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Collector's Corner
Last February in celebration of Valentine's Day, I held my Wine and Roses wine tasting featuring the Romanic Wines of Italy . One of the wines I featured was a Brunello di Montalcino. While the Italians may not have invented LOVE, I grew up watching Sophia Loren, so I believe they perfected it. And then there is the language of love sung by the likes of Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. Not to mention the food and wine. AMORE!
If you know me, you know I love Italian food and wine. So, I can't think of a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to share a bottle of one of my favorites from the hilltop town of Montalcino in Tuscany with your Sweetie. Even through the first mention of Montalcino, a fortress, in historical documents wasn't until 814 AD, it is believed to have been settled well before then.
One of the first records of a Brunello red wine, a Sangiovese clone, from the Montalcino area appears in the 14 th century. However, the first rules governing the production of Brunello weren't established until the late 1880's. The wine did not gain Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) or official status until 1968 and the number of producers has grown from 11 in the 1960's to over 200 today. In 1980, Montalcino was the first wine region to gain Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status and the current aging requirements, requiring Brunello be aged in wood for a minimum of 2 years and at least 4 months of aging in the bottle before release, weren't established until 1998. |
| The United States is the largest importer of Brunello di Montalcino importing an estimated 25% of the estimated 500,000 cases produced each year. Most Brunello, including my recommendation this month, have smooth tannins and a ripe fruit character. |
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They reach their prime in six to eight years, but will continue to age well for 20+ years. Brunello di Montalcino pairs well with grilled meats and wild game. This month's recommendation is a 2000 CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino by the producer Marchesi de Frescobaldi or if you like, pick up a later vintage and lay it up for a couple of more years. Either way, you can't go wrong. |
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| Oh, by the way, did I mention that I love Italian desserts? A little bit of Heaven is in every Italian cream cake. And what about Tiramisu? Especially soaked in Marsala or brandy. Yum, Yum! And another one of my favorites is Gelato, the Italian's version of ice cream? Delicious! |
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Did you know that Bernardo Bountalenti from Florence, Italy is most often credited for inventing Gelato in the 16 th century? However, my friend Don at Rain Drop Chocolate has perfected the process. The next time you're in Houston drop by his store at 810 Waugh Dr., Suite 100, or visit him on the web at www.raindropchocolate.com . Oh yeah, did I mention what a wonderful pair Brunello and chocolate make? Incredible! |
Until next month,
Cheers! |
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