All things Italian

Italian food, wine and cul- ture are everywhere you look in our Valley. An incredible selection of restaurants and specialty shops provide outstanding options for enjoying Italian at home or during a night on the town. Local wine retailers understand Valley residents’ appetite for Italian wine, so you’ll find a larger selection of them than you would in most cities our size.

The local events and celebrations of Italian culture are festive gatherings where the old world traditions are remembered and re-enacted so they are kept for generations to come. Some of these festivals have a history nearly as long as the city itself. This Valley celebrates Italian culture in many ways and with great frequency.

An upcoming event in our Valley intends to celebrate the Italian wine-food connection with real emphasis on the historic origins of three Italian wine regions: Friulli, Tuscany and Piemonte. These regions are each unique and diverse in terms of the wines they produce and the traditions of their culinary arts. Although each is Italian, they offer unique perspectives on wine and food.

Friulli is tucked in the northeast corner of the country cradled by the alps with Austria to the north . They are best known for the prized San Daniel Prosciutto, and fresh Adriatic seafood is another popular choice. Their most popular wines are Friulano, Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo.

The Tuscan region is quite famous and often visited by American tourists. Pastas, cheeses, the famed Bisttecca alla Fiorentina and some gelato for dessert are some Tuscan favorites. The region is famous for its Sangviose-based wines including Chianti and Brunello.

Piemonte is in the northwest corner bordered by Switzerland and France. It is fast becoming a new capital for cuisine. They are known mostly for their Nebbiolo-based wines such as Baraolo and Barbresco.

NV Fantinel Prosecco

Attractive straw-yellow appearance with delicate floral tones on the nose and a pleasurably soft, velvety mouth-feel. A consistently popular, lively, classic sparkling wine perfect for any occasion.

2012 Fantinel Pinot Grigio

Delicately coppery, bright white. The nose reveals a mixture of multilayered floral fragrances with a zesty mouth-feel and a balanced body. This aged wine displays balance and authenticity, like the land of its origin.

2012 Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba

Uniquely rich characteristics with intense, pleasant fruity flavors of strawberry, marasca cherries and fragrances of violets and rosebuds. Soft and lightly tannic with hints of almond perfectly complement its bouquet throughout the finish.

2011 La Maialina Chianti

Ruby red, with bright aromas and flavors of red cherries and ripe strawberries with hints of sweet spices and a subtle finish. Represents incredible value at its price point.

2011 Giacomo Borgogno Dolcetto

Intense ruby red color — almost purple. Vinous, fresh and fruity in the nose, very pleasant fragrance. Dry and fragrant flavor with notes of almond.