Uncorked: Italy Edition

“In vino veritas.” - Italian Proverb

This popular Italian proverb means “Wine makes people tell the truth” . Wine has played such a huge role on the Italian peninsula since ancient Roman times. During our trip in January we were able to experience some of the wines Italy had to offer, and we were not disappointed.

When we visited Italy, one of the highlights from our trip was visiting Rimessa Roscioli. The staff not only introduced us to some wonderful new wines, but gave us a spectacular history lesson on the Italian winemaking process. We were able to learn about some of the amazing wine regions around Italy as well. Our experience at the wine shop was spectacular, and we were so thrilled that they were able to ship us some lovely bottles back home.

Today I’m sharing what wines we enjoyed and purchased in Rome.

Admiring all of the wines Rome has to offer.

Spending some quality time with Paola Carlomosti our lovely wine sommelier for the evening.

What We Picked: Sparkling

• Cascina Ronchi - This is a blend of Malvasia and Spergola varietals.  The wine is well balanced, clean and crisp. The bubbly is the perfect compliment to any dish, especially seafood.

• SoloUva - This is a Chardonnay grape and is aged in stainless steel for approximately 36 months. Also, this wine is Vegan, which is so unique for a bubbly. I definitely cannot wait to enjoy this during the warmer months ahead.

Getting acquainted with the Cascina Ronchi.

My new favorite bubbly the impeccable SoloUva.

Cascina Ronchi & SoloUva

What We Picked: Reds

• Castello Dei Rampolla Chianti - I was on the hunt for a Chianti wine during our visit, especially since it is my Dad’s favorite. So, when we tried this bottle, I knew it was the one. This wine is a blend, 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot - all of my favorite grapes. The wine is balanced and absolutely amazing.

• Primitivo di Manduria - This wine is full bodied, but encompasses soft tannins. It has notes of red jam, cherries, raspberries, and blueberry. It would pair perfectly with cheese, and especially pasta.

• Bressan Schioppettino - I was blown away by this wine, and it is undoubtedly one of the most unique wines I’ve ever had. It has notes of black pepper, blackberries, raspberries and bilberries. Also, the bouquet of the wine encompasses woody and musk aromatics. We really enjoyed this wine with the Cacio e Pepe dish paired at Rimessa.

• Cascina delle Rose 2014 'Donna Elena' Barbera d'Alba - The notes of the wine exuded cherries, plums, tobacco, dark chocolate, and cinnamon. This wine is so incredibly well balanced, and we couldn’t wait to add it to our collection.

Enjoying a red wine tasting at Rimessa.

The standout red, and our new favorite - 2013 Bressan Schioppettino.

The full red lineup: (L to R) Castello Dei Rampolla Chianti, Primitivo di Manduria, Bressan Schioppettino, Cascina delle Rose 2014 'Donna Elena' Barbera d'Alba

What are some of your favorite wines? Share below!

XO, Analise

When In Rome, Part I

“When I'm traveling, I won't miss an opportunity to try great pasta.” - Meghan Markle

In Part I of my trip to Rome, Italy, I’m dishing on all of the food G and I ate. One of the most common questions I received upon returning from my trip was, “How was the food?”

The food in Italy was amazing, and we really indulged during our week long trip. Not only were our dining experiences out of this world, but we were able to have private cooking lessons at Rimessa Roscioli in their kitchen - you’ll be able to see our experience below as well!

What We Ate

The creamiest and super delicious pasta carbonara not too far from the Spanish Steps.

The yummiest cheese plate during a wine pairing at Rimessa Roscioli.

Meatball appetizer at Rimessa Roscioli.

Grilled lamb chops, salad, and roasted potatoes.

Ravioli filled with spinach and cheese, sitting in a creamy, mild tomato sauce.

A Black Angus burger at the best burger spot in Italy, Burger Bistrot.

The juciest roasted chicken and potatoes, garnished with a side salad.

A warm dark chocolate cake, that paired perfectly with fresh berries and cream.

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Private Cooking Class & Wine Pairing

Rimessa Roscioli

Prior to our trip, I researched long and hard to find a shop that not only had amazing wines, but could ship some back to our home in Virginia. Rimessa was able to completely fulfill the request for us. Also, they offered cooking classes on-site in their kitchen, and I absolutely could not pass up on that offer. Our instructor, Alice, who is the head pastry chef at Rimessa was nothing short of amazing. She allowed us to try their fresh ingredients, and explained everything so perfectly. We were able to have a true hands on experience, and made four dishes - three pasta entrees, and a dessert. Learning how to roll fresh pasta, and make homemade tiramisu in an Italian restaurant, is an experience I will never forget. Also, Mattia, the manager paired wine for each of dish we made, his attention to detail and wonderful palette guided us through this class successfully.

The quaint wine shop and restaurant tucked on the side streets of Rome.

Our amazing chef for the day, Alice. We spent four hours in the restaurant learning all about pasta making and trying amazing foods.

Mattia, our wine guide during our cooking class, created the perfect pairing menu for our day at Rimessa.

G cutting his fresh pasta for our Cacio e Pepe.

Slicing pork cheek for our ravioli and mezze maniche with amatriciana sauce.

The fresh pasta right before it was cooked.

Dish one: Fresh ravioli, stuffed with cheese and garnished with pork cheek.

Dish two: Cacio e Pepe with a black peppercorn garnish.

Dish three: Mezze maniche with amatriciana sauce garnished with pork cheek.

Dish four: Classic homemade tiramisu.

Cheers to a successful cooking class with my favorite person.

Our trip to Rome was so wonderful and a memory we will cherish for years to come. Stay tuned to Part II where I’ll be sharing all of the activities we did, and the places we visited in this wonderful city.

XO, Analise