Vinitaly Wrap-up: One BIG Wine Show
Based on two-week trip
by Michael
Bryan
The
40th Anniversary of Vinitaly,
held in Verona March 29th - April 7th, was unlike
anything I had ever seen. Each of the halls, as represented
below, was a different province -- filled with producer
after producer of wines, liqueurs, olive oils, balsamic
vinegars, and artisanal meats, salumis, and cheeses.
Individual booths as we know them were sometimes two
and three stories high, built like "brick and
mortar" stores, of fine woods and materials.
Greeting you was the winemaker and his family, offering
you tastes of their current vintages. If however,
they felt attached to you, and you invested the time,
out came the library wines, like 1992 & 1996 Barolo's--wines
that have appreciated in grace and in value. |
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| The German glass manufacturer, Eisch, provided a demonstration of their "breathable" glasses. The consensus on their utility was uncertain. | One of the most extraordinary tastings was with Ms. José Rallo of Donnafugata Winery in Sicily. Not only did she treat us to excellent wines & commentary, but also sang a beautiful sicilian song! | Karen McNeil, of Wine Bible fame, was on our trip. It was my first opportunity to meet her in person, and her professionalism is impeccable. |
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| Joyce Goldstein, is a nationally known chef, author, teacher, and Mediteranean cooking expert. She was a delight to meet and spend time with; her counsel on Balsamic vinegars was invaluable. | Here wine history expert, Paul Wagner, shows his praise during a Chianti tasting. Note the bottles of opened Chianti in the background (we tasted 30 wines during this one sitting) AND we are on the third story of this "booth." | Not only are their products for tasting, but you can view everything from winemaking technologies, equipment, closures, serving accoutrements...if it has to do with wine, it is here. |
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| Here is an example of just one of the twelve expo halls. This one is for Sicily, which due to the islands isolation from the mainland, is certainly a different Italy. | And with what do you end off a fantastic meal? Grappa! Here is a single varietal "Moscato" Grappa for sipping. | Now this is a dining room! This fantastic dinner, sponsored by Wines of Sicily, included an exotic dancer, and many, many courses of food & wine. |
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| This cassata, a traditional Sicilian dessert, was made right in front of us, with jazz, wine and exotic dancing too. Essential ingredients are large cake, marzipan, big bowl of sweetened ricotta cheese, and candied fruits. | Our dancing beauty takes a break as the cake is almost frosted and ready for serving. Many of the men in the group might have preferred her to the cake. | And the completed Cassata before being consumed. |
