Page 51 - Galveston Monthly March 2019

cuisiNe | wiNE

drink froM The MounTains This sPrinG

iTalian wines froM PieMonTe

By Sandra Crittenden

cross the globe in northwest Italy lies PieMonTe Wines
a wine region resting at the foot of
the Alps. Bordering both France and found on The island
Switzerland, Piemonte - or Piedmont as aT econoMy liquor
ait is known in English - is an area that
takes wine production seriously. While they are two ISlanD locatIonS
primarily known for premium red wines made from 1911 23rd Street near Seawall Blvd.
the Nebbiolo grape and the friendly fizz made from 13655 FM 3005 in Pirates Beach
Moscato, there is so much more to this region.
vIEttI 2013 BaRolo caStIglIonE
from a fourth-generation family owned
Relatively isolated, the area was part of the kingdom winery, this rich red wine is succulent and
of Savoy until italy underwent Risorgimento in powerful. Loaded with red fruit, an earthy
the nineteenth century. These early ties to france nuance, and a persistent spicy finish, this wine
are reflected in their long history of quality wine offers a true taste of the best of Piemonte.
production. Under $50, available at both locations
Phylloxera and the two World Wars affected the
region’s growth, along with the industrial revolution, RIcoSSa BaRBaRESco 2011
which arrived to the capital city of Turin earlier than This dry red features velvety tannins with
it arrived to most of italy. The wine culture shrank as bright cherry aromas and flavors coupled with
a generation left their family farms for jobs in the city. herbs, leather, and a light toasty note in the
The latter part of the twentieth century would long baking spice laced finish.
be the time for regrowth and a rebuilding of the Under $20, available at 23rd Street location
region’s reputation. This wine revolution was led by
family-owned wineries that worked to establish the
DOC boundaries ensuring the quality of the wine
produced.
The vineyards are concentrated in the foothills that
surround Turin. There is a strong mountain influence
on the climate from the Alps in the north and the

MARCH 2019 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | 51