2001 Allegrini Volpolicella Classico

[Thomas]

Auburnwine, in Italy you usually do not get to walk in on a winery tasting room, if there even is a tasting room at the winery. Mainly the big operations welcome tourists. But in many cities you can find an enoteca or two that do a fair job at offering an array of regional wines to sample and to buy. I have found these shops in small villages too.

The very best way to discover Italian wine while there is in the restaurants. I have had house wines (produced either by the proprietor of the restaurant or by a relative or friend of the prop) that made me want to take out a mortgage next door to the place.

Incidentally, to randery, a lot of so-called Chianti that used to come to America was of the lowest quality. It wasn't until quite recently that Americans discovered Italian wine and then Italians got the opportunity to sell their better wines here. I do agree with Roberto, however, about wine being produced as a reflection of the place from which it is produced.

In America we have elevated winemakers to a cult class, and so the winemaker's style or heavy hand or finesse is what writers and others blather on about. In Europe, too, winemakers (or rather the owners of the wineries) are being elevated to cult--American style--and that is a shame. There is a definite difference in vineyards that may be only a hundred feet apart; in my view, that difference should always be reflected in the wine.

If Chianti is too acidic for your taste, there are many wines out there that are not. Your job, should you agree to accept it, is to try them all!!!



[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 04-19-2003).]