Home Interior

Designing, Furnishing, and Decorating for Every Room of the House

I Love Italian Wine and Food – An Aosta Valley Red

If you are in the mode for some fine Italian wine and food, you should consider the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you’ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

The Aosta Valley is a tiny corner of northwestern Italy bordering on France and Switzerland. This beautiful valley is surrounded by high mountains, including Europe’s highest peak, Mount Blanc. While some other regions of Italy are bilingual, this is the only one where French is extensively spoken. With a population of only 120 thousand this is by far the smallest region. Its largest city is Aosta, home to some 35 thousand people. Tourist attractions include the remains of a Roman amphitheater, churches and other buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, Mount Blanc, and the Matterhorn.

The Aosta Valley devotes a mere fifteen hundred acres to grapevines ranking it dead last among Italy’s 20 regions. It produces about six hundred thousand gallons of wine a year, putting it at the bottom of the list. Some 90% of this limited wine production is red or rose (only a bit of rose). The region produces a single DOC wine, subdivided into 23 categories. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin. Almost 23% of this region’s wine carries the DOC. The Aosta Valley is home to almost three dozen major and secondary grape varieties, with somewhat more red than white varieties.

Before reviewing the Aosta Valley wine that I was lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store, here are some suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region. Start with Pazzarella; Small Pizza with Porcini Mushrooms, Mozzarella Cheese, and Porcini Mushrooms. As the second course try Fonduta; Fondue with Melted Cheese, Eggs, and Grated Truffles. For dessert indulge yourself with Pere Martin al Vino Rosso; Pears cooked in Spiced Wine with Whipped Cream.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed Les Cretes Torrette 2006 12.0% alcohol about $22

Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Petit Rouge is Valle d’Aosta’s claim-to-fame grape. It produces dark, highly perfumed red wines. Many think of roses and peonies when they smell this pretty red wine. It is a naturally low-yielding variety that produces very small berries. This is a virtue, because the small berry size produces wines that can be very aromatic and flavorful with a good core of acids and tannins for balance. Enjoy it with braised beef dishes or a wild mushroom risotto.”

And then there was one. Over the past two and a half years I have tasted wines from eighteen of the twenty regions of Italy. All that was left was the Aosta Valley and Liguria, the Italian Riviera, neither of which export much wine to North America. As soon as I saw that my local wine store imported an Aosta Valley wine I jumped at the opportunity. Perhaps my expectations were too high.

On the first sipping I found the wine nice and long with tannins in the background. It was round as well. The first pairing involved a slow cooked beef stew accompanied by potatoes and carrots. The wine was mouth filling and tart. I got the feeling that the grapes were slightly unripe. It actually improved when consumed with a relatively mild tomato-based salsa. On the other hand a Turkish hot pepper sauce, Harissa, did not improve the wine.

The next meal consisted of a store-bought barbequed chicken leg with the paprika dusted skin, barbequed chicken wings in a sweet and sour sauce, potatoes roasted in chicken fat, and more of the salsa. The wine tasted of black cherries. It had palate-cleansing acidity with no tannins at all (like a Beaujolais). The potatoes melted in my mouth but rendered the wine sour. And the wings were more powerful than the wine. The salsa cleansed the palate and muted the wine.

The final meal was an omelet with smoked salmon. The wine was fruity displaying pleasant acidity but was short.

The first cheese was a cream cheese that took away the wine’s fruit. In the presence of a marbled Cheddar cheese the wine was sweet and fruity.

Final verdict. The Aosta Valley is an expensive part of Italy. This wine was overpriced. I’ve been doing a column on $10 wines and the best of the lot compete with this one. Perhaps I was unduly excited about this wine given its location. Actually the wines from this part of Italy don’t have a special reputation. I certainly won’t rush to taste another one, not at this price. Next stop, Liguria.

About the Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but definitely prefers drinking fine French, German, or other wine. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com features a weekly review of $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines. Visit his Italian wine website www.theitalianwineconnection.com .

Fat kid on ride

Chef Cookie Jar $24.95 This adorable cookie jar features the popular fat chef serving one of his dishes. When things are placed inside the jar they are safely stored inside his tummy. Made out of ceramic. Has a glazed finish. 12 inches tall. Collect the whole chef set!…

FAT Italian CHEF 55 min KITCHEN cooking oven TIMER NEW $4.99 This portly chef will add a fun Italian touch to every meal. Helps you keep track of what’s cooking, so you’ll (hopefully) never burn anything again. Times everything from eggs to cakes-up to 55 minutes. 55 minute timer Measure 4″ H x 2″ W Made of sturdy plastic Makes a great housewarming gift !…

Buon Appetito Spoon Rest $13.99 A spoon rest is a wonderful way to keep your stovetop clean. After stirring the pot, rest your spoon here instead. That will prevent the constant cleaning & scrubbing of the stovetop. You can just pop this item into some soap water and clean it up fast. Made of a ceramic earthenware. Measures approx. 7-1/2″ tall….

The Replacement Killers (Extended Cut) [Blu-ray] $5.76 Movie DVD…

Cinema Sirens – Silver Screen Set (The Snows of Kilimanjaro/The Fat Spy/Two Women/The Last Time I Saw Paris) $29.98 …

Wild Search $7.38 The cops try to track down an underworld king from vietnam. They have no leads to go on except a cops criminal instinct. Subtitles with on/off function in english chinese japanese korean vietnamese malaysian indonesian german french and italian. Studio: Tai Seng Entertainment Release Date: 06/29/2004 Starring: Chow Yun Fat Cherie Chung Run time: 92 minutes Rating: Nr Director: Ringo Lam…

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Super Premium, Roasted Garlic Infused Flavor, Large 12.7oz Glass Bottle $19.95 Flavor is first and foremost. Extravagonzo Infused Culinary Oils are second to none. Full flavored with a pleasant finish, these flavors goes well in all cooking applications. Recent media attention surrounding the health benefits of EVOO, Garlic, and Grape seed oil emphasizes the need to incorporate these items into the diet. Extravagonzo Infused Olive Oils now offer people a way to include these…

Kraft Fat Free Italian Salad Dressing, 0.4375-Ounce Single Serve Pouches (Pack of 200) $22.74 …

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Super Premium, Meyer Lemon Infused Flavor, Large 12.7oz Glass Bottle $19.95 Flavor is first and foremost. Extravagonzo Infused Culinary Oils are second to none. Full flavored with a pleasant finish, these flavors goes well in all cooking applications. Recent media attention surrounding the health benefits of EVOO, Garlic, and Grape seed oil emphasizes the need to incorporate these items into the diet. Extravagonzo Infused Olive Oils now offer people a way to include these…

Fat French Chef Ceiling Fan Pull $7.99 What a great accent for your French Chef Kitchen Decor theme. Attach this adorable pull charm to your ceiling fan, ceiling light, or even a table lamp to make it easy to reach. Will look great in your kitchen, breakfast nook, sunroom, or bathroom. Kids love these pulls in their rooms. Made of hand painted molded resin. Easily attaches to your existing pull chain. Measures approximately 2-1/2″ lo…

Con Italian/French Ov $12.99 Con Italian/French Ov

Basic French and Italian On $40.99 Basic French and Italian On

The Great Italian and French Composers $13.78 The Great Italian and French Composers

French Women Don’t Get Fat $9.32 French Women Don’t Get Fat

Low-Fat No-Fat Italian: The Authentic Healthy Taste of Italy in 160 Recipes $21.18 Low-Fat No-Fat Italian: The Authentic Healthy Taste of Italy in 160 Recipes

Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks $17.09 Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks

The Early Teutonic, Italian and French Masters $37.63 The Early Teutonic, Italian and French Masters

German French and Italian Song Classics $25.5 German French and Italian Song Classics

Essays of French, German and Italian Essayists $18.74 Essays of French, German and Italian Essayists

Secrets of Fat-Free Italian Cooking $10.13 Italian food has long been a staple of the American diet, but with the recent fat-free craze, many people have shied away from their favorite dishes. Woodruff shows Italian food lovers how to enjoy their favorite Italian dishes without overdoing the fat. More than 130 recipes for wonderful dishes such as Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto and Suasage and Ricotta Pan Pizza let even fat-free eaters go for the gusto. Line drawings. 12 color photos.

The French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook $15.54 The #1 bestselling author of French Women Don’t Get Fat and French Women for All Seasons offers her first cookbook.

Bach:italian Cto French Overture Sona $13.99 Bach:italian Cto French Overture Sona

French Stes (6)/Ct Italian/Fre $24.99 French Stes (6)/Ct Italian/Fre

Beatiful Thoughts – French and Italian Authors (1880) $36.93 Beatiful Thoughts – French and Italian Authors (1880)

Great Musical Composers: German, French and Italian $25.84 Great Musical Composers: German, French and Italian

Passages from the French and Italian Note-Books $18.74 Passages from the French and Italian Note-Books

Beautiful Thoughts: French and Italian Authors (1880) $29.33 Beautiful Thoughts: French and Italian Authors (1880)

Passages from the French and Italian Note Books $36.36 Passages from the French and Italian Note Books

The Elements of Conversation in French, Italian and English (1834) $21.67 The Elements of Conversation in French, Italian and English (1834)

Female Journeys: Autobiographical Expressions by French and Italian Women $122.34 Female Journeys: Autobiographical Expressions by French and Italian Women

English, French, Italian: Medical Vocabulary (1918) $22.31 English, French, Italian: Medical Vocabulary (1918)

Beautiful Thoughts from French and Italian Authors (1875) $38.9 Beautiful Thoughts from French and Italian Authors (1875)

The Palace of Fine Arts and the French and Italian Pavilions $11.97 The Palace of Fine Arts and the French and Italian Pavilions

Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 1. $13.65 Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 1.

Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Complete $16.59 Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Complete

Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 2. $13.65 Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 2.

Verses: Original, and Translated from the Italian and French (1842) $23.59 Verses: Original, and Translated from the Italian and French (1842)

Fat Girl [WS] [Criterion Collection] $22.76 Take two very naive, very young French girls–one a thin 15-year-old, Elena (Roxane Mesquida), and the other her fat 12-year-old sister, Anaïs (Anaïs Reboux). Picture them as lambs. Add a manipulative older Italian boy, Fernando (Libero De Rienzo). Picture him as the wolf. Witness from close range as the one of the lambs (the thin one) is devoured by the wolf as the other lamb (the fat one) watches in pain but does nothing. The result is FAT GIRL, Catherine Breillat’s intense, perplexing, suffocating, grim, terrifying, sickening, dark, plotting depiction of teenage loss of innocence. “Sinister” is what the Italian boy calls what he does to the French girl. “Proof of love” is how the thin girl justifies it. The fat girl, Anaïs, responds by sitting on the beach in her new dress and letting the surf wash up on her as she softly sings sad songs about boredom and death. Later, staring into the mirror, alone together, eye to eye, cheek to cheek, unblinking, the fat and thin sisters calmly share their most hateful feelings for each other. But nothing prepares the viewer for the final blow of the film, which sneaks up with a ferocity that pales the wolf-lamb scenario. Not a pretty picture, Breillat’s shockingly realistic work features a fruity color scheme and an optimistic soundtrack that perfects the film’s intended confusion of mood and message. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.

FRENCH FLAG Italian Charm $4.99 FRENCH FLAG Italian Charm D e t a i l s Size 9mm Modular Charm Link Metal Stainless Steel Mount SOLDERED Charm (not glued) Coat Enamel Plating 18kt Gold Display the Official Flag of your Country Italian Charm with pride. These detailed 18kt gold and enamel FLAG charms will represent your country in style. Authentic Body Candy Body Jewelry® Italian Charms are soldered premium quality stainless steel Italian charm links with official corporate stamp on reverse. Commemorate special occasions, capture memorable moments, or simply show off your personality by creating your own original Italian charm bracelet. Add Body Candy Body Jewelry® premium quality interlocking Italian charm links to your Italian Charm Bracelet and create your own memory bracelet. Fits all major brand Italian charms.

Basic French & Italian By DVD $50.96 This program teaches viewers some of the basic vocabulary skills of French and Italian. Some of the words taught in this instructional video include numbers, time, common places and objects, and more. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

The Fat Fallacy $9.3 In France the obesity rate is a steady eight percent. The French also boast lower rates of heart disease and stroke. The Fat Fallacy explains why low-fat living can sabotage weight-loss efforts. America’s problem is not the fat or the carbs — it’s the processed fake and fat-free foods laden with artificial ingredients that the French don’t consume.

BASIC FRENCH & ITALIAN $53.96 This program teaches viewers some of the basic vocabulary skills of French and Italian. Some of the words taught in this instructional video include numbers, time, common places and objects, and more. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide convenient instant video and audio replay functions, language students will have the opportunity to learn 1,000 words and sayings common in everyday speech.

$5.99 New – These recipes represent a fusion of influences from Chinese, French, Japanese, Italian, Indian, American, macrobiotic, and vegetarian cuisines. Highlights include Chicken with Ginger Salsa, Ridiculously Simple Japanese Tuna, and Black Bean Enchiladas. All recipes are accompanied by a nutritional analysis.

$2.95 New – These recipes represent a fusion of influences from Chinese, French, Japanese, Italian, Indian, American, macrobiotic, and vegetarian cuisines. Highlights include Chicken with Ginger Salsa, Ridiculously Simple Japanese Tuna, and Black Bean Enchiladas. All recipes are accompanied by a nutritional analysis.

$0.99 Used – These recipes represent a fusion of influences from Chinese, French, Japanese, Italian, Indian, American, macrobiotic, and vegetarian cuisines. Highlights include Chicken with Ginger Salsa, Ridiculously Simple Japanese Tuna, and Black Bean Enchiladas. All recipes are accompanied by a nutritional analysis.

$50 Used – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso L

$15.84 New – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso Le

$40.77 Used – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso L

$60 Used – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso L

$19.49 Used – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso L

$20.51 New – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso Le

$50 Used – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso L

$60 Used – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso L

$21 Used – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso L

$20.71 New – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso Le

$20.51 Used – San Francisco’s Millennium restaurant is renowned for its elegant, intriguing, and delicious vegetarian fare. Very low-fat, this sophisticated and inviting food draws from a world of culinary influences — including Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, country French, German, and American.At Millennium, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, marrying the best of nature’s tastes, textures, temperatures, and aromas. Nearly 200 recipes, from Fig and Smoked Onion Filo Tart to Udon with Miso L

$1.5 Used – Eating vegetarian doesn’t have to mean a diet of twigs and berries. Using fresh ingredients, “The Occasional Vegetarian” offers original, naturally low-fat recipes inspired by Italian, French, Chinese, regional American, and Latin American cuisines. So, whether you’re a strict vegetarian looking for new ideas or someone who still enjoys a steak now and then, here are over 200 robust, healthful alternatives. Readers will learn how to: — compose a vegetarian plate by balancing color, textu

$17.09 New – Eating vegetarian doesn’t have to mean a diet of twigs and berries. Using fresh ingredients, “The Occasional Vegetarian” offers 200 original, naturally low-fat recipes inspired by Italian, French, Chinese, regional American, and Latin American cuisines.

$0.99 Used – The first fat gram counter for ethnic cuisines, this guide helps diners choose low-calorie and low-fat dishes from 18 favorites, including Italian, French, Greek, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, German, Carribbean and Thai. Features easy-to-read listings for fat, calories, sodium, protein, carbohydrates and cholesterol, plus tells how to order and get special requests.

$83 New – This guide enables diners to choose low-calorie and low-fat dishes from Italian, French, Greek, Chinese and other foods. It features listings for calories, fat, sodium, protein, carbohydrates and cholesterol; recommended choices; and serving-size guides.

$6.9 New – The first fat gram counter for ethnic cuisines, this guide helps diners choose low-calorie and low-fat dishes from 18 favorites, including Italian, French, Greek, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, German, Carribbean and Thai. Features easy-to-read listings for fat, calories, sodium, protein, carbohydrates and cholesterol, plus tells how to order and get special requests.

$83.88 New – This guide enables diners to choose low-calorie and low-fat dishes from Italian, French, Greek, Chinese and other foods. It features listings for calories, fat, sodium, protein, carbohydrates and cholesterol; recommended choices; and serving-size guides.

$6.9 New – The first fat gram counter for ethnic cuisines, this guide helps diners choose low-calorie and low-fat dishes from 18 favorites, including Italian, French, Greek, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, German, Carribbean and Thai. Features easy-to-read listings for fat, calories, sodium, protein, carbohydrates and cholesterol, plus tells how to order and get special requests.

$140.39 New

$99 New

$122.74 New

$85.08 New

$99 New

$9.96 New

$122.74 New

$1.99 Used

$97.94 New

Tags: christmas, food, italian, recipe, recipes

This entry was posted on Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at 8:15 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.