Santa Cristina Campogrande Orvieto Classico 2019.
Expertly made by Antinori, Campogrande 2019 is a blend of Procanico (the local name for Trebbiano) and Grechetto. It is cool-fermented and sees no oak, so the natural varietal flavors come through clearly in a rather rich, mouth-filling and gently aromatic flavor. Its nose is intense with pleasant fruity aromas of peaches and apricots with floral notes of orange blossoms. The medium weight palate it is soft, fresh with a tart white fruit which is framed by mouth-watering acidity. The best part of drinking this wine is a sense that you are at the sea, with its salty minerality. Your staycation experience right here in this bottle!
Ferragosto: August Staycation with Mamma For the two weeks before and after the holiday of Ferragosto on August 15th, it seems as if all of Italy goes on vacation crowding the beaches and mountain resorts and leaving the cities virtually deserted. As with all other Italian holidays, food is the main attraction whether prepared for a festive picnic or stay-at-home summer lunch. "Il Pranzo di Ferragosto"/"A Mid-August Lunch" is a delightful cult film that is a glimpse into the life of a middle aged bachelor living with his octogenarian mother over the long holiday weekend in Rome. Food, appetite, and the need for community are prominent themes along with an intimate peak into the complicated dynamics that exist between Italian...
Right at the top of my ever growing post-COVID bucket list is the return to the Isle of Capri. It has always been a choice of well heeled international tourists and discriminating Italians. An iconic celebrity destination since the 40s and 50s, it is a glorious balance of idyllic scenery, spectacular coastline, designer shopping and fabulous homegrown flavors.
Our wine this week, Falanghina Feudi di San Gregorio, is made from the falanghina grape predominantly grown in the porous volcanic soils around Mount Vesuvius. Its medium intensity with crisp minerality, hints of spice, light almond and a slightly bitter orange peel character combined with soft fruit flavors that finish in perfect balance with mouthwatering acidity, makes it a perfect pairing with our Capri menu.
Tutti al Mare! Tuscans at the Beach. This year Italians flock to the beaches with socially distanced umbrellas and hope that tourists will follow. Though Americans are still not permitted to travel to Italy, we can reflect on vacations past while imbibing its local flavors enhanced by its colorful customs. Italians absolutely love beach life and are most likely the sexiest and most fashionable beachgoers in the world. La Versilia is a very unique stretch of Tuscan Mediterranean coast backed by the Apuan Alps. It is best known for its golden beaches, nightlife, art communities, and surf-n-turf – Mare e Monti – cuisine. But to fully enjoy the Italian beach culture you need to know its unspoken rules. Afterall, you do not...
