this complexity–which in truth keeps us all novices—can be intimidating to the wine newbie. Walk into any decent–sized enoteca (wine store) and you will encounter a bewildering, almost discouraging, array of wines to choose from.

However whether you’re looking for a full–bodied red to bring to a dinner with friends or a festive sparkling white for a special celebration, choosing the right wine is as important as selecting the finest ingredients for an authentic Italian recipe. With the right combination, a veritable harmony of flavors is created by the alchemy of a sip of the perfect wine as it mingles with a mouthful of its culinary counterpart – and we’ll help you create that perfection.

Oenophile

(n.) from Greek oinos (wine) + philos (beloved, dear, loving)

Someone who enjoys wine, usually referring to a gourmand rather than an expert connoisseur. See: me.

It may sound daunting, but don’t worry! This is why we have decided to devote Wednesdays to Wine – dedicated to every Italian and Italophile who has always wished to improve their knowledge of Italian wines, but could never make sense of the countless opinions and technical articles available.

It is true that Italians are very proud of their wine heritage, but this doesn’t make them all experts! Nobody should feel intimidated by history and tradition, especially when tasting a fine glass of vino. Wine understanding and evaluation can be a complex art, but the final judge is always you. So remember one thing – trust your instinct, and your taste buds.

My name is Lola, the newest member of the italyMONDO! family, and I will be your guide every Wednesday as we tour Italy – from the Alps of Northern Italy to the coasts of Sicily – transforming you from wine lover into wine expert.

So join me again next week as we continue learning. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite Italian wine, turn on your computer, and enjoy a few minutes of la dolce vita along with me.

Salute!