7:57 PM

Wednesday April 16, 2008 - Wine Supplies

A Featured Wine Supplies Article

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Piedmont Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Piedmont region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have fun on the fact-filled wine education tour.

Piedmont is located in the northwest of Italy. It borders on France and Switzerland and is surrounded on three sides by the Alps. The name Piedmont means the foot of the mountain. Piedmont is one of the most industrialized regions of Italy. It is considered the best organized region of Italy for wine tourism. Its population is about 4.4 million.

Piedmont was originally settled by the Celts. It was conquered by Hannibal and reconquered by the Ancient Romans. Piedmont was ruled by the French Savoy family for almost five hundred years. It was a center in the fight to unify Italy. Victor Emmanuel II, the king of Piedmont and Sardinia, became the first king of modern Italy in 1861.

Agriculturally Piedmont has it all. For example, meats include beef, kid, lamb, rabbit, and veal. Game includes hare, partridge, pheasant, and venison. Donkey meat stew is a local specialty. Another specialty is grissini, breadsticks that are a yard long. The region makes nine protected varieties of cheese. About the only food that seems to be a bit short is fresh fish, with the exception of trout.

Piedmont's capital and largest city is Turin, a city of nine hundred thousand that is the capital of the Italian automobile industry and the site of the 2006 Winter Olympics. This city was the first capital of united Italy (from 1861 to 1865) and remains to this day the world capital of vermouth.

Piedmont devotes over one hundred forty thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 6th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about ninety million gallons, also giving it a 6th place. About 70% of the wine production is red or ros? (only a bit of ros?), leaving 30% for white. The region produces 44 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine and 7 DOCG wines. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior Almost 56% of Piedmont wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. Piedmont is home to four dozen major and secondary grape varieties, somewhat more red than white varieties.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Muscat (in particular Moscato Bianco) and Chardonnay. The best known strictly Italian white varieties are Arneis, Cortese, and Erbaluce.

International red grape varieties are not important in Piedmont. It is the center for Nebbiolo, felt by many to be Italy's noblest red variety, the base of Italy's world famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Other Italian red varieties include Barbera, Brachetto, and Dolcetto, some of which are grown elsewhere.

Before reviewing the Piedmont wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Cipollata Rossa Monferrina, Spicy Robiola Cheese and Scallion Spread.
For the second course try Tasca Ripiena, Veal Stuffed with Salami and Scallions. For dessert indulge yourself with Budino Freddo Gianduja, Decadent Hazelnut-Chocolate Pudding.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Sur? Rosso Barbera d'Asti Villa Giada 2004 Andrea-Faccio Viticoltore (Winemaker) DOC 13.5% alcohol about $10.90 plus tax

Unlike the other wines in this series, I purchased this bottle while on vacation in Seattle, Washington. Frankly I thought that I was drinking the cousin of a $40 bottle of wine. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it were the equal of some $40 bottles. While three other Italian grape red varieties are authorized to a maximum of 15% in the Barbera d'Asti DOC, this particular wine is 100% Barbera.

I found the wine very powerful, perhaps too strong for pasta. Its tastes included tobacco, leather, cherry, and black cherry. An Italian wine site states: "An imposing wine that is always rather severe but richly and exquisitely perfumed and with a flavor that couples strength with finesse." I agree except that I didn't find it severe. I also drank it with a marinated, barbecued rib steak. The wine cut through the steak's grease. Once again the flavors came out well.

Gran Padano is a classic Parmesan-type cheese made for a millennium in northern Italy including the Piedmont region. It is a cylindrical, cooked, semi-fat cheese which matures slowly. It has a grainy consistency and may be sliced or grated. Its taste is fragrant and delicate. I tried this wine with grated Gran Padano cheese on toast with a somewhat spicy Moroccan tomato and pimento based dip.The combination was excellent; I felt that both the wine and cheese flavors were accentuated. The term mouth-filling came to mind.

About the Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is www.theworldwidewine.com . You can reach him at ital@mail.theworldwidewine.com.

Wine Supplies and More

Keeping Your Wine Chilled

Technology results in amazing new products practically every single day. When it comes to wine, the situation is no different as new and creative prod...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Wine Supplies Items

Lidador -Reserve Port 1984

This superb "reserve" release from Lidador was aged an amazing 20 years in the cask before bottling. Giving it a deep golden, honey character found only in the very best Reserve Portos. These Colheita Portos really can only be aquired through direct import which was the way we acquired them. Our find is guaranteed to thrill Port lovers...no question! RSP84 RSP84

Price: 89.99 USD

Wine Supplies in the news

Beaujolais and Steak plus Gary rants about individuality

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:17:12 PST
Gary Vaynerchuk, steaks, wine, and somebody winning a $1500 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. In a word, awesome.

Presidential Candidates Compared to Wine

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:03:51 PST
If the 2008 presidential candidates were described by comparing them each to a type of wine, which wine would they be? A unique look at the 2008 elections that tells you why Clinton is a Chardonnay, Huckabee is Chenin Blanc and Giuliani is Cabernet Sauvignon.

France's Smallest and Youngest Classified Wine Region

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:25:18 PST
The Wall Street Journal talks about France's youngest and smallest AOC, the Cabardes. This unique area is the only one in France to force the blending of traditionally separated varietals. Atlantic varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are assembled with Mediterranean varietals like Syrah and Grenache.

Quality Wine
Southern Wine

Labels: Wine Accessory

&type=page">

Posted by Steven Smith | 0 comments

12:38 AM

Wednesday April 16, 2008 - Wine Varieties

Wine Varieties For Your Reading Pleasure

Ancient Biblical Grape Juice And Wine Drinkers, Raisin Eaters And Teetotalers (part 1) Scriptures (mostly New Testament) Permitting Wine Drinking

The purpose of writing this article is an attempt to clarify opinions, about whether it is a sin or social offense to drink wine or strong drinks as explained in the Scriptures of the Hebrew Bible. Personal opinions are multitudinous on the subject and will not be exercised in the discussion subject except to let the reader judge for himself and form an opinion based on an honest selection of statements from the Bible.

It is well known that birds are attracted toward the alcoholic fermentation of berries on vines and trees. Mankind also has been drawn to the alcoholic process of fermentation of fruits and berries transformed into an aromatic liquid, that when drunk will raise man's spirits. These drinks are often called 'Spirits', because they appear to relax the mind from worldly cares and can lift his spirits to ecstatic levels of enjoyment and detachment. The spirits, when drunk to excess, can cause the drinker to be transformed into drunken behavior.

In the year 154 B.C., the Roman historian, Pliny, wrote that the Roman steam baths in the city of Pompeii were so hot and were supplied from the boiling waters of the volcano, Vesuvius. The bathers would sometimes faint into unconsciousness and after recovering would rush out of the steam room ?often still naked, to grab a large vessel of wine and drink down its contents, only to vomit it up again so more could be drunk? (XIV 136)

The defense of many protestant religious and ministers of forbidding wine drinking to Christians is the claim that Jesus drank grape juice, not the fermented wine. It is clear from reading the Scriptures in this article that claim is untrue. Many references are given to show that the Bible translators had an understanding that grape juice, grape wine, and raisins are were all separate products of grape and were translated by different words.

All Scriptural references to wine are not negative, nor prohibitive of drinking wine or strong drink. The Old Testament of the Hebrew Bible basically is anti-wine drinking, but some Old Testament Scriptures approve of drinking wine.

?When you arrive, use the money to buy an ox, a sheep, or some strong drink to feast there before the Lord your God, and rejoice with your household.? Deuteronomy 14:26

?Well, one thing at least is good: it is for a man to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, accept his position in life, and enjoy his work, whatever his job may be, for however long the Lord may let him live? Ecclesiastes 5:8

?So go ahead, eat, drink, and be merry, for it makes no difference to God!? Ecclesiastes 9:7

Wine was given as a reward by God to tithers (financial supporters) of the Hebrew Temple fund, as stated in Proverbs 3:9 ?Overflow your wine vats with the finest wines.?

Most Scriptures of the Major Prophet, Isaiah, are negative toward drinking wine except for two Scriptures. This is a bit of evidence for the theory, that there were three Isaiah Prophets whose works were combined into one book.

?Sing and dance and play and feast and drink. Let us drink, eat, and be merry you say: What is the difference, for tomorrow we die? Isaiah 22:13

This particular Scripture from Isaiah may be a prophecy concerning Heavenly feasting and wine drinking in Paradise and the promise of eternal life.

The Lord...?will spread a wondrous feast for everyone around the world...a delicious feast of good food, with clear, well-aged wine, and choice beef...he will swallow up death forever.? Isaiah 25:7

Jesus told a parable (story with hidden meanings), that because the Jews would not be willing to give up their embedded religious bias, that in metaphor form, prophecized that the kingdom of Heaven would be taken from the Jews and given to others (Gentiles)

In this parable Jesus told the story of a grape vineyard farmer, who ?dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice?, and ?At grape picking time, he sent? various men including his only son?, all of whom were murdered by the vineyard tenants. Jesus suggested that the tenants (Hebrews) who murdered the only son (God's only son, Jesus), the Jews would be cursed and the grape juice vineyard (God's kingdom) would be given by God to others (Gentiles). Mark 12:1

Perhaps, the strongest suggestion in the Hebrew Scriptures, that wine drinking was permissible was given by Jesus, a Jew himself. The first miracle performed by Jesus was turning water into wine.

Jesus, when pressed by his mother, Mary, with a shortage of wine at the wedding feast, changed six barrels of water ? each containing 20 to 30 gallons each into the finest wine. John 2:6

There can be no doubt that Jesus drank wine as revealed in the following Scriptures describing the event known as the Last Supper in the upper room, that today is recreated into the sacrament of Communion at Christian churches.

?After supper he gave them another glass of wine, saying, this wine is taken of God's new agreement to save you.? Luke 22:20

?And he (Jesus) took a cup of wine and gave thanks for it and gave it to them and said, Each one (of you) drink from it, for this is my blood, sealing the new covenant. It is poured out to forgive the sins of multitudes. Mark my words ? I will not drink this wine again until the day I drink it new and with you (disciples) in my Fathers Kingdom.? Matthew 26:27

Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees because the disciples of John the Baptist fasted, ?Why are you wining and dining?? Jesus answered (Luke 5:37) ?No one puts new wine in old wine skins (to store) for the new wine bursts the old wine skins, ruining the wine skins and spilling the wine. New wine must be put into new wine skins. But no one drinking the old wine seems to want the fresh and the new. The old ways are best, they say.? Luke 5:33

Jesus said, ?But I eat my food and drink my wine, and you say, What a glutton Jesus is! And he drinks! And he has the lowest sort of friends.? Luke 7:14

Jesus said, ?For John the Baptist doesn't even drink wine and often goes without food; and you will say , He's crazy. And I, the Messiah, feast and drink, and you complain that I am a glutton, and a drinking man, and hang around with the worst sort of sinners.? Matthew 11:18

The book of Timothy suggested that wine may be drunk to relieve digestion problems.

?(By the way this doesn't mean you should completely give up wine. You ought to take a little sometimes, as medicine for your stomach because you are sick so often)? 1 Timothy 5:23

Jesus, in one of his famous, I AM, statements in the Gospel of John told his disciples, ?Yes, I AM the Vine (grapevine) you are the branches. Whosoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing? John 15:5

Continued in Part 2
The translation of the Scriptures in this article comes from The Living Bible

About the Author:

Patrick A. Malcolm, owner of TyTy Nursery, has an M.S. degree in Biochemistry and has cultivated plants for over three decades.

A Short Wine Varieties Summary

Why Join A Wine Club?

Have you heard about wine club? Are you an avid wine lover? Do you like to taste new wines? Well, if you are affirmative to these questions, then you ...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Recommended Wine Varieties Items

Dunn Vineyards - Napa Valley - Cabernet

"From one of California's most experienced Cabernet Sauvignon winemakers, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa possesses an inky/purple color as well as a restrained but sweet bouquet of blackberries intermixed with hints of new saddle leather and crushed rocks. Firmly structured, with a steely spine, exuberant, rich fruit, and a powerful, highly tannic finish, it shoulf be cellared for 7-8 years, and drunk over the folllowing two decades." This dry red wine is a great gift to buy online. RP - 93 (Subject to Availability) DUVCM01 DUVCM01

Price: 309.99 USD

Wine Varieties in the news

Morocco's wonderful wines

Tue, 15 May 2007 05:57:39 PDT
Never had Moroccan wine? Check out the latest entry at My Marrakesh - Maryam gives an insight into wine varieties and the wine growing regions of this northern African nation.

Texas outlaws on-line wine sales by banning wine shipping.

Mon, 21 May 2007 16:51:59 PDT
Texas legislature is considering a ban on shipping wine from outside a particular county in what amounts to a huge favor to the powerful wine wholesale lobby of Texas. Prepare for a huge reduction in the variety of wines you will be able to get in Texas.

Argentina Wine Tours – a Taste of Variety

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:08:27 PDT
The majority of Argentina’s vineyards are located in or around Mendoza. Against the backdrop of the glacier-draped Andes Mountains, old and quaint family-owned wineries are mixed with the new-concept technology wineries.

International Wine
Wine Vineyard | Wine Vineyards

Labels: Burgundy Wine