| Greetings!
Welcome to the world of Italian wine! Use this newsletter to learn basics of Italian wine, where to buy it, and how to pair it; helping you purchase with confidence!
Sincerely,
Kallie Smith & Nathan Woodhouse |
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| What do you mean, the Maremma?
I get asked this question quite often, and understandably so. The Maremma refers to the coastal area in Italy running from central Tuscany south to the border with Lazio, Tuscany's regional neighbor. And, if we want to get technical about it, the Maremma even encompasses areas quite far inland as well. Though we often think of this as the Mediterranean coast, it is actually on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Maremma was once a mosquito filled marshland, bringing more Malaria to mind than Merlot. But Mussolini decided to do what the ancient Etruscans had done and drain the swamps. The draining revealed a lush and productive land that is now turning out amazing wines.
Seiterre classifies their wines as Maremma on the bottle to showcase the uniqueness of wines from that area. Seiterre's Maremman wines include Le Capannelle Rosso (a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah), Le Capannelle Vermentino (a refreshing white wine soon to come) and Podere Sassoscritto, a 100% Sangiovese. Le Capannelle is one of our most popular wines; rich, fruity and powerful. The Sassoscritto is an amazing Sangiovese with deep woodsy notes and beautiful inky color.
The Northern boundaries of the Maremma are not well defined, but most agree it reaches to the vicinity of Pisa along the coast. This would therefore include wines from Bolgheri, such as Campo alla Sughera, and our fantastic super-Tuscan producer I Giusti & Zanza in the Maremma mix.
Though the word Maremma may not be on the tip of everyone's tongue just yet, the world is becoming very familiar with the prestige of specific wines that hail from its fertile land. Pick up one of Ionia Atlantic's great Maremman wines today, you wont' be disappointed!
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Retailer Spotlight
Starr's 
1135 South Big Bend Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63117
314.781.2345
In the short time Ionia Atlantic has been a St. Louis distributor, Starr's has become a great retailer for our wine. The store now carries more than a big handful of Ionia Atlantic's delicious imports, including Casisano Colombaio Brunello di Montalcino, Majnoni Guicciardini Chianti Riserva, The Paradise Pinot Grigio, Nivasco Brachetto, I Tre Vescovi Barbera, both the Kroara Red and White wines and many more!
Starr's prices are good and the staff is very helpful. They eagerly assist customers with the perfect wine selection and I've often seen them call around in search of a customer's special request. This is a great attribute in your neighborhood wine shop! Starr's cares about quality at a great price and the happiness of their customers. We at Ionia Atlantic are both suppliers and customers of Starr's and we couldn't be happier! Thanks to Bud Starr and his crew for their fantastic support! |
Big News in Italian Wine Labels!
Longtime followers of our Vino Nostrum newsletter have read about the Italian wine classifications many times. Well, it's getting shaken up now! New European laws require the following changes to Italian wine labels: IGT will be changed to IGP (Indicazione di Geografica Protetta) and the DOC will now be DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta). The laws are the same, just the wording changes. Other products such as cheese were already using DOP wording, so wine is simply joining the ranks in an effort to simplify things overall. The strictest wine classification, DOCG, will remain the same though. Perhaps because the non-wine products do not carry a "garantita or guaranteed" classification.
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Food & Wine Pairing
Branzini Grigliati (Grilled Mediterranean Seabass)
Serves 4
2 whole Mediterranean Seabass (1-1.25 lbs each), cleaned and gutted
1 whole fennel bulb, plus reserved fronds
Fennel seeds
Salt and Pepper
Lemon
Pernod
Olive Oil
This classic French preparation is served widely on the French Riviera, and all along the Ligurian coast of Italy as well.
Slice the fennel bulb into 1/8 inch rounds, and grill over medium high heat (grill pan or charcoal grill) until soft and flavorful. Dress two large plates with the grilled fennel, the fish to be set atop later. Remove the fronds from the bulb, rinse and set aside to garnish the fish.
Rinse the seabass in fresh water and pat dry. Make 4 diagonal slits in each side of the body of the fish, and stuff each slit with fennel seeds. Salt, pepper, and sprinkle fennel seeds throughout the cavity of the fish. Brush both sides of each fish with olive oil, and set aside.
Oil a grill pan or charcoal grill, and bring the oil temperature (or grill) to medium high. Grill both fish 6-8 minutes per side, being careful not to overcook the fish (a well cooked seabass will be tender and moist, with crispy skin and flesh that pulls away from the bones easily). Lay the fish atop the grilled fennel and dress with fronds.
In a small saucepan that has been heated slightly, add 1/8 cup of Pernod, light the alcohol and pour, while flaming, over one of the fish. The fennel fronds will ignite as well, but the flame is easily doused with a quick breath. Do the same for the second fish, and sprinkle with lemon if desired.
Each fish is to be shared by two, either de-boned or pulling each bite from the bone.
The Roero Arneis, perhaps Piemonte's most complex and delicious white (Gavi di Gavi would be another great paring), is an excellent choice for this dramatically presented, yet simple dish. The fish is the centerpiece, but the anise flavor of the Pernod is quite elegant, matching perfectly with the delicate whites of Piemonte.
Serve with Vinchio Vaglio Serra "Il Griso" Roero Arneis.
¡Buon Appetitio!
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Ionia Atlantic was formed from a passion for great wine and Italian lifestyle. Wonderful wines are found throughout the world, but we believe the most exciting, historic and diverse land for wine is Italy. We strive to share the fruits of this beautiful land by offering traditional, artisan wines with competitive pricing.
Sincerely,
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Kallie Smith
Ionia Atlantic Imports |
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February 2010
