Friday Pizza

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Friday Pizza has been a longstanding tradition. When Friday comes around, wherever I am, I try to make pizza. Lake Como, Milano, Stavanger, Boston; doesn’t matter. Recently, Friday Pizza has been accompanied by Blind Tasting. This particular occasion was to teach my brother’s friend a little about wine. We decided to stay in one area, so Piemonte wines were on the menu.

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It ended up being one of each grape and then of course both versions of Nebbiolo. And my dad picked wines that show the typical characteristics of each one. Dolcetto and Barbera by Bartolo Mascarello. Nebbiolo and Barolo from Marengo. Absolutely fantastic. The 2012 Barolo was a little young but decanting it helped slightly. Overall a great meal and an interesting “wine lesson”.

 

Grape Varieties in Barolo

The main grape varieties in the Barolo area are Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo. There are of course other grapes that grow in the area, but the above mentioned are the main varieties. For my untrained eye, they just look like grapes. But each type has different characteristics, different leaves and of course different tastes.

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Dolcetto grapes are used make what I call the “baby wine”. The word dolcetto means “little sweet one”, however the wines are not necessarily sweet. Dolcetto is typically dry, and are known for it’s black cherry and licorice flavors. The wine is light and easy to drink, an everyday wine.

Barbera is the next grape variety. The wines is heavier than dolcetto and is typically consumed with food. The wine has notes of cherries, raspberries and blueberries. It is also known for it’s deep ruby color.

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Nebbiolo is the king of Piemonte. If Nebbiolo is grown in the Barolo region, you can call it Barolo. But if it grows next door, in Barbaresco, then you have to call it Barbaresco. But in general nebbiolo is used for the big wines, the wines you can store for decades. And it’s one of the main attraction for wine lovers.

 

Wine of the Week

Bartolo Mascarello Dolcetto d’Alba 2015

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Wine: Dolcetto d’Alba

Producer: Bartolo Mascarello

Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy

Grape varieties: Dolcetto

Vintage: 2015

 

Eye: deep, dark color

Nose: florals, dark fruits, leather, dried herbs

Mouth: balanced palate, good acidity, dark fruits

 

Price Point: $24

Available at Vinmonopolet: yes

Wine of the Week

IMG_8854Pira Dolcetto  d’Alba 2012

Wine: Dolcetto d’Alba

Producer: Pira

Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy

Grape varieties: Dolcetto

Vintage: 2012

 

Eye: ruby red

Nose: fresh red berries, some floral notes,

Mouth: balanced, earth flavors, fresh acidity

 

Price Point: $17

Available at Vinmonopolet: yes

Mercato Del Suffragio

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So one good thing about moving to Milano is there is an abundance of wine and good Italian food. And I have many friends that give good tips. This was one of them. Mercato del Suffragio. Here you will find four corners with delicious fresh food. You can sit down and eat, buy “take away” or just buy the fresh ingredients.

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One corner has freshly baked bread, pizza, foccacia and coffee. The second corner has fresh fruits and vegetables, juices and salads. Third corner has fish and seafood. And fourth corner, my favorite, has cheese, salumi and wine. You can pick from each of the corners and sit down and enjoy the meal there, or take the meal home. The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff is very  friendly and the food is very good! I am definitely coming back here. Especially for the Ice Cream.

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It was Daniela, the wife of Mauro Veglio, that told me about this place. They know the owner, Willy, who is very nice! His real passion is Ice Cream, and he let me try some. The nocciola is to die for! The brand is Cool, and their idea is to make natural ice cream with fresh ingredients. They even have ice cream without Lactose for those who are intolerant.

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Wine of the Week

Marengo Dolcetto d’Alba

IMG_7483Wine: Dolcetto d’Alba

Producer: Marengo

Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy

Grape varieties: Dolcetto

Vintage: 2014

 

Eye: Ruby red

Nose: fruity, fresh, blueberry/blackberry, hint of licorice

Mouth: fruits, hint of almond

 

Price Point: $9

Available at Vinmonopolet: Not yet…