02/12/07 Monday Email

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Today we are answering questions from the email. Recently a listener wrote, "I prefer white wines and we will be visiting Italy what can you tell me about white wines in Emilia-Romagna?" So you are a white wine drinker going to Italy. Well Emilia-Romagna home of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham is not really a great place to find stellar white wines. However, take heart there are some good examples of Trebbiano so be sure to ask for recommendations and as a point of reference the price is often an indication of the quality. There are a few interesting DOC's like Colli Bolognese or Colli Piecentini where they grow and blend other varieties such as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. By all means do not hesitate to try some of the "vino da tavola" whites which although non traditional can be very good. The white wines are pleasant accompaniment to a few nice papery thin slices of Parma ham and Parmesan cheese. Please do not set your expectations too high. Also, consider that just because you are in Emila-Romana it doesn't mean you won't find wines from other parts of Italy to choose from and enjoy. If you gave it a chance, you may even find that you like Italian red wine. Most of all enjoy your visit and take in all of the pleasure this part of Italy has to offer. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.