Written by Steve Dryden
http://www.winefoodguide.2ya.com/
Italian White Wines Gain Global Attention
Serious international wine lovers are discovering the phenomenal wines coming from the Collio region of northeastern Italy. Despite a long history (14th century) of wine production in this beautiful region near the Slovenian border and the charming city of Trieste, it has only been in the last seven years that wines from these family-owned, artisan and boutique wineries have caught the attention of dedicated wine drinkers with an open mind and palate. White wines from this remote section of Italy were the last “closely held secret” among local Italian wine lovers until recently. So, the next time you are seeking a palate pleasing white wine with reasonable pricing for the quality, try wines from the Collio region. These wines have a distinct taste and style, pairing well with a diverse selection of culinary delights.
I’ve just returned from a revealing wine tour of the Collio region where I was exposed to the best wineries and culinary establishments in that region. Italy is ALL about elegance, class, expression, passion and hospitality, thus it was no surprise that these wines and winemakers are unique in every way. For example, most of the wines from the Collio DOC have the amazing color of 14K gold. The Collio hills in Friuli Venezia Guilia provide for some of the best Italian white wines using grapes from Tocai Friulano, Malvasia Istriana, Ribolla Gialla (now called Ribolla) and Picolit. Newer varietals grown on 3,000 acres of vineyards in this region also include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. Most of the wines in this region are single varietal except the Collio Bianco DOC and Collio Rosso DOC wines which are usually blends (but no limited to) of three native varieties, Ribolla, Malvesia and Tocai.
The soils in the Collio region are diverse, but typically very rich in minerals. Bordered on one side by the Giulian Alps and the other by the Adriatic Sea, the Collio terroir is blessed with cool nights and warm days providing character and structure to the grape flavors. Colors range from pale yellow to 14K gold, and amber colored wines. Aromas are light to full with floral notes, apple and pear flavors, bright acidity, with a pleasant finish. Of course, the flavors, texture, structure, aromas and balance vary with the varietals and blends from this region. One important factor lies in the hands of the regional winemakers who are known for their innovation, creativity and craftsmanship.
Finding the great white wines from the Collio region in wine stores around San Diego can be challenging. Wine Steals stocks a limited amount in all of their San Diego locations, but their inventory changes each week, so you have to be keen in your shopping skills or order them from their wine buyer. Some of my favorite labels from the Collio DOC are: Il Carpino, Russiz Superiore (Marco Fellugo), Venica & Venica, Ca’Ronesca, Livon, Rossali, Simon, Il Carpino, Vitilia, Edi Keber and Roncho del Gnenriz. Villa Chopris, Villa Russiz,, Radikon, Rohco Blanchis, Paolo Caccese, Vitilla, and Muzic,
A Great Italian White Wine
One thing is certain, the white wines from Collio pair well with a wide variety of culinary delights to include: cheese, vegetables, gnocchi, seafood, salumi (salami) or selame, prosciutto ham, pasta in cream sauces, and much more. Italian white wines would be the perfect match for turkey, ham and other holiday specialty dishes. The next time you’re feeling adventurous in your wine selection, “Go Italian” with a wonderful white wine from the Collio DOC of northern Italy. For in-depth information on Italian whites, please visit: www.winefoodguide.com
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