Italian Wine and Cheese Seminar a Tasty Treat

Delectable Italian wines, cheeses and fruits were sampled at Friday evening's Italian Wine and Cheese Seminar at the Vamp's Club, which was hosted by the Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372 - Order Sons of Italy in America.

Over 60 Bellmore, Merrick and other local residents came out to try eight of their favorite red and white wines and to listen to Francesco Rabellino, regional manager from Italian wine company Zonin USA.

Bob Ortlani, one of the organizers of the wine tasting seminar and a Sons of Italy member, said there are many health benefits from drinking moderate amounts of red when due to its antioxidant content, including reducing cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart disease. He also said that a lot of wines are high in vitamin B6 and B12, along with bioflavonoids.

"Most table wines are composed of 10-12 percent alcohol levels and  as a wine matures, the flavors and aromas will continuously change and evolve," Ortlani said. "Basically, when tasting wine you want to use your sense of sight, smell, taste and mouth feel, let it aerate in your mouth for a few seconds so you can taste and enjoy all the flavor nuances.  Remember that you want to feel the wine in your mouth, using the taste buds on your tongue, to then determine if it is sweet, dry, tart, sour, bitter or tannic."

According to Francesco Rabellino, regional manager of Zonin USA; a well-known producer and importer of fine wines said when drinking wine it is all about family, friends and gathering around the table for a meal. He said that Prosecco, a dry, intense sparkling white wine made from Prosecco grapes, which was served at the tasting seminar, is very versatile and goes well with many foods or as an aperitif.

"Insolia is a white wine imported from Sicily. It is very refreshing and a favorite among many," Rabellino said. "Zonin Pinot Grigio comes from the Veneto and Fruili Region of Italy and has a nutty flavor with hints of almond blossoms and peaches."

Other red wines that were sampled included Montepulciano; a popular table wine and another favorite among many at the seminar - Castello d Albola Chianti Classico known for its delicate toasted woody elegance. Another spiced-cherry type of brandy red wine, which everyone enjoyed was Principi di Butera Nero d'Avola. Joe Pascual, owner of Ace's Wines and Spirits in Merrick said cheese and fruit go well with wine and can actually change the taste of the wine you are sampling.

"Italian cheeses, such as parmesan straveccio, gorgonzola and marinated mozzarella, which is being served here tonight can actually assist in wine tasting by changing your palate," Pascual said. "Wines mix well with any meal."

North Bellmore residents Aldo Perrino and his daughter Alison said that their preference leaned toward the dry white wines and the Insola was their favorite.

"I took a wine class in college in Florence, Italy and I am fascinated by all the different wines and how they are made," Alison Perrino said. "I would love to attend more wine tastings."

Ortlani added he feels that wine brings people together.

"It is the best social beverage out there," Ortlani said. "And always remember that you want to feel the wine in your mouth, on the tip of your tongue and then you can determine if it is sweet, dry, bitter or hot."