What are you drinking today?
I’d stick with a classic: sparkling rose. And who does it better than Ca’ del Bosco?
This Cuvee Prestige Rose is a blend of 75% Pinot Nero, 25% Chardonnay grapes, assembled seamlessly from multiple vintages to create a wine with well-structured body, and all the finesse of a delicate ballet dancer. This sparkler is more than just bubbles- it’s a wine first.
It’s not Champagne. It’s Ca’ del Bosco.
One of my favorite parts about working for an Italian wine importer is that I am able to spend time with Italian winemakers while they are visiting the US. It’s a fantastic study in cultural differences and similarities- and really, it’s just a lot of fun. One theme I have noticed recently is that our visiting winery representatives are always excited about one thing. Sushi. Continue reading
Have you ever driven an Italian man around in the passenger seat of your car? I guarantee he will stoically ignore the seat belt, even after the annoying chime of a warning bell continues to ring.
I also guarantee said Italian will act surprised, every time, when you point out to him that the reason this obnoxious noise is sounding in the car, is that he is neglecting to wear his seat belt. Again.
However the Italians have found a solution to this problem.
A good friend of mine in Catania had this lovely little accessory in his car when he picked me up at the airport in Catania. Funny, rebellious, and charming all at the same time. A little bit dangerous, but mostly just absurdly, fascinatingly, Italian.
Italian Alert! Italian Alert!
While travelling through Lombardia under the guidance of Ca’ del Bosco’s Vittorio Marzotto, we had the pleasure of dining at Le Due Colombe in Franciacorta.
We were thrilled to find the wine list loaded with local wines from Franciacorta- heavy with the region’s famous sparklers, and deep into older vintages. Easily the most comprehensive “local” wine list I have ever seen.
I am always so incredibly impressed with the local seafood in Southern California. This sea urchin (“ricci di mare”) was sourced off the cliffs of La Jolla, just minutes from where we scooped it out of the shell with warm garlic-rubbed toast. Thanks to Baci Ristorante in San Diego, and to Brittany Carlisi of the Henry Wine Group for taking us there to enjoy this heavenly treat.
And what could be better with such a richly luxurious lunch than a glass of Cuvee Prestige from Ca’ del Bosco? Cold, crisp bubbles bolstered by singing acidity and fresh, green apple fruit… Truly the perfect pairing!
*(Vittorio Marzotto approves this message.)
I have grown up in the Italian wine business hearing tales of the Ca’ del Bosco wines. My mentor, David Scott (now with Wirtz Beverage, Nevada), used to entertain me with stories of blind tastings that would pair the Ca’ del Bosco single vineyard Anna Maria Clementi successfully up against the finest champagne.
Many a wine industry pro has regaled me with tales of Maurizio Zanella’s helicopter, procured to take them from Verona during Vinitaly to the winery (which has its own logo-emblazoned heli-pad) for dinner one night. And then of course, there are the wines. Everyone has a favorite- whether it’s the elegant metodo classico sparklers, or one of the winery’s famed and much-heralded still wines. This winery is mythic- not just for me, but for many. Continue reading
As a representative for an Italian wine importer, I am admittedly biased towards the brands I work with. This has everything to do with how well I know the story of the people behind my brands- the winemakers, grape growers and estate owners. I am especially proud to represent Ca’ del Bosco in Franciacorta, a benchmark winery whose founder, Maurizio Zanella, pioneered Franciacorta’s potential for great wines.
My heart swells when I see these bottles proudly displayed in a restaurant like Mozza in Newport Beach, where a team of my fellow Americans- servers, sommeliers and bartenders- are teaching people about this beautiful and important part of Italy’s cultural landscape. I am so fortunate to be part of the team that such incredible Italian wine available to the US market.
Is it boring to write about parkling wine during the week before New Year’s Eve? I would argue emphatically NO (mostly because I drink sparkling wine as often as possible- even on a random Tuesday night in October).
What could be better than a glass of French bubbly? In the opinion of this Italian Wine Geek, a glass of Italian bubbly!
(President Clinton enjoying a glass of Ca’ del Bosco)
We went to the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas as a last stop on our tour to visit the restaurants working with my friend Vittorio’s winery, Ca’ del Bosco. I will admit, we were not adequately prepared for the mind-blowing culinary experience that came next. Chef Vincenzo Scarmiglia, you are a genius. I am already anticipating my next visit to Sirio. If you click through to the rest of this post, you’ll see why.
*Be prepared. This is some seriously gratuitous food porn. (No, grandpa, that’s not what it sounds like).
President Bill Clinton enjoying the Anna Maria Clementi from Ca’ del Bosco.
Next Thursday, November 17th, the Montage’s Loft Restaurant will be hosting a wine dinner of epic proportions. Join us as we eat and drink like royalty- and celebrate Italy’s most incredible Franciacorta producer, Ca’ del Bosco!
