Barbera d'Alba - On the Wine List

Barbera is a favorite varietal for nights that I cook Italian food at home and it has been a favorite wine with pizza this winter. This pairing was most recently enjoyed together at Coppa Osteria in Rice Village. A cold evening drove my husband and I to the inside of Coppa instead of enjoying the evening out on the patio as we typically do.

Coppa Osteria is one of my favorite restaurants for pizza and it is also a favorite gathering spot with my extended family. I am all about the traditional Naples-style, Neapolitan, Pizza Napoletana or however you prefer to refer to it and Coppa Osteria does it well. I rank it as one of my top 5 in Houston. We have consumed a variety of Italian wines over the years on our pizza nights there as Coppa Osteria has a well priced book of wines to pair with their cuisine.

Lately, it has been all about Barbera and this Elio Altare Barbera d’Alba 2019 was exactly as it should be, easy to enjoy with notes of black cherry and violet and a fresh, lingering finish, priced at $43.

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