As is well known around here, we’re huge fans of the WineTwoFive podcast because it gives you a look at the inquisitive, geeky side of wine culture without all the huffery and snootery that much of serious wineblogging and wine social-media’ing is known for. It’s informative without being snobby, entertaining without missing what really matters to wine drinkers.
Lucky for us, I got to appear on the podcast this week, talking about the importance of wine travel, getting outside our touristy comfort zones, and digging into the *real* Italy and the wonderful wine culture you can find off the beaten path. Give it a listen!
The art is definitely found in the glass, but not only in the glass. Walking around an Italian wine producing house, you’re struck by how ubiquitous, how ever-present the beauty can be. Even something as simple as the results of a de-stemming process can captivate.
One of the things I love about winemaking: there's art to be found everywhere, not just in the glass, but also the process. @Giribaldi_pic.twitter.com/lZfg8xxXLw
A much overlooked wine region that frankly makes the best white wine in the world is finally getting some notice in the wine press. You really don’t read much about Lugana online or in print, and it’s a shame–though a small region and one overshadowed by its larger, high volume producing cousins in Soave and the Friulan hills, Lugana makes full flavored, rich, chewy whites that mesh perfectly with the seafood dishes you’ll find in the Veneto.
We loved our recent visit with the folks at Le Morette, and look forward to going back and tasting their latest work soon.
On a sunny day, with a slight haze coming off the lake, and the turquoise water looking lovely…you can see why European vacationers flock to Lago di Garda and the surrounding area.
One of the great parts of the Lugana wine district is the lovely way these fantastic buildings and vineyards are integrated into a busy region close to big cities like Brescia and Verona. Lots of boats, a lovely lake, tourists from other parts of the EU, and some of the best white wines in the world. We took this at Ca’ Lojera as we wrapped a lovely day tasting and exploring.
Great food in the Veneto and Lombardy isn’t just found in the big cities like Venice and Milan–this little out of the way trattoria offered up an incredible lunchtime delight. When it practically swims from the lake to your plate, the best of Garda is hard to not enjoy. Fresh and perfectly prepared.
We stopped for lunch in Sirmione and had an elegant meal with fine Lugana selections to quaff with our seafood dishes. For me it was the local whitefish grilled with olive oil after this opener, a creamy tomato broth with pike ravioli. Delicious.
There’s so much more diversity in Italian food than people realize–it’s not all ragu dishes and pizza! Especially in the Veneto and Lake Region. Come check it out!
Sassi Italy Tours 