How to Drink Wine Like an Italian
Italians love wine – Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco – the whole shebang. It is said that Italians drink at least a glass of wine per day, and we’re sure that’s true. While the rest of the world may consider drinking ‘wine’ as a luxury, in Italy, it is treated as an everyday custom. Lunch, dinner or dessert – Italians love to pair their meals with a hearty glass of vino. For centuries, perhaps even millennia, the people of the country have had an interest in winemaking. From the Etruscans to the Romans, the art of winemaking runs deep in their veins. In those ancient days, the Romans even believed in the God of wine ‘Bacchus’. The wine was so important to the point that it is used as part of the Roman Catholic sacrament of Holy Communion.
Today, Italy is considered to be one of the largest winemakers in the world, only second to France. In total, there are twenty wine regions in the country, all following the strict rules and restrictions that help regulate the quality of the wines produced. The criteria that dictates these wine regions include grape varietals, geographic areas, ageing requirements and quality control methods. In Albergo Miramonti, we are passionate about wines and the viticulture of Northern Italy, so we hope that this short guide can help you enjoy vino like a local Italian.
VISIT A VINEYARD
Italians love to know where their food comes from. It’s no different with wine. If you’re a lover of vino, then what better way to learn about the winemaking process than visiting an authentic Italian vineyard yourself? In the Northern Italian region of Italy, where our Alpine Hotel is located, there are countless vineyards you can visit. For instance, if you are a fan of the red wine, then try visiting speciality Valtellinese wineries like La Gatta. La Gatta has over cultivated about 30-acres of Nebbiolo grapes in the stunning scenery of the Valtellina landscape. There, you can book a tour of the winery, allowing you to see how the grape variety is grown, as well as how they’re fermented. Without a doubt, learning about how wines are made will not only inform you of interesting knowledge but also foster a better appreciation of Italian Wines.
PAIR WINE WITH FOOD
Finding great food and wine pairing is one of those truly joyful moments in life! Though some certain pairing rules should be followed, it’s all about what feels best for you. In Italy, almost every meal can be paired with a delicious glass of wine, whether that’s a plate of Porcini Tagliatelle or slices of Bresaola salumi – there is always the perfect wine for it. Feel free to experiment and try new combinations, because, in the end, it can help refine your palate and allow you to expand your knowledge in the world of vino. Read our ‘Pairing Wine with Cheese’ guide for some useful tips when it comes to pairing the two Italian delicacies.
CANTINA SOCIALE
In most cases, drinking wine usually involves drinking from a bottle, but if we told you theirs is a way to drink wines from a cask? And at much lower prices? In Italy, there are places called ‘Cantina Sociale’ – or social cellars in English – which allow you to get vino from a cask! Drinking from barrels derives from an age-old tradition where the wines are stored and fermented inside these wooden constructs. It’s as easy as driving up to the cantine sociale, bring your own bottle then fill it up from the casks, at a fraction of the cost.
HAVE APERITIVO
A daily ritual uniquely attributed to Italians is ‘aperitivo’. Aperitivo is a pre-meal drink specifically meant to whet your appetite, just before you have dinner. Though some popular drinks are usually a glass of Negroni or Spritz, much of the drinks does include a mixture of sparkling wines such as Prosecco or sparkling white wine. Aperitivo usually involves drinks that are much sweeter and bubbly. So, if you’re a fan of sparkling wines, then aperitivo is the perfect time to drink a glass. Consider variations such as Prosecco, spumante or even Brachetto.
DESSERT WINES
As you know, wines can be paired with most meals, particularly savoury dishes such as steak or pasta. But some of you may not know that dessert wines are also a thing. Dessert wines are sweeter varieties of wine that are typically paired with desserts. Sweet wines are made from very ripe harvests, which require the right climatic conditions to support it (usually Autumn). In Lombardy, the most well-known wines are Moscato di Scanzo and Sangue di Giuda. To find the perfect desserts to pair with these sweet wines, do read our article on ‘Northern Italian Desserts You Have to Try’.
Travelling to the Italian Alps anytime soon? Why not stay at Albergo Miramonti? We are a small, luxury boutique hotel will fantastic amenities that include a Hotel Spa and Cigar Lounge.
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