Freschello Red, Sangiovese and Trebbiano.

Days ago, I received an email from one of my contacts for wines in Italy.  Here is an excerpt of the email:
     "...We have in touch last year regarding a project to launch our wines in the Philippines.  Please let me know if you will attend the Vinitaly exhibition in Verona, Italy this coming 7-10 of April 2013?"

In our exchanged of emails, I expressed my gladness for the information of this upcoming international event - the 47th edition of Vinitaly.

In addition with, Eureka!  "If you come to the Vinitaly, we can give you a free entry ticket."

Wow! A free entry ticket for the 47th edition of Vinitaly.  This is really interesting!  I will particularly talk on this event later in a separate post.

Freschello, Rosso Vivo

First, let me share to you our spirited-filled experience on wine tasting.  The Export Area Manager of the Italian winery Cielo e Terra SpA has provided me, for tasting in the Philippine market, some samples of their wines:  Freschello (Rosso Vivo, Bianco Vivo and Rosato Vivo), Sangiovese and Trebbiano (Terre Allegre).

During our wine tasting of the above mentioned trio, guests have enjoyed the particular tastes of each wine.  To wit tasting notes,

- Freschello (Red, White and Pink) for its lightness, fresh and fruity tastes neophytes on wine appreciated this drink of which has 10.5% vol. of alcohol;
 

Trebbiano (Terre Allegre)

Sangiovese (Terre Allegre)

- Sangiovese, a varietal red wine under IGT classification has delicate and lightly fruited aromas. 

- Trebbiano, a white wine has a light, crisp with zesty, citrus flavours and a clean refreshing finish.



 Yes!  Most of the guests, if not all, have given their thumbs up for these Italian wines.  They are hoping that, the soonest possible, it will be within their reach.

The above trio: Freschello, Sangiovese and Trebbiano (Terre Allegre)  have potential to conquer the Philippine market.

Cin, Cin!

Note: All pictures featured in this post are taken from the internet.

Red, my first taste of Italian wine.

Year 1996 in Rome, Italy that I sipped my first glass of wine.

It was a welcome dinner prepared by my Italian couple friends.  Carafe of wine was on the table served among with sumptuous Italian food.  Table wine was then poured in my glass.  I did not have idea of wine varietals and classification then.  I was just enjoying my moment.

Table wine or "Vino da Tavola" (VdT) is a classification under Italian Wine Classification system (similar to the U.S. appellation system) among with the following:
- Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
- Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
- Indicazione di Geografica Tipica (IGT) 

"Vino da Tavola" is the least among the aforementioned categories yet worth sipping my first glass.  Eureka! the beginning of my Roman lifetyle.  I was excited to taste this ancient drink of whom Greeks, Romans and other known civilizations like Egyptians and Arabs had long-enjoyed.  It was from the bible that I have known such during banquet - "The wedding at Cana".  Hmmm..., and now this drink was for real.

It was red wine!  Swirling the glass,  it was pretty good watching the natural red color.  My friend was glad seeing me busy observing my newly found drink.  He told me to let my nose also sense my wine and not just my tongue.  With excitement, I did sniff and sense the fruity-like smell of it.  Wow!

Ooops...not just wine, I remembered during that welcome dinner, but also the sumptuous food: from appetizer to first plate of lasagna up to the main course of roasted beef down to the dessert tiramisu.

Indeed, I had my buon appetito! And that was how I remembered my first Red wine.

Attention all wine lovers!

Almost two years ago, since October 16, 2010, that we started selling in Cebu and its neighboring cities in the Visayas- Ormoc (Leyte), Ilo-ilo to promising cities of Mindanao- Iligan and Davao, and of course, in cities where night life never ends the metropolis- Makati, Manila, Cubao up to the northern Philippines: Bulacan and Batangas, our Premium, Authentic Italian Wines at reasonable prices for its Premium quality – year 2007, 2008 and 2009 wine collections!!!

Give these as gifts to your loved ones, as corporate giveaways, or simply for your daily consumption, especially this coming Holidays.

Contact us now and receive price discounts for bulk orders. Delivery is free within Cebu City.

Hurry and get your order today!

The Health Benefits of Wine

When word got out about the health benefits of wine, most wine drinkers stopped swirling for a long minute and took notice.

It was the mid 90s when story of the "French Paradox" poured from all media sources, and wine drinkers across the world swirled and sipped and rejoiced.

In case you missed it, baffled researchers launched a study of French folk, trying to determine why people with diets so high in cheese fats were not suffering from more heart attacks.

8 Straight Benefits of Red Wine

Wine is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages on the planet. Its history spans thousands of years and while heavy drinking of any alcoholic beverage rather brings lots of health-related troubles instead of benefits, current research suggests that a glass of red wine each day may be providing you with more than just a little relaxation.

    * Reduced risk of death from nearly all causes: European researchers suggest that moderate daily intake of red wine (22-32 g of alcohol) has a protective effect on all-cause mortality. According to studies from France, UK, Finland and Denmark, moderate consumption of wine is more beneficial than that of beer or spirits.

    * Smoking: Acute smoking significantly impairs vessels' natural ability to relax, or vasodilate. Red wine, with or without alcohol, decreases the harmful effect of smoking on the endothelium - layer of cells that provide a friction-reducing lining in lymph vessels, blood vessels, and the heart.

Are There Health Benefits in Drinking White Wine?

Article by Beth Janicek
Edited & published by Daniella Nicole on Apr 30, 2010

Though red wine gets all the attention, there are several health benefits of white wine, too. Some are specific to wine, and others are true of any moderate alcohol consumption. From heart health and reducing cancer risk to overall stress reduction, learn about the health benefits of white wine.

The health benefits of white wine can be grouped into two categories: some because of its health properties as wine, and others because of the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption in general. Though based on fermented grapes, wine doesn't quite count as a serving of fruit. Instead, its health benefits come from the properties of those grapes after they have fermented.

Red wine versus white wine - is there a difference in health benefit?

Written by: Dr Philp Norrie MBBS, MSc, MSocSc(Hons)
   
Ever since Serge Reynaud's 'French Paradox' paper was published in The Lancet in 1991 wine consumers have had the mind set that only red wine is good for them. This article will show that it does not matter whether the wine is white or red as long as it is consumed in moderation and on a regular daily basis; then you will gain significant health benefits.

It has been well documented that consuming alcohol in moderation can reduce mortality from all causes by 30-50% (1) due, mainly, to reducing our society's biggest killer, cardiovascular disease by up to 50% (2) and cancer by up to 24% (3). It is also good for relieving society's other big disease group - stress related illness. Vascular disease occurs when bad cholesterol (LDL) is deposited in artery walls and swells up, eventually rupturing, causing a clot to form which blocks off the artery, and thus denying the tissue supplied by that artery of blood, hence it dies.

Sicily: The Ancient Volcanic Island

Sicily may be just another Italian island overshadowed by Italy’s famed enological reputation, but the Island boasts a wine producing tradition worthy of mention. While Sicily has gone through periods of prosperity and crises, it is finally coming out of the closet, or shall we say, the wine barrel, and today Sicilian wines are receiving accolades from acclaimed enologists, connoisseurs and chefs worldwide.

Sicily’s mild Mediterranean climate is ideal for certain varieties of grapes and it is best known for such wines as Malvasia made from grapes grown on the sunny Aeolian Islands; Zibibbo (zabib in Arabic), a sweet dessert wine whose history dates back to the Arab domain of the Island, and Marsala, named after the location in the Trapani region, it is a relative of Portuguese Port wine and was first discovered by several of English entrepreneurs travelling to Sicily who realized the market potential of this wine.

Nero D’Avola

Description: Red passion strong personality. Intense and persistent perfume of wild berries and spices. Taste warm, velvety, pleasantly tannic.

Alcohol: 13%

Color: Brilliant ruby red

Aroma: Perfume fruity with hints of underbrush and a typical hot spices

Flavor: warm and velvety with a clear technical note

Accompaniment: Dishes with red meat grilled or roasted and cheese

Vineyard: Casa Montalbano or Ciao Sicilia

Highly Recommended

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 39 or Philippine Peso 2322.06
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Catarratto

Description:White corprendente personality. Delicate hints of pineapple and vanilla evoke faraway exotic places. Intense flavor, lively with a pleasant aftertaste of bitter almonds.

Alcohol: 12.5%

Color: straw yellow with golden highlights

Aroma: Perfume intense, exotic, with pineapple and vanilla snetori

Flavor: Vibrant, harmonious with a pleasant aftertaste

Accompaniment: Appetizers, seafood. Pleasant aperitif

Vineyard: Casa Montalbano

Highly Recommended

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 33 or Philippine Peso 1964.82
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Nerello Mascalese

Description: A straightforward red wine from the typical Mediterranean herbs. Pleasant aromas of ripe fruit, pleasant, harmonious, delicate and tannic

Alcohol: 12.5%

Color: Ruby

Aroma: Perfume red fruit

Flavor: pleasant, tannic

Accompaniment: Dishes with red meat grilled or roasted

Vineyard: Casa Montalbano

Highly Recommended

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 33 or Philippine Peso 1964.82
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Syrah

Description: The delicate scent evoke faded flowers and almonds. The taste is dry, delicate, balanced and pleasantly winy.

Alcohol: 13%

Color: Ruby red

Aroma: Perfume Berries with spicy notes

Flavor: Full, intense and pleasantly tannic

Accompaniment: Dishes based on red meat or roasted or grilled cheese

Vineyard: Casa Montalbano

Highly Recommended

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 36 or Philippine Peso 2143.44
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Chardonnay

Description: White wine with great personality. Rich bouquet in an interpretation that exalts the most intense shades. Taste fresh, dry, nicely balanced and persistent

Alcohol: 13.5%

Color: Straw yellow with golden highlights

Aroma: Perfume intense, rich aromas of varietal

Flavor: Fresh, persistent

Accompaniment: Appetizers and seafood. Pleasant aperitif

Vineyard: Casa Montalbano

Highly Recommended


Suggested Retail Price: Euro 36 or Philippine Peso 2143.44
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

“Vittoria” Rosso di Sicilia

Appellation: Table Wine

Production Area: Sicily Southern Center

Vines: Grape berry Tossa

Color: Ruby red with violet

Bouquet: intense, with characteristic hints of ripe red fruit

Taste: harmonious, balanced, good length

Food Pairing: Goes with all red meat dishes, roasts and cheeses

Storage: Cool temperature-controlled at 18 - 20 degree Centigrade

Highly Recommended

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 27 or Philippine Peso 1607.58
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Abbazia - Fragolino Rosso

Description: If you love Champagne and sparkling wine, there is no reason you can't drink Fragolino during a light meal. Fragolino is a fantastic alternative to say, a Pinot Grigio on a warm summer night. It's equally light and even more refreshing.

Alcohol: 7.5%

Color: Strong Red, Violet tendent

Aroma: Strong Strawberry Scent

Flavor: Intense strawberry. Light fruity and very delicate on the palate.

Accompaniment: This sweet wine is, of course, perfect to have with dessert or after dinner. It also makes for a great Aperitif and goes well with various cheeses.

Vineyard: Abbazia di San Gaudenzio

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 39 or Philippine Peso 2322.06
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Abbazia - Brachetto Piemonte

Description: An Italian classic of the finest and highest quality and the wine that Julius Caesar used to impress Cleopatra when he was vigorously courting her attention. Known throughout Italy and Europe as the wine of passion and romance. Annual output in the region is extremely limited

Alcohol: 7%

Color: The color is a deep cherry red with ruby red reflections

Aroma: The bouquet is persistent, fragrant, very delicate, with the typical scent of roses.

Flavor: The taste is sweet, soft, delicate and supple with a long, delicious and persistent finish.

Accompaniment: Excellent to enjoy anytime of day and pairs perfectly as an appetizer, with desserts, and especially during times of celebration and festivals.

Vineyard: Abbazia di San Gaudenzio

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 66 or Philippine Peso 3929.64
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Abbazia – Prosecco Extra Dry

Description: Sparkling wine with Charmat method. Prosecco is not as yeasty or toasty as champagne can be. A great alternative and definitely less expensive than either champagne or sauterne

Alcohol: 11.5%

Color: Light yellow with green reflex

Aroma: The wines tend to feature a light orchard fruit tone, recalling white peaches and pears.

Flavor: Much lighter in body, with some citrus and apple notes.

Accompaniment: To be enjoyed anytime of the day, it's a great apertif wine or with any meal, and great for simply sipping by the glass.
 
Vineyard: Abbazia di San Gaudenzio
 
Suggested Retail Price: Euro 48 or Philippine Peso 2857.92
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Abbazia - Malvasia Rose-Dolce

Description: This is a classic style spumante sparkling wine of celebration known in Italy as "Romance in a Glass. An excellent sparkling wine for parties and celebrations

Alcohol: 7.00%

Color: Blush Rose light

Aroma: The nose has a delicate feel of roses and ripe fruit, which are consistent

Flavor: The palate is sweet, aromatic, and supple with a delicious and wonderful finish.

Accompaniment: To be enjoyed anytime of the day, with any meal, and great for simply sipping by the glass.

Vineyard: Abbazia di San Gaudenzio

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 42 or Philippine Peso 2500.68
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Prosecco Spumante Brut Cristal Azienda Abbazia

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 51 or Philippine Peso 3036.54
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Lambrusco Rosso

Description: Taken as a whole, Lambrusco is red wine whose primary characteristics are sparkle, lightness and low alcohol content. Perfect for a warm summer day picnic.  

Alcohol: 8.50% 

Color: Strong Red 

Aroma: It's delightfully refreshing, with a sparkle-enlivened bouquet that can vary from fruity with pleasant vinous overtones to floral with hints of violets and heather  

Flavor: On the palate it is zesty, with nice fruit flavors and a clean finish.

Accompaniment: It goes especially well with foods that are oily or contain mayonnaise (grilled sausages, potato salad, etc).
 
Vineyard: Abbazia di San Gaudenzio

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 39 or Philippine Peso 2322.06
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

Prosecco Spumante (Blu Botiglia)

Description: Varietal

Alcohol: 11.5%

Color: Light silver color
 
Aroma: Lovely fresh aroma

Flavor: Bouncy, dry, crisp flavors with a light texure. Very tasty.

Vineyard: Abbazia di San Gaudenzio

Suggested Retail Price: Euro 51 or Philippine Peso 3036.54
NOTE: We offer big discounts for bulk orders

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco is Italy's answer to refreshing, well-made sparkling wine at a reasonable price. Made primarily in the district of Valdobbiadene (Val-do-bi-ad-en-ay) near the town of Conegliano in the region of Veneto, Prosecco has quickly become one of the most successful sparkling wine types made today.

Prosecco is the name of the grape that is used to make this sparkling wine and many of the best examples are 100% Prosecco. As this is a grape that is prized for its delicate flavors and aromatics, the wine itself is not made in the classic method made famous in the Champagne district of France. Rather, the Charmat method of sparkling wine is used to make Prosecco as the classic Champagne method would mean aging the wine for several years before release, robbing the wine of its freshness.

Now while the Charmat method is used to make some pretty awful sparkling wine (think of the worst stuff you've ever had to gulp at a wedding reception), in this case the producers of Prosecco use this method to create some truly charming wines that are usually enjoyed within a year of the vintage, although the best can age for several years.

While there are some ordinary examples of Prosecco made, there are a handful of producers that consistently create first-rate examples.