The Roots of A Young Wine Enthusiast

As a Canadian of Italian descent, it may not come as a surprise to you when I say that I take great pride in my heritage. Indeed, one of the greatest parts of growing up in an Italian family was being given the lucky opportunity to learn about the beauty of Northern Italian cuisine from my grandmother Gina. My grandfather Mario, on the other hand, taught me about me about the other great part of Italian culture … “il vino”. Indeed my grandfather Mario’s passion for wine demonstrates itself through the pride he takes in winemaking. As a young boy, it would always amaze me to watch my grandfather take such precious care of the small vineyard in his backyard. When I approached him once and asked why he spent so much time in it, he laughed and then explained to me that great wine starts in the vineyard. Even as a youngster, I remember sitting down at my family’s Sunday lunches and having a sip of my grandfather's red wine … and boy was it good. I guess that’s why I would always see my grandfather smiling when he had a glass of wine in his hands. His respect for Mother Nature and the countless hours he spent looking after his vineyard had paid off giving way to great red and rosé table wines. In this way, I guess it was my grandfather’s very own love for wine that started mine.

My grandfather Mario hard at work picking the ripe grape clusters during
harvest season. 

In the past few years my intrigue for fine wine has increased. Propelled by my passion for all that is “made in Italy”, my sense of exploration found itself directed towards wines from the Italian peninsula. As someone who loves cooking for friends and family, I was always looking for the perfect wine to accompany my dishes. After all, it is my belief that there is nothing better than a good homemade meal and a great bottle of wine in the presence of great company.

A picture of me with two of my favourite wines from Tuscany ... the legendary Ornellaia and Sassicaia.

It is my opinion that Italy is one of the greatest wine producing countries in the world. However, it still remains one of the least explored ... I am sure that if I were to ask you about Italian wine, the first word that would come to mind would be Chianti. Now don’t get me wrong … Despite the fact that Chianti is one of the great wines of Italy, there is so much out there to discover.  With its Brunello and Super Tuscans from Tuscany, its Barolo and Barbera from Piemonte, its Amarone and Soaves from Veneto, the many indigenous white varietals from Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Italy offers a great variety of wines that are bound to please even the most difficult of palates out there. 

So if you so happen to join me on this unique blog experience, I promise to offer you my tasting notes as well as a background on the wine I drink, its producer and the region that its from. Join me as we discover the many wines available from the different wine producing regions of Italy. Cin Cin!