Saturday, February 27, 2016

Conspiracy Theorists Clear Italian Wine and Spirits in Death of Justice Scalia


Pouring over the details contained in a recently released Texas Sheriff's Department incident report, conspiracy theorists around the globe concluded that Italian wine and spirits were not a factor in the February 13th death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia at John Poindexter's Cibolo Creek Ranch in Texas.

Ammon Bundy, recent co-leader of the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and general nut-case, came to this conclusion after his review of the incident report and consultation with Rear Adm. Brian P. Monahan, attending physician for members of Congress and the Supreme Court.

"While not entirely ruling out any other funny-business related to the International Order of St. Hubertus, it seems that coronary artery disease, obesity, diabetes, a heart like the Grinch's that was two sizes too small, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, smoking, toenail fungus and other ailments, may possibly have led to Justice Scalia's untimely death." Bundy said in a statement to The Italian Cellar.

"We can conclusively state that the Justice's pre-dinner Boulevardier (a Texas-style Negroni variant where gin is swapped out for Bourbon), the Bucci "Villa Bucci" Riserva Verdicchio that was served with the grilled scallop first course and the Alois Lageder "Krafuss" Pinot Nero that was served with the roast pheasant main course, cannot be attributed to his death." said Bundy.

"I honestly feel that Scalia's after-dinner digestif of an Amaro Nonino "Quintessentia" (on the rocks with an orange twist) may have actually prolonged the Justice's life long enough for him to get into bed where he died peacefully."





 
 
 

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Campagnolo - The "Big" Corkscrew - Veneto

Sometimes, BIGGER is better.  Over 2 pounds of pure Italian style from Campagnola, a high-end bicycle manufacturer (later automobile compents - Ferrari, Maserati, etc. and later still - satellite components) founded in 1933 by Tullio Campagnola.  A life-long inventor, Tullio holds over 135 patents and created such bicycle components as the quick release mechanism for wheels and derailleurs which allowed multi-speed bicycles.

Legend has it that many years ago, Tullio hurt his hand opening a wine bottle in celebration of a team victory.  His pain turned to inspiration, and thus the "Big" Corkscrew was born.

The "Big" Corkscrew's telescopic, self-centering bell positions the screw exactly in the middle of the cork and once screwed down, the two perfectly machined levers pull the cork out easily and delicately. The corkscrew has been designed to never twist completely through the cork, thus preventing pieces of cork dropping into the wine.  Quality materials and careful finishes accompany the sinuous shapes of its various parts. Each component is a characteristic feature of the Campagnolo brand.  Truly a work of art.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Cusumano Nero d' Avola (2014) Sicilia

A solid, value-priced southern Italian red wine from Cusumano, a Sicilian winery created by third generation winemakers and brothers Diego and Alberto Cusumano who assembled a network of growers that previously contracted with cooperatives. The 2014 Nero d' Avola is 100% Nero d’Avola grapes that are hand harvested from vineyards around San Giacomo. Deep ruby red color with an aroma of fresh red and blackberries. Spicy, yet smooth. Has the finish of a well-made wine. Way-cool "Vino-Lok" glass stopper. 

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries - Veneto

A knock-out garnish for your craft cocktail from Luxardo, a fifth generation family-owned company founded in Zara, a port city on the Dalmatian coast of what is now Croatia in 1817. During World War II, the family fled to Italy, escaping with only a single cherry sapling and the Luxardo recipe book. 

Luxardo's Maraschino (mar-a-SKI-no) Cherries are proprietary sour marasca cherries that are candied and steeped in a syrup made of cherry juice and sugar.  The Luxardo family exclusively cultivates over 30,000 Marasca Cherry trees in the Veneto region of Italy to produce these jewels.

The cherries are all natural, with no artificial colors, and are certified Kosher to boot!  When only the best will do. L'chayim!

Friday, February 19, 2016

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino - Piemonte

A delicious sweet vermouth made in the Turin style (one of only two protected geographical indication of origins for vermouth – the other being ChambĂ©ry where Dolin is produced) from a base of Moscato d'Asti with rich flavors of cocoa, rhubarb, and citrus.

Cocchi (pronounced co-KEY, you rubes) was founded in 1891 by Guillo Cocchi, a bartender in Florence before following his dream and moving to Asti to become a sparkling winemaker  (a maker of sparkling wine, not a winemaker that sparkles) and distiller.  The company was Cocchi-owned until 1971 when it was purchased by the Bava family who still run it today.
Terrific on its own or as an ingredient in a classic cocktail recipe.  Its flavor profile occupies a middle ground between Carpano Antica and Punt e Mes.