Dolcetto is such an underrated varietal; have known a few knowledgeable wine snobs who ignore or dislike it, and I just don’t get it–the low acidity and approachable simplicity might lack “seriousness” (whatever the hell that even means), but who cares? It’s a wine that makes food come alive.
The first word that popped into my mind when sampling this Dolcetto is “rustic”, which is a fairly common wine descriptor. What does it mean?
Many people seem to mean wine that is simple and unsophisticated. But there are lots of simple, unsophisticated wines on the bottom shelf of the supermarket that are not rustic, so “simple and unsophisticated” doesn’t really get to the heart of what
“rustic” means. The word “rustic” in any context means having qualities ascribed to country life. People growing up in the country are alleged to be sturdy, unpolished, and a little rough. These are terms that better describe “rustic wine” and they more clearly distinguish rustic wines from inexpensive supermarket wines, which lack the structure to be sturdy and are anything but rough since they are smooth and designed for easy drinking.
“Sturdy, unpolished and little rough” well describes this…
Some lovely shots of Venice here. I hate to criticize, but the “don’ts” list includes not expecting great food in one of the greatest culinary experience cities in the world! Venice is admittedly not a pizza eating city, but it’s like being disappointed that it’s hard to find a good cricket game in a baseball town like Baltimore or Boston. The food in Venice is amazing, but it’s not found in pizza joints that cater to the casual passerby–it’s found in family run restaurants a bit off the beaten path that aren’t always immediately obvious as you stroll about. Hopefully Stephanie gets to travel to Venice again and finds some of the amazing grub waiting just around the corner.
Venice blew me away, which was surprising. I feared that a place with so much hype could never live up to its reputation. In fact, I almost didn’t go at all. But I am so glad I did!
Venice is just as beautiful and romantic as everyone says it is. It is not, however, hot and smelly and full of rats (as some people say as well). Perhaps that was just my luck as I went in April before it got too hot and crowded. Bottom line: seeing Venice is a must!
Dos
Take a water taxi on the Grand Canal. If you can, get a seat at the front—you’ll get some amazing photos.
Get lost. Walking around Venice is the best way to see it. There’s beauty around every corner from an unexpected statue to a windowsill garden.
Buy a glass bead necklace. They are lovely and it’s a…
The first word that popped into my mind when sampling this Dolcetto is “rustic”, which is a fairly common wine descriptor. What does it mean?
Sassi Italy Tours 