A Taste of Tuscany - Walking Holidays in Italy

The Campo dei Miracoli ("Field of Miracles") ie Site. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Tony Maniscalco 
Wine and Walking in Italy There's more to the wine region of Tuscany than the much-coveted Brunello. The wine buffs would tell you that from the 1980's Tuscany has been producing new wines called Super Tuscans that have found international popularity. It's not uncommon to combine wine and walking in Italy into wine-tasting and walking holidays.

The Ampelography of Chianti

A close-up view of sangiovese grapes to be made into Chianti at the Colle Lungo vineyard in Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Giovanni Balboni


While there are many people who might enjoy a wonderful holiday with a Chianti villa rental, there is one subsection of the general populace who find it particularly appealing - ampelographers! Confused? Don't worry - if you've never heard it before, ampelography is just the term for the field of botany which studies the classification and identification of grapevines. As a scientific discipline, it grew to prominence in the 19th century, as it became important to gain a greater knowledge of grapevines in the face of diseases and pests such as phylloxera. The grape vine is an extremely mutable species, making the study of it absolutely fascinating - and its good news for wine lovers as well, as it allows the range of different vintages we enjoy today. An ampelographer visiting Chianti will find a lot to mull over while sampling the region's wines.

Winter Attractions And Events In Sardinia

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The beautiful island of Sardinia that lies east of the Italian mainland has a relatively mild winter. And yet I know that you definitely would not want to sit in your shirtsleeves in a seaside cafe sipping a local wine. This indescribable pleasure will have to wait for the other seasons.

Wine Tasting at Chianti Hills – An Experience to Remember!

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Author: nfmmbs

When it comes to exotic wines, nothing can even come close to the Tuscan wine! Wouldn't it be exciting if you get a chance to visit the Chianti Hills in Tuscany and actually be a part of the wonderful wine making process itself? Your mouth will start watering even as you think about it. Stop dreaming and start planning a Tuscan wine tour just for the love of wine!

Chianti Hills is undoubtedly the best and the most popular wine region in Italy. It's no wonder that Chianti is synonymous with excellent wine all around the world'. The enthralling hills of Chianti stand gigantically amidst Italy's art cities such as Tuscany, Florence, Siena, and Arezzo.

Italian wines conquer restaurants around the world

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Author: Albapp

Italy is the country that produces the most wine in the world. Followed by France, Spain and the United States, it is one of the most recognized producers and a guarantee of quality that has earned its place in the best restaurants and wineries in the world.
Italian wines are actually one of the best options for restaurants all around the world when it is the time of composing a wine list since they are very food-friendly and has varieties for every kind of dish. Italy has, in fact, the largest range of wine varieties in the world, which means that almost any item in a restaurant menu can find a perfect match on an Italian wine. From French to Mexican cuisine, fine Italian wines are your safest bet.

Where to drink a good wine in Rome

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Author: leonhouses

Drinking good wines in Rome

Rome is not only monuments, history and museums. For tourists wishing to enjoy a good glass of wine either white or red there are many wine cellars also in the city centre. There is not actually a specific tradition for white or red wine in Lazio region and consequently in Rome. We can say the surroundings of Rome were historically more connected to a white wine tradition, but now things are changing and also red wine is having a very good production expecially in the south part of the region Lazio with Casal del Giglio. Many wine bars organize also tasting or meetings about vineyards, harvesting, fermentation and more in general about the processes related to the production of Italian wine.

Chianti Means Wine, First Of All

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The beauty and charm of the Chianti hills have been described by many. The grace of Chianti's landscapes and villages, with their little alleys and magic corners, and Chianti's churches, have fascinated passersby for more than a century. Out of all the attractions that this amazing region offers, one in particular stands out from all the others and has become legendary over the centuries.



Not many wines in the world can claim the same popularity. Brunello and Barolo are certainly good wines, but Chianti, although a little less aristocratic, is somehow more social and convivial. Chianti is a wine for both lords and peasants, a wine to sip at sunset, at the end of a hard day of work, while looking at the light that touches the long vineyards and the twisted branches of the olive trees.

Sicilian Wine, the Perfect Compliment to Your Meal!

Image by AJ Baxter via Flickr

By James Iozia

Sicilian wine is regarded as one of the best wines in the world. With the ideal growing conditions present in Sicily, namely the warm temperatures, the hilly terrain and the rich soil caressed by sea breezes, it is not surprising that Sicilian wine has been an integral part of the Sicilian diet for centuries-and that it is gaining in popularity world-wide today. Originally, Sicilian wine was really only identified with Marsala, which is a sweet wine often used for cooking or served with dessert. Recently however, even top wine experts from America are taking note of the good, world-class wines being offered in Sicily.

A Wine Lover's Weekly Guide To $10 Wines - A Chardonnay From Lazio, Italy

Image by gengish via FlickrBy: Levi Reiss
This kosher Chardonnay comes from the Lazio region of central Italy. Lazio, which also goes by the name of Latium, is home to Rome. It is often said that Latium's wines tend to be mediocre because Rome is a huge market and Romans, or perhaps the millions of tourists, will drink anything. Such sweeping statements may be dead wrong. I'm not necessarily a fan of Chardonnay, but I tend to prefer it to Latium's native white varieties, Malvasia and Trebbiano. Unless I'm forgetting something, this is my first Italian Chardonnay and one of my first wines from Lazio.

Before reviewing this wine, let me state a few things about the bottler, Cantina Sant' Andrea. This family business started on Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean Sea between mainland Sicily and Tunisia about 150 years ago. Later the vineyards were relocated to Tunisia where they were expropriated in 1964. So the family moved to the Pontine, marshland that was reclaimed during the time of BM, Benito Mussolini.
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review have been purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed Chardonnay Lazio IGT 2008 12.0% alcohol about $10
There were no marketing materials, and the label said nothing about the wine. I even looked for additional reviews on the Internet after finishing my tests but came up with nothing.
At the first sips the wine was lemony but short. Its first pairing was with smoked rainbow trout filet (alas, not as good as it may sound) and a grated red cabbage salad. The wine tasted of apples and its acidity did well with the fish's grease. With the red cabbage, the Chardonnay intensified; it was refreshing but light. There were two desserts. The fresh pineapple just overpowered the wine. But with oversweet chocolate peanut butter candy the wine was lemony and fairly long.
The next meal involved a boxed eggplant parmigiana slathered with grated Parmesan cheese. Now the Chardonnay presented great acidity; it meshed with the tomatoes. It was lemony with nice length. The dessert of a frozen chocolate pie virtually muted the wine.
My final meal was composed of an omelet garnished with fresh tomatoes. The wine showed very pleasant acidity with a lemon taste and good length. Interestingly enough the fresh tomato rendered the wine rounder. With a side of grilled artichoke dip that tasted more of mayonnaise than of the grill, the wine was perky.
I finished the tastings (but not the bottle) with two local cheeses. When paired with a marbled cheddar it came up round with light, lemony acidity. And with provolone the wine tasted of green apples.
Final verdict. I saw no reason to finish the bottle. It was OK, but not really that good. Prejudices die hard. I am not prejudiced against kosher wines; many of them are fairly good. But I am rather prejudiced against Lazio wines. While I am always ready to taste others, I have yet to encounter a fine one.

 


Author Resource:-> Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but really prefers fine Italian or other wine, with good food and company. He loves teaching computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. His global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com features a weekly review of $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines. His Italian travel website is www.travelitalytravel.com .

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A Wine Lover's Weekly Guide To $10 Wines - A Portuguese Red

Image via WikipediaBy: Levi Reiss
The Douro Valley of northwest Portugal is quite famous for its Port wine. Today's wine is not a Port, but it is made from typical Port grapes such as Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional. While this wine isn't organic, its producer has developed an Environment Management System, which it sees as a contribution towards sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources. By the way, Charamba is a Nineteenth Century Portuguese dance.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review have been purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed Charamba Douro 2007 13.0% alcohol cost about $9.
Let's start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note: Deep purple color with ruby highlights; aromas of plum, black currant, and spice; dry, medium to full-bodied, crisp acidity, with flavors of spice, earth, and red currant. Serving Suggestion: Serve with spareribs. And now for my review.
At the first sips the wine started thin but was quite long. It pleasantly tasted of oak. Its first pairing was with home made chicken "nuggets" with Mediterranean spices to which I added an orange slightly sweet, slightly spicy Thai dipping sauce. With the sauced chicken the wine was powerful with a pleasant taste of oak. It was round and lightly tannic. The wine balanced nicely with the accompanying potatoes roasted in chicken fat. There was also an overly spicy salsa with tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and cilantro that weakened the Douro somewhat.
The next meal involved a boxed eggplant parmigiana that I slathered in grated Parmesan cheese. The wine presented the right combination of acid and tannins. There were plums and caramel.
My final meal was composed of barbecued beef ribs in a sweet ketchup-based sauce. This wine was quite powerful and tasted oaky with some tobacco. The accompaniments were the same as in the initial pairing. When it met the potatoes the wine retained its power and washed the grease away. Once again the salsa weakened the wine, but only marginally.
I ended the bottle with two local cheeses. When paired with a relatively tasteless brick cheese, the wine provided some black cherries and cinnamon. It was pleasant but not powerful. When paired with a tastier Swiss cheese, the wine was somewhat acidic with black cherries but it was weakened.
Final verdict. Not bad for a bargain wine. I would buy it again. In fact, you may be lucky enough to find it for considerably less.


Author Resource:-> Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but definitely prefers drinking fine French, German, or other wine. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com features a weekly review of $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines. Visit his Italian wine website www.theitalianwineconnection.com .

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The Little Known Gamay Wine

Image via WikipediaBy : Sarah Martin
Unless you are a connoisseur of French wines, you may not be familiar with Gamay wine. It is also known as Beaujolais wine because it is mainly grown in the Beaujolais region of Burgundy. Outside of France, it is produced in small quantities by wineries in California, Australia and New Zealand.
The wine tends to be light with a low alcohol level, but care has to be taken during the production to have it just right. There is only a small window of opportunity before the wine becomes too light, too acidic or too thin. This wine is usually aged less than one year and they should be consumed within two years after they are bottled.
One of the distinctive features of Gamay wine is its scent. Like other red wines, it does have the scent of ripe red berries. However, since it is aged in wood barrels, it takes on some of the scent characteristics of the wood, giving it a scent of vanilla, oak or smoke.

While these scents are similar to that of other wines, if you smell the wine just above the rim of the glass, you will get the smell of ripe yellow pears. The scent of banana is always present, but this is more like an artificial scent, such as you would find in banana flavored candy. One of the most unusual scents of this wine is that of Bubblegum.

One of the reasons why the Gamay grape is not widely grown is that it does need granitic soil in order to thrive, which it does have in the Beaujolais region. The grape, itself, is dark red with white juice and tastes very smooth and fruity.

The full name of the grape is Gamay Noir á Jus Blan, which sums up what the description of the grape—black grape with white juice. In areas where the soil and climate conditions are just right, this grape grows well and produces an abundant yield. It is a temperamental grape however, similar to Pinot Noir, that requires precise growing conditions.

The Gamay grape was first discovered in the mid 1300’s in the village of Gamay, from which it takes its name. The juice and wine was very beneficial in helping the people of the village recover from the effects of the Black Death.

It ripened two weeks earlier than other grape varieties and was not as hard to cultivate, which led to its popularity in this wine growing area of France. However, the Duke of Burgundy outlawed the cultivation of the grape in favor of planting grapes that produced more elegant wines.

Connoisseurs of wine will tell you that Gamay wine is a very pleasant drink when slightly chilled. There are several varieties of this wine that range from deep purple to light rose in color. It is also suitable to mix with other red wines such as Merlot and Carignane for a combination of flavors and scents.

This is the choice of many who order a glass of wine in a bistro, but it goes well with almost any meat dish. It also goes well with tuna. It is one of those wines that you don’t have to sip. It is easy to drink and since it is an inexpensive French wine, you can have a supply of it on ice to serve guests at your next barbecue or informal gathering.
Author Resource:- Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, California. She is a frequent wine taster and enjoys researching the history of wine making and famous vineyards. For a wide selection of varietals including Gamay and Carignane, please visithttp://www.wineaccess.com.
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Mourvedre—The Slow Ripening Grape

Image via WikipediaBy : Sarah Martin
Originating in Spain, Mourvedre wine comes from a grape that requires a hot climate. It ripens late in the season, which is why it is perfect for areas that are prone to frost late in the spring. It has a very thick skin, which makes it resistant to rot and disease.
The lateness of the ripening process, however, can leave it susceptible to cold temperatures of an early winter. It also does well in windy areas where other varieties of grapes cannot thrive. The grapes grow in tight bunches on the vine, which means that they need good ventilation during the growing period.
Other than that, this variety of grape does not need a lot of care while it is on the vine. The vines are vertical making it easy to head prune them to give the ripening grapes the benefit of more exposure to the sun.

Mourvedre grapes are very challenging grapes to grow because of the variation in the yield they produce. One year may give a very good yield and the next year the crop of grapes may not be as good.

Most grapes that are grown commercially usually produce their first yield in the first three to five years, but this grape could take as long as ten years before any grapes grow on the vine. They do need to have lots of water, but at the same time a very humid climate could be harmful to them.

Mourvedre is most often used as a blend with other wines because on its own it doesn’t have very much taste. The unblended wines have deep color and have high tannic levels. They have medium alcohol content and when young, have an earthy and spicy aroma.

The wine is aged in heavy oak barrels which add a taste or sweet wood and the aroma of tar and toast. The wines produced from the Mourvedre grapes are known as Mataro wines in California and Australia.

One of the wines with which it is quite often blended is Grenache because it tends to soften this wine and add to its body.

Wines made from the Mourvedre grape have a deep color and earthy aromas, such as leather, truffles and wild game. Sometimes these flavors are so strong that one may think the wine is actually sour.

The wine is well suited to aging and in a well made wine these strong aromas will soften with age. When Grenache is added, the fruity aromas tend to lessen the earthy scents.

The Mourvedre wines are also known by other names in different parts of the world, similar to how Shiraz often is referred to in various different names and pronunciations.

In Portugal and North America, this wine is called Mataro, while in Spain it goes under the name of Monastrell. This is very helpful when you order wines online.

There are numerous sites where you can buy a bottle or case – whatever your needs are at the time. According to wine connoisseurs, one of the best such wines on the market is that of Juan Gil, which is made from 100% Mourvedre grapes.

When unopened, this wine will age in the bottle and last for three to five years. It is well matched with meat and vegetable dishes, because the wine accentuates the earthy flavors.
Author Resource:- Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, California. She specializes in international travel, cuisine, and fine wines, such as Shiraz and Mourvedre. For a wide selection of quality varietals, please visithttp://www.wineaccess.com.
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I Love Italian Travel - Val d'Aosta Wine Tours

Image via WikipediaSo you are planning to visit Val d'Aosta, a sliver of mountainous land bordering on Switzerland and France. This beautiful region is bilingual and boasts some of the best skiing in Europe for example on Mount Blanc near Courmayeur. In this tiny region you'll find some 150 historic castles, forts, and towers. Visit the medieval village of Bard and the fort that impeded Napoleon's military progress for two weeks way back when. St. Vincent has been a spa resort for more than one hundred years and is popular with the jet set. If you have time for only one castle, make it the Castello Fénis and don't miss its ancient frescoes. Visit the Parco Nazionale de Gran Paradiso (Grand Paradise National Park) is Italy's first national park, and once belonged to King Victor Emanuel III. You'll see many species unique to Europe. Finish your tour in the capital Aosta home to the cathedral, other historic churches, and Roman ruins. The Ad Forum Enoteca, built on ancient Roman walls in the center of the city, is a great place to taste local wines.

Val d'Aosta handles wine classification differently from almost any other region of Italy. There is a single DOC zone that covers the entire region. Most of the thirteen wine styles are identified by grape variety. The reds are dry but the whites may be dry or sweet, still, frizzy, or sparkling. However, very little of the local wine is exported to North America. After all, there are a mere 385 acres (about 155 hectares) of vineyards in the entire Val d'Aosta DOC that are exploited by thousands of growers.

Important white grape varieties include the local Blanc de Morgex and Petite Arvine (popular in Switzerland. International varieties include Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Local red varieties include Petit Rouge, Picotendro (called Nebbiolo in neighboring Piedmont), Premetta, and Fumin. International red varieties include Gamay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Syrah. For a tiny volume there are lots of grape varieties.

Companies that sell regional wine tours include di Vino Tours, Italian Wine Holidays, and Wine Tour Italia. Regional wineries that accept visits include Cave du Vin Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle in Morgex and Societa Agricola Les Cretes in Aymavilles. Contact the Institut Agricole Régional in Aosta and Viticulteurs Encaveurs Vallee d'Aoste in Quart for information about visiting other wine producers. A few words of warning are in order. Make sure to verify ahead of time for opening hours and whether English is spoken. Some of these places may charge admission; others may expect you to buy some of their products.


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Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which includes information on Italian wine and food.

I Love Italian Travel - Wine Touring In Trentino-Alto Adige

Image via WikipediaSo you are planning a visit to Trentino-Alto Adige, a region of northeastern Italy bordering Switzerland and Austria that features the Alps and the Dolomites. Ski resorts abound as do forests. Most residents of Alto Adige designate German as their mother tongue. Let's start at Caldaro in the southwest of Alto Adige. Its town center hosts and the historic Church of Santa Caterina in the center of Caldaro; it's also home to a beautiful lake and the Museo Provinciale del Vino. Naturno is home to the Seventh Century Church of San Procolo whose ancient frescoes are among the oldest in the German-speaking world. Nearby you'll find the Thirteenth Century Castel Juval. Merano, sometimes called the city of flowers, boasts many beautiful promenades. The famous Cure Promenade splits into two, the shady Passeggiata d'Estate (Summer Promenade) and the sunny Passeggiata d'Inverno (Winter Promenade). If you're in the neighborhood be sure to see its Christmas Market. The local capital Bolzano (Bozen) has a fine Gothic cathedral, other churches worth visiting, as is South Tyrol Archeological Museum whose star attraction is Oetzi, the more than five thousand year old iceman. There's a strada del vino (Weinstrasse-wine route) that runs mostly in Alto Adige from Salarno to Bolzano.

Trentino has many sights to see including Museo Storico Italiano della Guerra (Italian Historical War Museum) in Roverto. Its capital, Trento, was the site of the historic Council of Trent that shaped the Church in the Sixteenth Century and is home to many classical churches. Don't miss the fresco collection at the Museo Provinciale d'Arte (Provincial Art Museum) situated in the Castello del Buonconsiglio (Castle of Good Counsel). Madonna di Campiglio advertises itself as Italy's number one ski resort.

The region is not home to any DOCG wines and few of the DOC wines stand out from the others. Despite being so far north, this region still produces more red than white wine. Regional wine classification is different from most of the rest of Italy. The Alto Adige DOC includes dozens and dozens of grape varieties and styles. Trentino and Alto Adige share only two designations. It's fair to say that you can't pick a wine on the basis of its name. But isn't that often the case elsewhere in Italy, and around the world?

Grape varieties abound. Let's start with the whites. Gewuerztraminer may have first come from in the Alto Adige town of Termeno (Tramin). Pinot Bianco is important as is Sauvignon Blanc often called Sauvignon. The popular German Mueller-Thurgau does quite well in Trentino. Try to find Nosiola, a Trentino native. The major local red is Schiava (Vernatsch) in both Trentino and Alto Adige. Other important local Trentino varieties include Teroldego and Marzemino. Alto Adige's second most popular local red grape is Lagrein. The popular international red grapes are Pinot Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot which are also grown in Trentino. My apologies for the relative complexity of the region wine scenes.

Companies selling regional wine tours include Prime Italy, Vineria, Wine Tour Italia, and Alabaster and Clark Wine Tours Worldwide. Some of the regional wineries accepting visitors include Pojer e Sandri in Faedo, Tiefenbrunner in Bolzano, and Cantina Produttori Valle Isarco in Chiusa. A few words of warning are in order. Make sure that you check ahead of time for opening hours and whether English is spoken. Some of these places may charge admission; others may expect that you purchase some of their products.


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Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but to tell the truth, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.

I Love Italian Travel - The Marches Wine Tours

Image via WikipediaI Love Italian Travel - The Marches Wine Tours
So you have decided to go to Marches, a small region of Italy on the Adriatic Sea. The Marches (it's often spelled with The) is relatively unknown to tourists. This is a great place to see the real Italy. Sights to see include the college town of Urbino with a lovely Palazzo Ducale that houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche and the Casa Natale de Raffaello, the house where Raphael was born. While the National Gallery doesn't contain much work by Raphael, you can view Titian's Resurrection and Last Supper.
The coastal city of Pesaro has the usual (for Italy) components of Ducal Palace, Cathedral, castle, churches, and museums. One museum is devoted to a local boy, the opera composer Rossini. Head further down the coast to the port of Ancona and visit the Duomo di San Ciriaco (Cathedral). Stroll the streets of the old city. Loreto is home to the Santuario della Santa Casa (House of the Virgin Mary). Festival time is Easter week and December 10, the Feast of the Holy House. Finish your tour at Ascoli Piceno. Visit the Piazza del Populo (Square of the People) and the Thirteenth Century Palazzo dei Capitani del Populo (Palace of the People's Captains). Festival time is the first Sunday in August, a day devoted to the city's patron saint, Saint Emidio.

Marches, tucked between the Appennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, produces two top of the line wines, Rosso Cònero Riserva DOCG made from mostly Montepulciano and up to 15% Sangiovese grapes in the hills surrounding Mount Cònero near Ancona. The Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG is a red sparkling wine made mostly from the Vernaccia Nera grape near Macerata towards the region's center. The regions' most popular wines are the white Verdicchios: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC and Verdicchio di Matelica DOC. They are usually dry but can be sweet. Be careful, their quality is variable. Try to find Bianchello del Metauro DOC wine from the rare Biancame white grape.

In addition to the grape varieties mentioned previously common white varieties include the Italian Trebbiano, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The local red Lacrima is relatively rare. Common red varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

Companies that sell wine tours of The Marches include Prime Italy, Vineria la Birba, Hotel Universal Senigala, and Wine Tour Italia. Marches wineries that accept visits include Il Conte in Momteprandone and Casa Vinicola Gioacchino Garofoli in Loreto. Belisario in Matelica offers an extensive wine bar. A few words of warning are in order. Be sure to check ahead of time for opening hours and whether English is spoken. Some places may charge admission; others may expect you to buy some of their products.


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Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet but he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches various computer classes in an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.
 

I Love Italian Travel - Wine Touring In Lombardy

Image via WikipediaSo you are planning to visit Lombardy, a region of northern Italy bordering on Switzerland, the Gulf of Taranto, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its regional capital and largest city is Milan, the center of Italian finance, fashion, and media. Lombardy is home to La Scala, the greatest opera house in Europe, or perhaps the whole world. And the Cathedral of Milan, ooh, la, la. You will find museums galore and the massive, impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an upscale Nineteenth Century shopping mall.
Small towns in Lombardy that are well worth visiting include Pavia which houses an important university, Cremona the historic center of violin making, and Mantua, where Romeo fled after killing Juliet's cousin. Its Palazzo Ducale contains 500 rooms one of which took a master seven years to paint. Save some time and money to visit the lakes. Lombardy doesn't border any sea but it's home to Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo, Lake Orta, Lake Como, and Lake Garda which spills over into the neighboring regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. Each lake has its own special attractions, as do the lakeside towns such as Bellagio, considered one of the loveliest towns in Europe, and honored by a hotel of that name in Las Vegas.

Lombardy is home to three DOCG wines. Franciacorta is produced near Lake Iseo between Bergamo and Brescia. This is Italy's answer to Champagne and priced accordingly. The rosé tends to cost more than the white. Sforzato di Valtellina and Valtellina Superiore are vinified from the red Nebbiolo grape locally known as Chiavennasca. Perhaps it's no surprise that these wines comes from western Lombardy not far from Piedmont. After all, Nebbiolo is Piedmont's signature grape. Just for the record Sforzato di Valtellina is made from dried grapes and often costs more than Valtellina Superiore. The best Valtellina Superiore wines tend to come from the rocky Sassella subdistrict.

The major white grape varieties include the local Garganega (the major componenent of Soave in next-door Veneto), Trebbiano di Lugana, Riesling Renano, and its cousin, Riesling Italico. International white grape varieties include Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, the major components of Franciacorta. Regional reds include Barbera, Bonarda, Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo), and Lambrusco. Pinot Noir is found in Franciacorta and some other wines such as the high-volume Oltrepò Pavese DOC made in a wide variety of styles.

Companies selling regional wine tours include Prime Italy, Le Baccanti, Romantic Travel Destinations Getaway, and Wine Tour Italia. Regional wineries accepting visits include Berlucchi in Cortefranca, Cavalleri in Erbusco, and Sertoli Salis in Tirano. A few words of warning are in order. Make sure that you check ahead of time for opening hours and whether English is spoken. Some places may charge admission; others may expect you to buy some of their products.


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Over the years Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet but simply prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, with the right foods. He teaches a variety of computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which includes information on Italian wine and food.


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I Love Italian Travel - Liguria Wine Tours

Image via WikipediaSo you are planning to tour Liguria. You have probably heard about the historic port of Genoa from which Christopher Columbus set out to visit "The New World". You may be familiar with the Italian Riviera, unashamed competitor to its French counterpart. Perhaps you have heard about Cinque Terre, five seaside villages that are a favorite with hikers and romantics.
If you haven't been to Liguria you may not have ever tasted Ligurian wine. Not very much is exported to North America. On a personal note, I have tasted and reviewed wines from 19 of Italy's 20 regions. Only Liguria was missing. While researching this article I found a red and a white that I ordered on-line. At lost last I have finally reviewed both in other columns.
The little town of Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages is festival land; it celebrates a Lemon Feast on the Saturday just prior to Ascension Sunday, a Flower Festival of Corpus Christi on the second Sunday after Pentecost, and a Salted Anchovy and Olive Oil Festival on the second weekend of September. Or you may prefer the upscale village of Portofino to see how the other half lives. If you love eating fish you can find a wide variety of restaurants ranging from mom and pop trattorias to fancy restaurants. Or visit the Acquario di Genova, which is Europe's largest aquarium.


The soil is poor; the slopes are steep and well-drained. Liguria has what it takes to produce fine wines. But, perhaps unfortunately, more and more of the agricultural production is going to olive groves, flowers, or housing for the numerous tourists. Ligurian grape varieties include the white Vermentino and the red Ormeasco (known as Dolcetto in neighboring Piedmont) and Rossese. They also produce some wine from one of Italy's red signature grapes, Sangiovese.



Liguria festivals include: Portofino - St. George Bonfire in April, Riomaggiore - Feast of San Giovanni in June. Casella - Historical Festival and Palio in August, Levanto - Maritime Festival in July. Pontinvrea - Cherry Festival in June, Castiglione Chiavare - Eggplant Festival in August and Bogliasco - Olive Oil Festival in August.



Companies offering wine tours of Liguria include La Dolce Vita Wine Tours, Nyala Wonder Travel, and Wine Roads. Liguria wineries that hosting visits include A Maccia Azienda Agricola in Ranzo and Terre Bianche in Dolceacqua. They are both involved in agrotourism, so you can spend a good part of your vacation on site.

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Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his new wine, diet, health, and nutrition website www.wineinyourdiet.com and his Italian travel website www.travelitalytravel.com.



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Holidays in Alsace, France

Image via WikipediaBy Phil Hanlon
Alsace is one of the most industrialized regions in France. Historically, this province was used by the Romans for viticulture. Currently situated at the junction between France and Germany this happens to be a bilingual and multicultural region which distinct local identity. Owing to its strategic location, this has become a powerhouse of pan European business development. This part of France has one of the best standards of living with a strong per capita GDP. Apart from being a modern and development oriented the Alsace also has a long historical background.

Place for Holiday and Leisure

Alsace presents a varied form of leisure as well as adventure activity. It has seven high quality green golf courses on offer for the lovers of this sport. Those with explorer's spirit would undoubtedly enjoy cycle rides across various landscapes. Evenings can be best spent in the neighboring theaters or enjoying cabaret and gambles at local casinos. The luxurious spas across hills and forests offer super quality health and beauty treatments for its visitors. It is an idyllic way to rejuvenate your spirit and sense of well being.

Adventure and Sports

The Vosges Mountains gives the adventurous a perfect recipe for escapade though a series of airborne sports like hang gliding, Paragliding, and parachuting. Discovering the changing landscapes and beautiful natural spots by mountain biking and cycling is a favorite way pastime during family holidays. Alsace plays host to a lot of different kind winter sports activity owing to its 11 different ski resorts

History and culture

For those with an interest in heritage and culture, the Alsace has lots to offer. Ranging from pre history to modern arts, the 250 museums spread across the region is a treat for history lovers. The region of Alsace has had a turbulent history marked by wars of different kingdoms. The sheer number of feudal castles stands testimony to the ages of warfare witnessed by Alsace. This area has the highest concentration of castles in whole of Europe. Haut Koenigsbourg castle happens to be most visited and highly popular among local as well as international tourists.

Vineyards and culinary delights

Alsace is a heaven for wine and food lovers. Traditional Alsatian festivities offer perfect way to enjoy various culinary specialties in their entire customary splendor. Be it the apple pie or the famous bredele Christmas cakes, or traditional Alsatian sauerkraut, it is well known for its startling range of modern and traditional cuisines. The vineyards of Alsace present a wide range of flavored wines, which can surprise the taste buds with its enchanting variety.

Alsace thus amalgamates history with modern industrialization offering its visitor a delightful time on all levels.

The Author writes for Holiday Home Rentals who have a selection of Gites in Alsace and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.
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This is St Gervais Mont Blanc

Image by Ben Oh via Flickr

One of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world, located only 45 minutes from Geneva airport, and with immediate access to 450km of linked pistes... but you've never heard of it! Welcome to St Gervais Mont Blanc.

Some of you well-travelled skiers will have heard of St Gervais before, yet few have ever skied there or even know much about it, the British just don't tend to go there, with the massive drawing power of Chamonix and Megeve only 15 minutes either way down the road from St Gervais, it just literally gets passed by.

I'm going to tell you why it shouldn't (and why it's great that it does!).

Founded in the Roman era - the town flourished during the middle ages as one of the largest market towns in the Alps - and bringing in tourists since 1806, St Gervais is that very rare thing, a ski resort with real character and real history. The first ski lift, the famous rack and pinion railway, situated just 200m from our chalet, was installed in 1904 and still runs today as the highest rack and pinion railway in Europe!


St Gervais feels like a genuine French town, Why? because it is. Here is a town with a weekly market, a museum, a baroque church, two professional local artists, three local potters, a train station, an Olympic sized ice rink, a public library, an all year-round riding school, a husky sled company, proper primary school, and one of the finest spa's in the whole of France. Then theres the pretty town square with its stone fountain, park and permanent fairground carousel. This half of town is where you'll find the majority of the restaurants and bars, with the ski lifts just the other side of the bridge over the dramatic gorge that runs through the centre of the town. A casual 10 minute walk or a two minute ride on the excellent free buses gets you right to the lifts.

If you're after a crazy apres-ski and wild nightlife, then I highly recommend Val D'Isere or St Anton, they're great resorts, but its not really what we do here. Though not famouts for its night-life, St Gervais offers over 50 bars, cafes and restaurants. From classy cocktail and wine bars, to dingy little locals spots. But this is not a party town, we dont have drunken gordes stumbling home from the pub at 2am, and thats fine by us. For families there is a super little creche and ski school, quiet and well groomed pistes, and some great mountains restaurants.

Then there's the location. If you've skied in the Alps before, then I'm sure you know the pain of the transfer: your plane arrives on time only for you to sit on your bus for two hours because the other flight was delayed, then you drive for three hours along winding mountain lanes, There is none of that here; with numerous great value transfer companies, you can get from your seat on the plane to the cake in the chalet in an hour!

As for the important stuff, the skiing: St Gervais, and its area, the Evasion Mont Blanc, has 450km of runs. The area is predominantly suited to improving beginners and intermediates who enjoy being able to ski or board the whole mountain-range on empty runs without horrible blacks or icy blind corners.

So, St Gervais Mont Blanc, a beautiful, peaceful resort; easy to get to, great skiing and empty pistes. Just don't tell too many people...

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Jamie Forrest is a passionate skiier and chef, who has been running private Catered Chalet Holidays for 8 years. He now runs three in St Gervais sleeping from 4 -10 guests, and offering freindly service and great food. see why 'The Guardian' called him "the sweetest and most devoted chalet host in the Alps" http://www.ski-bliss.com

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I Love Wine And Italy - Wine Touring In The Apulia Region

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So you want to tour Apulia, the heel of the Italian boot surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Taronto. This is part of the south, in many ways the real, unspoiled Italy. The boot's spur is the beautiful Promontorio del Gargano (Gargano Promontory). You may want to visit the Foresta Umbra (Shady Forest), a real ecological delight bursting with animal and plant life. There's the mysterious eight-sided Castel del Monte. Don't miss the unique Apulian habitations, Trulli, that look like limestone teepees. Would you believe that some have been transformed into wineries? The Grotte di Castellana form the largest network of caves in all Italy. You may finish your tour in the relatively unknown city of Lecce, sometimes called "the Florence of the south." You'll find baroque architecture, a cathedral, historic churches, a Piazza, and the remains of a Roman Amphitheater. Don't forget to stop by the inexpensive Wine Bar Corte dei Pandolfini.




Apulia, also known as Puglia, is a high-volume wine producer. The plains are hot and fertile, so that sounds like three strikes against fine wine. To some extent this is true, but forward-looking producers are making a real effort to trade quality for quantity. The region's best-known wine is Castel del Monte DOC, which is produced near the capital Bari in the central north. It is made in a wide variety of styles, but I wouldn't usually write home about it. A usually better choice is the red or rosé Copertino DOC made from Apulia's signature red grape Negroamaro in the south near Lecce. If you manage to locate any Aleatico di Puglia DOC, grab it. The same goes for Moscato di Trani. These wines are both sweet and perhaps fortified. They are unfortunately rare.



Common white grape varieties include the local Verdeca and Bombino Bianco said to resemble a child with outstretched arms, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, and Chardonnay. Common local red varieties include the local Negroamaro, Uva di Troia, and Zinfandel's cousin, Primitivo. You'll also encouter the Italian varieties Sangiovese and Montepulciano.



Companies that sell wine tours of Apulia include iExplore, Rustic Cooking, Wine Lovers Tours, and Alabaster and Clark Wine Tours Worldwide. Apulia wineries that accept visits include Conti Zecca in Leverano, Leone de Castris in Salice Salentino, and Azienda Vinicola Rivera S.p.A. in Andria. A few words of warning are in order. Make sure that you check ahead of time for opening hours and whether English is spoken. Some places may charge admission; others may expect that you buy some of their products.

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Levi Reiss authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books but he really prefers drinking fine wine with the right foods. He loves teaching computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com featuring a weekly review of $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines.



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