The country of Italy is famous around the world for its great food and beautiful beaches, but it’s also home to some of the best wines in the world. Italian wine has been around since the ancient Romans first began growing grapes as far back as 500 BC, but even today, many Italians are still mostly drinking their local wines and few have ever tasted wines from other regions. If you have never had an opportunity to try Italian wine, or if you think you know everything there is to know about it, here are some things you need to know about Italian wine.
1. The word vino (wine) has a romantic Sanskrit origin.
Have you ever wondered where the word wine comes from? The origins of this intoxicating beverage are actually quite romantic. The word vino is derived from the Sanskrit word vena, which means vein. This is likely a reference to the grape’s juicy, fleshy veins.
2. Pasta with red sauce goes with red wine; pasta with white sauce goes with white wine.
If you’re ever in an Italian restaurant and can’t decide what wine to order, a good rule of thumb is to match the color of your pasta sauce with the color of the wine. So, if you’re having pasta with a red sauce, go for red wine, and if you’re having pasta with a white sauce, go for white wine.
3. Putting a metal spoon in the neck of an open bottle of sparkling wine stops it from going flat: MYTH!
There are many myths and misconceptions about wine, and it can be difficult to know what’s true and what’s not. When it comes to Italian wine, there are a few things you should know. While most of the wine produced in Italy is red, white wines are still popular in the country. In particular, Vermouth has its origins in Italy but was originally made with aromatized wines from Spain and France before becoming more popular in Italy. Another drink native to Italy is Grappa, which is distilled from pomace (the seeds, skins, and stems left over after the grapes have been pressed for juice).
4. Adding salt to ice when chilling wine will cool it down much quicker.
If you’re looking to chill your wine quickly, adding salt to your ice can do the trick. By lowering the freezing point of the ice, the salt will help the ice melt faster and in turn, cool your wine down quicker. Just be sure not to add too much salt, as it can make the ice water too salty to drink. A little goes a long way!
5. There’s a reason that wine bottles are almost always 75 cl!
In Italy, the standard size for a wine bottle is 75 cl. This is because the average Italian consumes about that much wine per day. That’s right, per day! Italians love their wine and they know how to enjoy it. The best way to do this? Pairing different types of wines with different types of food! Whether you want something light or something hearty, there are lots of choices when you take your time to explore all the wines Italy has to offer.
6. A “Tastevin” is a small silver goblet, previously worn around the sommelier’s neck to taste wine.
In France, the tastevin was used by sommeliers to taste wine. It is a small silver goblet that is worn around the neck. The tastevin allows the sommelier to taste the wine without having to open the bottle. This is important because it allows the sommelier to check the quality of the wine before serving it to customers.
The tastevin is also used to judge the color of the wine. The color of the wine can tell you a lot about its quality.
7. Want to know if your Chianti is the real deal? Check the label for the Black Rooster symbol!
If you’re looking for a good bottle of Chianti, be sure to check the label for the Black Rooster symbol. This is a guarantee that your wine is from the Chianti Classico region and has been made according to traditional methods.
8. Dry Champagne should never be served with wedding cake.
When it comes to wine, there are a lot of different countries that produce some great options. Italy is definitely one of those countries and its wines reflect the country’s rich history and culture. If you’re looking to explore Italian wines,
9. Yes, there is such a thing as an impossible pairing!
Pair wine with raw artichokes, spinach, bitter cocoa, sour pickles, hot chili peppers, citrus fruits, or ice cream, and you will understand exactly what we mean. No wine compliments these strong flavors, and it’s impossible to find a pairing that works!
