Italian wine

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Italian Wine from Piedmont: Michele Chiarlo

April 5, 2012 in Italy, learn about wine, Nebbiolo by Wine Passionista | 2 comments

Bottles of Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco & Barolo 2007I’m very fortunate to be invited to lots of lovely dinners and fun wine events, but it’s not very often that they come to me!

That’s what happened yesterday when a good friend and former colleague brought a visiting wine producer round to the flat for a tasting.  The visit reminded me of some of my favourite moments as a sommelier (second only to conversing with the guests) when suppliers would bring winemakers or their export managers around and we’d taste the wines together. Then they were hoping for a listing on the wine list, now it’s my privilege to tell all of you about the wines – and I couldn’t be more excited to share these with you.

Michele Chiarlo is a producer in the northwest region of Piedmont in Italy.  The wines hold a soft spot for me as I had them on my very first wine list as sommelier at the Chesterfield Mayfair many moons ago.

I remember the wines always being a sommelier’s dream trifecta: Read the rest of this entry »

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Video: Riccardo Prosecco…a video premiere!

July 19, 2010 in Italy, Prosecco, Sparkling wine, Try New Wines, Wine, Wine & Food, Wine Events by Wine Passionista | 4 comments

I was recently invited to a lunch hosted by Riccardo Prosecco, and thought it was the perfect opportunity to make my first video! So instead of me telling you all about Riccardo Prosecco, I thought I’d let Riccardo Tomadin tell you himself!

What are your thoughts on Prosecco? Please leave a comment!

Hope you enjoy the very first Wine Passionista video!

There’s Always Time for Wine!

Tara – Wine Passionista

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Bibendum's World Cup of Wine Semi Finals

May 19, 2010 in Australia, Chardonnay, France, Italy, Pinot Noir, South Africa, World Cup of Wine by Wine Passionista | 4 comments

Last week saw the gathering of many of London’s local wine and food bloggers for the Semi Final of Bibendum’s World Cup of Wine.

In the previous round we had culled out the riff raff (including USA unfortunately!) and were left with four countries: Italy, France, South Africa and Australia. Now it was the chance for these heavyweights to put on their best show and fight for a coveted spot in the finals. Read the rest of this entry »

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Wines of the World Cup Round 2

May 5, 2010 in Choosing Wine, Italy, learn about wine, New Zealand, Tasting Wine, Try New Wines, Wine, Wines of the World Cup by Wine Passionista | 4 comments

Italy vs New Zealand: Pinot Grigio

The competitors for Round 2

One of the reasons behind this series (comparing wines from countries participating in this summer’s FIFA soccer World Cup) is to encourage the tasting (and drinking!) of different, interesting and perhaps, unusual wines. So why, you ask, am I writing about Pinot Grigio?! Read the rest of this entry »

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Roses are red, Violets are blue, Amarone's the wine with which to woo

February 13, 2010 in Amarone, Choosing Wine, Italy, Try New Wines, Veneto, Wine for romance by Wine Passionista | 2 comments

La Colombaia Amarone 2004The perfect date wine…does such a thing exist?  Well, I suppose it’s her favourite wine, whatever that is – do you know?  If you do, great, but if you don’t, not to worry, the Gods can help (I’m sure Eros and Bacchus were good friends!) 

Either way, this Valentine’s Day why not surprise your sweetheart with something a bit different and perhaps she (or he) will discover a new favourite and be very, very thankful to you for your innovative, imaginative and romantic gesture!

One such wine is Amarone from the Veneto region of Italy.  Why Amarone?  Well, several reasons: 1) it’s an incredibly complex, opulent, luxurious and delicious wine that is bound to warm her heart 2) it may be a bit too pricey for everyday quaffing, but is an ideal way of splashing out for your special someone and 3) this wine comes from Verona, the land of Shakespeare’s famous lovers Romeo and Juliet and literally spells love – Amore is Italian for ‘love’!  It’s the perfect love potion!

Ok, time for the geeky part (because brains are sexy too :-) ), Amarone is made from the Corvina grape, to which Rondinella is sometimes added.  The grapes are dried using the ‘appassimento’ process which concentrates the sugars and produces a wine of high alcohol, but in perfect balance with a raisined richness and bold structure.  A harmonious pairing of Amarone and braised lamb and you and your sweetheart is certain to light the fires of romance this Valentine’s Day!

The photo is of the gorgeous, silky 2004 La Colombaia Amarone I had last night and for a wonderful explanation of this wine, care of the Wine Spectator, watch this video of Marilisa Allegrini as she describes the allure of Amarone.

There’s always time for wine!

Tara – Wine Passionista!

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