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The
province of Emilia-Romagna,
Italy is one of the great culinary capitols of the world. Located
just north of the province of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna includes the
cities of Bologna, Parma,
Modena and Piacenza. This bountiful land has given us Parmigiano-Reggiano
cheese, Parma ham (prosciutto), Balsamic vinegar, white truffles
and Porcini mushrooms. It is only logical that the wine harvested
from the grapes of this region would be as outstanding as the food.
The wines showcased below are excellent and their prices a fraction
of what a California wine would be of the same quality. There are
two D.O.C.s (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) in Emilia-Romagna:
Colli di Parma and Colli Piacentini (Piacenza). I have selected
my favorites from a winery representing each D.O.C.
David J. Castello |
 Testa
is located near Piacenza in the medieval town of Castell'Arquato
(pictured at right). The winery was founded in 1930 by Cav. Italo,
a great figure of contemporary Piacenza oenology who dedicated his
life to promoting the wines of the area through the Colli Piacentini
D.O.C.
Throughout the years Testa has expanded, restructured and purchased
more vineyards. The winery is now owned and operated by sons Luigi
and Franco who continue the passion and family tradition established
by their father. Every step in the production of Testa's wine are
followed with scrupulous care including the cutting of the vineyards,
the ripening, the pressing of the grapes and the bottling of the
wine. |
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| Terre
dei Farnese |
This
fantastic Gutturnio wine is my personal favorite and obtained
from choice Barbera and Bonarda grapes (70/30) harvested from
Testa's Ca Bianca vineyard. This deep, dry, velvety red powerhouse
is full bodied with the warm aroma of wild berries and almonds.
It is ideal with roasts, game and sharp cheeses (excellent
with Prosciutto and aged Parmesean cheese) and better than
many a higher priced Merlot.
D.O.C.: Colli Piacentini
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $11.99
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| Ortrugo
- Paolo III Farnese |
Judged
Best Ortrugo in 2002 and 2003 by Le Guide de l,Espresso
- Italian Wines, this refreshing, slightly effervescent
light straw-colored wine has a delicate flavor and scent of
almond flowers. It is excellent from appetizer to main course
(this is the wine to pack for a romantic picnic!). Served
chilled, it is ideal with seafood, shellfish, pasta and soft
cheeses.
D.O.C.: Colli Piacentini
Alcohol: 11.0%
Suggested Retail: $10.99 |
For wholesale prices and more
information,
please contact: Stefano
Dallara |
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 Carra
is located near Parma on the fertile slopes of the breathtaking
Torrechiara Castle (pictured above - used in the movie Ladyhawke).
This vineyard is known for producing the best wines in the Colli
Di Parma D.O.C. and, to meet demand, owners Fabio and Bonfiglio
Carra have authorized an expansion of their facilities to increase
their output 30%. Regardless, their vines will continue to be individually
hand cultivated around the clock.
I attended a winetasting here with Emilia-Romagna wine specialist
Stefano
Dallara (photo bottom of page) and found all to be excellent.
I selected these three as my favorites. |
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| Malvasia
Passito |
I'm starting
with Carra's dessert wine because it is so magnificent. Carra's
Malvasia Passito is the only Colli di Parma designated wine
rated "two glasses" by the highly respected Gambero
Rosso guide. The wine is obtained from a tender
pressing of 100% Malvasia di Candia grapes harvested each
September. Afterwards, they are stacked in airy rooms to dehydrate.
At the end of November the dried grapes (raisins) are pressed
and aged in Carra's trademark small French oak barrels for
two years. It takes a lot of dried grapes to make this wine.
The result is a spectacular straw / yellow colored dessert
wine fragrant with the seductive aroma of honey and peaches.
D.O.C.: Colli di Parma
Alcohol: 14.5%
Suggested Retail: $15.99 |
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| Black Pinot
Reserve |
This
superior Black Pinot (Pinot Noir) Reserve is obtained from
100% black pinot grapes grown on the slopes of Torrechiara
Castle and harvested from only 4000 kilos of grapes per 100
square meters. The macerated grapes are left to soak with
their peels for approximately 4-5 days. It is then aged in
Carra's trademark small French oak barrels for 2 years. The
end result is a beautiful ruby / garnet wine with a vanilla
and characteristic scent that comes from only pure Black Pinot
grape.
D.O.C.: Colli di Parma
Alcohol: 13.0%
Suggested Retail: $12.99 |
For wholesale prices and more
information,
please contact: Stefano
Dallara |
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| Sauvignon
Hills of Parma Reserve |
This
superior Sauvingon Reserve is obtained from 100% sauvignon
blanc grapes grown on the slopes of Torrechiara Castle and
harvested from only 4000 kilos of grapes per 100 square
meters. It is then fermented in Carra's trademark small
French oak barrels for exactly fifteen days and then quickly
transferred to steel barrels for eight months. It is a straw
/ yellow colored wine with classic Sauvingnon complexity
and a hint of banana.
D.O.C.: Colli di Parma
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $11.99 |
For wholesale prices and more
information,
please contact: Stefano
Dallara |
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Emilia-Romagna
wine specialist Stefano Dallara
and
David J. Castello (CCIN)
at Carra Di Casatico's
winetasting party at their vineyard on the slopes of
Torrechiara Castle (background far right). |
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