01.11.2012
Winter Wines
When the weather starts turning a bit colder, certain wines just seem to call out. The full luscious, rich wines from Italy are perfect with the hearty foods served during the winter months. For example, Barolo, Barberesco, Brunello, and Amarone.From Piemonte, in northwestern Italy, come the noble red wines that are produced from the Nebbiolo grape: Barolo and Barbaresco. Barolo is a robust red that takes on delicious subtleties as it ages. It was one of the first Italian wines to be rated D.O.C.G. and must be aged at least three years before it is released. Barbaresco is similar in style except that it is aged a minimum of two years. One of the most costly Italian reds is the famous Brunello di Montalcino. An exquisite wine from Tuscany, it is produced on acres of vineyards near the village of Montalcino. Ah, Amarone...from the Valpolicella region of Veneto. This special wine is produced from grapes that are left to dry on racks after picking so that the results are a fuller, drier, more luscious flavor. It ages very well and it is not unusual to enjoy an Amarone fifteen to twenty years after it has been harvested. This winter, one chilly evening when you are enjoying a hearty meal, treat yourself to one of these wonderful wines!

