Italian Wine Matchmaking with Casper Rice
The Scene: You walk into a special Italian restaurant and panic when the somm saunters by because all you know is Brunello. Enter Casper Rice, Fiola's sommelier and beverage director (whom they scooped in June from the Inn at Little Washington). We asked him to match common red wine styles with Italian varietals, so you don’t have to.
If you like Pinot Noir: Head to the Piedmont region. "It's Italy's answer to Burgundy." The Nebbiolo grape is responsible for both Barbaresco, a softer style, and Barolo, a rustic, bolder example. They're referred to as "queen" and "king."
If you like California Cabernet: Ask about a Super Tuscan. They're powerful in a New World way. Casper's favorite is a Mazzei Philip Cabernet from Maremma, which honors Thomas Jefferson's good friend Philip Mazzei who traveled from Italy to Virginia in 1773.
If you like Syrah/Shiraz: Try an Aglianico. The grape is gamey, rich and spicy with notes of pepper and leather. Casper has three on the Fiola wine list.
If you like Spanish Rioja: The Cannonau grape from Sardinia is a good match because it's a densely flavored, aromatic wine. It's the Italian version of Grenache.
If you just like big, bold wine: An Amarone will drink unique. It's produced in the Veneto region using dried grapes that produce rich chocolate and raisin notes.
