Dinner with Silvano Brescianini of Barone Pizzini

After the Gambero Rosso Road Show, I was pleased to be included, along with my husband and daughter, for dinner with Jeremy Parzen and Silvano Brescianini at Dolce Vita, one of Houston's best casual Italian restaurants. After a day of spitting wine, it was so nice to sit down and enjoy some of Silvano's fantastic sparkling Italian wine alongside the delicious and authentic Italian dinner offerings while hearing more about his home and his organically grown wines.

We drank his Animonte Francicorta Brut which is a Chardonnay based blend of the three allowed grapes.This fresh sparkling wine has aromas of lemon zest with light hints of toast and jasmine with long lasting bubbles, fresh acidity and a lingering citrus finish. It was perfect with everything from the fish to the octopus to the salad to the pizza. The pairing potential of this wine is endless.

I do love sparkling wine and it is so wonderful to see more of this type of wine in Houston on wine lists and in retail stores, we are fortunate to live in the city that we do. After listening to Silvano, however, it does seem a trip to Brescia and the Franciacorta region is a must-do; I personally will be trying to get there as soon as possible.

More in this blog on the wines of Barone Pizzini and the place from which they come

Comments

Nocera - A Native Grape from Sicily

Nocera is a native grape from Sicily. It comes from the Messina province which is located in the northeast. Nocera is a quality red wine grape that is most known as a blender in the red wines of the Faro DOC. I had the opportunity to taste some pure versions (which according to Wine Searcher are rare) this week at a trade tasting held at Roma Restaurant in Houston. Wine production in the region dates back to the 14th Century BC, however, phylloxera decimated the vineyard area in 1881 leaving it at a fraction of its original size. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate with sunny days and coastal breezes, moderate rainfall, and mild winters, all ideal for grape growing. The Nocera grape is a bluish/black color and has a thick skin which allows for the production of structured wines with prominent tannins which are balanced by good acidity. High alcohol is common. Red wines produced from the grapes are an intense ruby color with purple highlights and aromas and flavors of dark fruits a

The Ultimate Zinfandel Experience - ZinEX

In the September issue of Galveston Monthly, I'm celebrating California Wine Month with the Golden State's signature grape, Zinfandel. I am also sharing information on the ultimate experience for Zinfandel lovers, ZinEX, get more information on that event at https://zinfandelexperience.com/

The New Sub-Regions of Willamette Valley

In the June 2022 issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, I explore the new sub AVAs and what makes each unique.

Wine Life - Houston

Search This Blog