Category: Italian Wine

A new map of the Contrade dell’Etna has just been updated

The process has been long and meticulous.  The map clearly defines and identify the borders and the exact position of the Contradas within the Etna DOC production area. It was prepared by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC with contribution by the Agriculture Department of the Department of Agriculture of the Sicilian Region.

The identification of the districts has been previously based on the interpretation of old cadastral maps with no updates to level curves, and continuous eruptive activity of Etna. The new map was created starting from recent topographic surveys which were then superimposed on cartographic layers constructed through multiple surveys with GIS (Geographic Information System) instruments.

“This is a demanding job that has finally come to an end and which represents only the first step in an even more complex project of studying the Etna area” comments Francesco Cambria, President of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC. “Never had a study of this type been done.

The goal was to clarify the exact boundaries of the 133 Contrade dell’Etna within the production disciplinary and to identify the new ones that will be officially introduced in the coming months.

The incredible biodiversity that Etna preserves, in fact, is expressed not only within the different slopes of the volcano where our viticulture is present, but also in the many Contradas starting from the different stratifications of the lava flows and the exposure of the vineyards. . All factors that make each Contrada almost unique within the Etna area, capable of giving different nuances to its wines “.

The Production Disciplinary of the Etna Controlled Designation of Origin, the oldest present in Sicily born in 1968, recognizes from 2011 within its area, which extends over the territory of 20 municipalities, the presence of 133 districts, legally equivalent to Additional Geographical Units. In the long work of reconnaissance of the territory, the updating of the borders has led to the identification of 9 new districts, thanks to the collaboration of the producers belonging to the Consortium, which will be officially included in the next update of the production specification. The new Map of the Contrade also takes into consideration the latter, reaching the number of 142 Contradas, divided into the territory of 11 municipalities: 25 in Randazzo, 41 in Castiglione di Sicilia, 10 in Linguaglossa, 13 in Piedimonte Etneo, 8 in Milo, 4 in Santa Venerina, 20 in Zafferana Etnea, 9 in Trecastagni, 6 in Viagrande, 1 in Santa Maria di Licodia, 5 in Biancavilla.

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Fontanafredda Wine Tasting – Barolo Week (Toronto) by Sergii Daragan

It’s “Barolo Week” I attended, along with a group of industry specialists, a wine and food pairing lunch at Eataly, Toronto to celebrate Barolo.  We tasted six amazing vintage Barolos which paired beautifully with Eataly’s specialty dishes [listed below] while listening all about Fontanafredda’s “King of the Wine” and “Wine of Kings.”

It was a great experience to taste Barolo different styles and vintages, and at the same time compare new-school and old-school styles.

For me, “the wine of the day” became Barolo Proprieta in Fontanafredda 2018 for its fresh, and rich, with notes of licorice and pink pepper on the palate with distinct floral and red fruit notes on the nose.

Wines Tasted:

– Barolo Serralunga Organic, 2018

– Barolo Proprieta in Fontanafredda, 2018

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 2018

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 2016

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 1996

– Barolo Riserva, 2010

Eataly’s Dishes:

Mushroom Arancini
Fresh-made Mozzarella
Gnocchi with Red-wine-braised Ragu
Mushroom Pizza
Chocolate Cannoli

@fontanafreddawines @eatalytoronto

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Duca di Salapurata Group [Toronto Tasting] by Sergii Daragan

There wouldn’t be a better beginning of the week than a wonderful wine and food pairing dinner with industry colleagues, and maestro winemaker Roberto Magnisi, at Eataly, Toronto.

Roberto Magnisi gave a presentation on the wines we tasted, which are currently not available in Canada.  Great pairings with fine Italian cuisine – we also travel around Sicily through his exciting stories and passion for  wine. We also had the chance to taste “Engine Gin” which blew my mind.

The Wine of the Night

The wine of the night was Duca Enrico Nero D’Avola 2018 – strong, round, well-balanced, with lots of character, and scents of wood.

The Pairing of the Night 

The pairing of the night was the stunning Marsala Vergine Riserva VR1609 2009 with lightly fried market fish, seafood, and vegetables. The unforgettable salty caramel chocolate nose of Marsala intense the flavor of lemon sprayed Fritto Misto di Mare by adding some sweetness to the oily and salty seafood and fish. This sweetness made all flavors more intense and they were popping on the tongue. Definitely worth trying.

The full list of wines tasted:

  1. Lavico Etna Bianco Carricante, 2021
  2. Sentiero Vento Vermentino, 2021
  3. Marsala Vergine Riserva VR 1609, 2009
  4. Lavico Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese, 2020
  5. Duca Enrico Nero D’Avola, 2018
  6. Passo Delle Mule Nero D’Avola, 2020
  7. Florio Marsala Vergine Riserva VR0504, 2004
  8. Florio Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva SR2715, 2015

It was so great to meet everyone, thank you so much for such a great evening!   Sergii

@ducadisalaparuta @cantineflorio @eatalytoronto

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Eugenio Collavini Winery – Part ll – Tasting the wines of Friuli’s ‘Lord of Ribolla Gialla’

…continued from Part l [ https://www.liz-palmer.com/eugenio-collavini-winery-part-l/ ]

Collavini brings together two contradictory practices: making wines in pioneering styles and at the same time drawing on indigenous varieties that have grown in Friuli for centuries. Blending innovation with history! It’s a formula that works.

Grape Varieties

Collavini’s focus is on local indigenous varieties, including Ribolla Gialla, Pignolo, Schiopettino and Fruliano, as well as some international varieties, particularly for sparkling wines.

Collavini Wines Tasted

Ribolla Gialla Spumante Brut Millesime 2018
Ribolla Gialla 100%

Brilliant straw yellow colour with slight green reflections with fine and persistent effervescence. A delicate and fine olfactory delight, with scents of nectarine, figs, green apple with some mingling mineral notes. In the mouth it is very fresh, rich in structure, with infinite nuances, including citrus with a long aromatic persistence.

Villa Canlungo Pinot Grigio DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2021
100% Pinot Grigio

The organoleptic analysis shows a pale straw color with vague copper reflections. The bouquet is varietal and floral with sweet citrus notes. On the palate, it is well balanced with delicate savoury notes enveloped in a silky texture and delivers a long, elegant finish.

T-Friulano DOC Collio 2021
100% Friulano

Straw yellow with greenish highlights. Penetrating fragrances of flowers , honeysuckle and pear, which is echoed on the dry, full-bodied palate. Fresh acidity with a long aromatic length.

Refosco Pucino DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020

100% Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

A beautiful violet hue, with a fresh and vinous bouquet: the varietal fruity perception of wild blackberry and raspberry with subtle hints of licorice. The harmoniously balanced palate has a faint background of herbaceous notes leading to a fresh and elegant finish.

Broy DOC Collio 2019
40% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon, and 50% Friulano

The organoleptic examination of this sensational Friulian wine shows A saturated straw-yellow color with slight green reflections. Intense and persistent nose of ripe tropical fruit, honey, orange peel and flowers. The palate has a powerful and long body is wonderfully balanced with pleasant notes of minerality.

Pignolo DOC Friuli  Colli Orientali 2012
100% Pignolo

Stunning ruby red colour. A very distinctive nose offering ripe red fruits, dark chocolate. and spice, which follows through to the palate. A medium-full body wine – try and elegant with a long finish.

Thank you “Collavini Team”… I certainly enjoyed this experience!

#collaviniwines #eugeniocollavini #studioCru #makeyourmark #madeinitaly #italianwine #italianwinelovers #italiansparklingwine #vino #winetasting #collliodoc #winetravel #winelife #friuliveneziagiulia #collavinimethod #rosso #colavini

Eugenio Collavini Winery – Part l

The History
Eugenio Collavini is one of the original, pioneering wine producers in Friuli-Venezia Giuli. Not only was Collavini the first in the area to introduce many different styles and techniques to the region, he also revived Ribolla Gialla and created the first sparkling wine from this varietal.

The history of Eugenio Collavini is quite interesting – beginning with the founder, Eugenio Collavini, who supplied wine to stores and noble families back in 1896, followed by his son Giovanni who led the wine estate and business through both world wars. The next generation, Manlio Collavini, who was Giovanni’s son, move the wine business to Corno di Rosazzo and where he introduced “advanced science of oenology” as well as established the head office with the purchase of a XVI Century Manor.

Manlio Collavini is a true pioneer and one of the most respected producers in Italy and is best known for reviving Friuli’s renowned autochthonous grape variety Ribolla Gialla, and bringing Friuli wines to global markets. Here are some of his accomplishments:

  1. Producing a new Pinot Grigio [fermented off the skins] vinified in white;
  2. Began bottling in transparent Bordeaux bottles [to show the pale and bright colours of his wines];
  3. In 1971 he created lI Grigio [trending sparkling wine/from Pinot Grigio grapes]; and
  4. At the end of the ‘70s he produced sparkling Ribolla Gialla, his biggest success to date! [this variety is rare and an ancient native Friuli variety] – this is known as the “Collavini Method”.

The wine estate remains family-owned and continues to be managed by Manlio and his two sons Giovanni and Liugi.

Dachshund Image in Corporate Branding
This logo is a symbol of love between Manlio Collavini and his first dachshund “Ribolla”, who has since passed and is now a tribute.  You will find Ribolla on the Pinot Grigio label.

Location
The wine estate is located in Corno di Rosazzo, with the vineyards being located in both Collio and Collio Orientali DOC appellations.  These two DOCs have had the highest accolades and awards in Friuli. Collio has an abundance of hills, slopes and terraces and is on the border of Slovenia. Collavini currently has 170 hectares under vines and produce 1.5 million bottles/year, with 50% being exported to 50 international markets.

Soil and Climate
Friuli has unique soil and climatic conditions.

The soils here consist of layers of marl and sandstone or ponca – this imparts salinity and a slight mineral edge to the wines.  Ponca is composed of marine fossils from the Adriatic Sea.

Winegrowing in Friuli is marked by the meeting of mountain and sea, rain and wind. This region exists on the edge of the Mediterranean climate, where summers are warm, springs threaten frost, fall is typically rainy, and vintage variation can be considerable

Grape Varieties:
The focus is on local indigenous varieties, including: Ribolla Gialla, Pignolo, Schiopettino and Fruliano, as well as some international varieties, particularly for sparkling wines.

Continues with …Eugenio Collavini Winery – Part ll – Tasting through the range with Luigi Collavini

#collaviniwines #eugeniocollavini #studioCru #makeyourmark #madeinitaly #italianwine #italianwinelovers #italiansparklingwine #vino #winetasting #collliodoc #winetravel #winelife #friuliveneziagiulia #collavinimethod #rosso #colavini