TASTING #2 (08/05/09) - Italian Wines

Wine tasting #2 was held at Jason & Andrea's and featured Italian wines and appropriate food pairings (theme thought of by Dan)...

1. Orvieto
Brought by: Mike, Jen & Jeff
Purchase info:
Paired with: proscuitto & melon

2. Soave
Brought by: Jan & Tom
Purchase Info: Sendik Greenfield
Paired with: proscuitto pinwheels

3. Barbera
Brought by: Jason, Andrea & Kari
Purchase Info: Thief Wine
Paired with: Parmigiano-Reggiano & Italian bread http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parmigiano_reggiano


4. DaVinci Chianti (2006)
Brought by: Kim & Andy
Purchase Info:
Paired with: Lasagna (brought by Debby & Rich)

5. DaVinci Chianti Classico (2005)
Brought by: Kristen & Joe
Purchase Info: Woodman's Oak Creek ($18)
Paired with: Lasagna (brought by Debby & Rich)

6. Moscato D'Asti
Brought by: Dan & Tad
Purchase Info:
Paired with: fruit tart
Review: Saracco’s Moscato is perfumed with notes of fresh lychee, pear and white flower floating from the glass. On the palate, the fruit is lifted by the sparkle, and touches of residual sugar add candied essence to the fresh fruit. Saracco’s Moscato can be enjoyed as an aperitif. Or at the end of the meal, Saracco will refreshingly match with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Also - this wine has tiny, bubbles in it, not as large as the bubbles in Champagne. The Italians call wines with these little bubbles "frizzante". Frizzante wines have small bubbles that offer a refreshing tingle while helping to mask the wine’s sweetness. Italians call wines with larger Champagne-size bubbles "spumante".