Those Wacky Romans….

 They have a word or phrase for everything.  Like de gustibus non est disputandum.  And it’s true that each of us has his own taste, and individual preferences cannot be disputed because they’re, well…individual.

 I think that’s why there are so many wines…because there are so many people.  I have wine buddies whose tastes are deeply in accord with mine, and I’ll drink whatever they give me.  Other wine buddies, not so much.  They recommend a wine that they’re crazy about and when I taste it I think they’re just crazy.

 Which brings me to the Italians.  Not because they’re crazy, but because I’m such a nut about their wines.  If I had my druthers, every wine at the Grand Tasting would come from that wonderful country.  In fact, about a third of my cellar is devoted to those lovely Brunellos, Barolos, Chiantis, and the rest.

Debi with legendary Italian winemaker Piero Antinori.

 So once again, we run up against the issue of personal taste vs. the Greater Grand Tasting Good.  And once again, I’m tempted to throw in some weird stuff that I really like and want to share.  But…

The balsamic vinegar cellar at Castello Banfi in Tuscany. Smells terrific!

Count on some excellent examples from Chianti, the Italian wine heartland, including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and maybe a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.  Italian wines are notoriously great with food, and these will drink really well with all the food you’ll enjoy through the generosity of our fabulous local chefs. 

 Naturally, no tasting would be complete without a spate of Super Tuscans.  I can’t promise any Sassacaia or Masseto, but you can bring your own if you promise to share.  I can, however, assure you that this important category of contemporary Italian winemaking will be well represented.

 You’ll also discover some of the rich reds from the North, including the Nebbiolo that makes Barolo such a fun (and expensive) quaff, Barbera, and some of the rich reds from the Veneto.

 We won’t neglect the characteristic whites, either.  Pinot Grigio is a new hot craze in white wines, and I’m going to find some Vernaccia di San Gimignano for two reasons.  First of all it’s a sensational, palate-cleansing, refreshing white, and second, San Gimignano is one of my favorite places in all of Italy.  First time I saw it, I couldn’t believe that such a place actually existed.

I could go on and on, but I simply can’t punish you to that extent.  Come to the Grand Tasting.  You’re sure to discover some fabulous new flavors, and they’ll really sing with the food.

These bottles have been in the cellar a LONG time.

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