Italian Reflections

A Winter Walk along the Anita Garibaldi Promenade

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Nervi is a small resort, a few kilometres east of Genoa, well known for its beautiful gardens, parks and mild climate as well as the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, a cliffside promenade with panoramic views.

The promenade runs from Nervi's old harbour along the coast for nearly two kilometres. Cut into the cliffside the promenade passes by Nervi's gardens, parks and ancient villas which house the Modern Art Gallery and the collections of the private collections of the Luxoro and Frugone families.

With a southern exposure and mountains at its back the promenade is ensured an exceptionally mild climate and offers panoramic views of the Portofino headland, Camogli village to the east, and the coastline of the Mortola Cape to the west. Along the Promenade are several access points to the seashore, where bathers can swim, plunge or dive into the sea or in the swimming-pools built amongst the rocks.

How to get there:

By Bus: From Genova buses 15 & 17 will take you directly to Nervi. The buses leave every 20 minutes during the day and every hour during the night from the city centre and Brignole Station.

By Train: From both Brignole and Principe Railway stations east direction, stop at Nervi.

By Car: From the A12, take the Genova-Nervi exit, bare left over the bridge (sign posted Levante/La Spezia) onto Corsa Europa and into Nervi town centre.

Best place to park? Nervi Station car park, 1.50 Euro an hour. Just walk through the opening in the wall more or less opposite the central pay machine, through the pedestrian tunnel under the railway line, and within a few steps you are on the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi. Turn right for Nervi harbour, turn left for views towards Portofino's headland.

View Larger Map

Italian B&B Day Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:01:00 +0000

The fifth edition of B&B Day, a national day celebrating the Italian B&B is at the beginning of next month, March 2011.

From the Alps to the island of Lampedusa over 12,000 accommodation facilities are waiting to give tourists the warmest of welcomes, in the best Italian tradition. Book your weekend between March 4th and March 6th, and your stay on Saturday March 5th will be free.

(Please note: the offer requires a minimum stay of 2 nights)

What are you waiting for...check out the B&B Day website.

Secret Hotels in Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:42:00 +0000

Great to see Italy has two hotels listed in Budget Travels, "9 best secret hotels in the world". Italy was the only country with more than one hotel on the list!

The two hotels were the Albergo Hotel California in Positano

and La Tenuta di Roccadia in Carlentini, Sicily.

Well done!

Italian Reflections Hotelroll Update: January 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:38:00 +0000

January 2011: Room For Romance is the latest addition to the Italian Reflections Hotelroll which lists and links many wonderful hotels in Italy that are either boutique or chic, cool or hip, historic or intimate, luxury or romantic, secret or just some of the best designed hotels in Italy.

Room for Romance says: "Italy has some wonderfully romantic and luxurious hotels, plush palazzos and rustic B&Bs perfect for a taste of La Dolce Vita. This is the place to find your dream romantic getaway in Italy". Check out their selection of over 70 Italian Hotels and for the complete Italian Reflections Hotelroll, please keep reading...

Abitare la Storia
"Abitare la Storia is an association of independent accommodation facilities in historical dwellings for tourists, both in town and countryside settings, covering the whole of Italy."

A Hotel in Italy
"At ahotelinitaly.com they aim to make the whole process of reserving a hotel simpler and more enjoyable. Their experienced writers go the extra mile to research an area, always endeavouring to discover what's unique about that village, town or region ... the top sights to see, the essential local places to visit."

Boutique Hotels
"Looking for a small cool boutique hotel in Italy? A hip hideaway? Or a place to celebrate your honeymoon? Thankfully Italy has no shortage of intimate chic hotels and the team of independent reviewers at Boutique Hotels Italy have stayed at many of them."

Chic Retreats
"Chic Retreats was founded in 2002 by Lulu Townsend and is now recognised as the most trustworthy source for small boutique hotels. Most of the properties featured on Chic Retreats are privately owned and all are personally selected by Lulu to ensure charming service & attention to detail."

Cognoscenti World
"Cognoscenti World offer a portfolio of the most researched luxury hotels in Italy, all set in small period buildings in exclusive and romantic surroundings."

Design Hotels
"Design Hotels brings together distinctive individual hotels with forward-thinking design and local influences."

Dimore D'Epoca
"Dimore D'Epoca has selected the best hotels set in historical buildings, villas and castles in some of the most striking and influential places in Italy."

Epoque Hotels
"Each Epoque Hotel, be it in the Epoque Line or in the Avantgarde Line, is carefully selected for its character, charm, quality, and central position, expressing the originality and atmosphere of the city where it is located."

Five Star Alliance
"Helps travelers find and book the ideal luxury hotel. They are an online travel agency for the world's best hotels and offer great recommendations, the best rates, and world-class customer service."

Great Small Hotels
"The hotels which make up Great Small Hotels are special establishments, each for a particular reason. They may be a boutique hotel, have an excellent location, or be situated in buildings which blend in with their historical surroundings, or possess outstanding character. No two are the same, but they all share one common denominator - they are all small hotels."

History Traveller Hotels
"History Traveller carefully selects accomodation for clients in historically important residences throughout Italy."

Hip Hotels
"Hip Hotels offer highly individual places to stay in Italy, that make travel memorable..."

Hotel Philosophy
"Every hotel is as unique as the town and the location where it is set; it is inspired by the surroundings and constitutes a true set design that shapes an ideal reality."

Hotique
"Hotique hotels are unique, luxurious and provide a truly memorable experience."

icastelli.net
offer over 400 exclusive properties in Italy. "Distinctive and unique Hotels that immerse you in a veritable journey through centuries past, for a truly mystical experience in places where culture mingles with art."

i-escape

"A hand-picked portfolio of exciting and unusual places to stay in some of the world's most beautiful and fascinating locations - put together by a small team of passionate travellers, and backed up by an award-winning online booking service…"

Italian Collection Hotels
"From small, charming resorts to boutique and luxury hotels in Italy, from authentic, rustic farmhouses to sophisticated design hotels, Italian Collection features only the best locations and accommodations in Italy."

Perfect Escapes
"Perfect Escapes bring you a personally selected collection of luxurious 4- and 5-star hotel rooms paired with unique local activities, special-occasion amenities and pampering upgrades to make your trip unforgettable."

5 Star Luxury Hotels
"ItalyTraveller is an invaluable source for those wishing to plan a holiday in Italy, discovering the country's great natural and artistic heritage. ItalyTraveller helps visitors to plan their vacation, by selecting locations and hotels, which best meet their requirements. Hotels present on ItalyTraveller have been selected for the high quality of the service and facilities offered."

Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels
"Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels have rounded up an ever-growing selection of boutique hotel stays, luxury hotel hideaways and romantic retreats in Italy."

Relais & Chateaux Hotels
"Relais & Châteaux offers an exclusive collection of over 40 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in Italy. The Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character."

Romantic Hotels
"Discover some of the most romantic small hotels, inns and places in Italy."

Rome Luxury Suites

"Staying at Rome Luxury Suites is to experience Rome in a most unique way. They have created three distinct properties, combining the rich history of this prestigious neighborhood with contemporary Italian style, to offer tastefully appointed, spacious suites to the discerning traveller."

Room for Romance
"Italy has some wonderfully romantic and luxurious hotels, plush palazzos and rustic B&Bs perfect for a taste of la dolce vita. This is the place to find your dream romantic getaway in Italy".

Ross Hotels
"Ross Hotels invite you to enjoy an unforgettable vacation set in the beautiful landscape of Tuscany. All the hotels are located in the famous hill region of Chianti, between Florence and Siena, in an area of outstanding beauty, where you feel completely immersed in a special atmosphere, rich in tradition and passion."

Secretplaces Hotels
"Secretplaces offers a unique selection of romantic and boutique Italy hotels. Secretplaces highlights only those truly special accommodations with soul. Whatever your reasons to travel, be it a romantic getaway, the thrill of staying at a boutique hotel in Italy or small Italy hotel, Secretplaces will you help find the perfect spot."

Small Luxury Hotels
"Whatever your inclination, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ is guaranteed to have that exclusive hotel with its own unique character and charm."

Splendia Hotels
"Will help you find your perfect place to stay, whether it's for a stolen weekend away from the city, a lavish spa retreat with the girls, a gastronomic country break, or the honeymoon of a lifetime."

Travel Intelligence Hotels
"Travel Intelligence Hotels bring you the world's best-edited, most carefully curated and lovingly hand-crafted collection of luxury hotels and boutique hotels around."

Unusual & Unique Hotels
"Unusual Hotels of the World offers 'experiential' hotels. Staying there is worth the trip, which will often be long and arduous, and delivers the guest a memorable and hopefully enjoyable experience."

Tips for better Trips

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Image by SatAddict via Flickr

Time for a repost: Following the unfortunate experience of a friend recently, when they had their passport and credit cards stolen from the car on a recent visit to Spain. I thought it was a good moment to repost "Tips for better Trips"...

So whether you are travelling to Italy, within Italy or anywhere else for that matter here are some electronic and internet travel tips gathered from around the web:

Before you set off:

scan your passport and email yourself a copy of it (a jpeg is best), so if you lose your passport you can print off a copy and help speed up the process of replacement.
use Google Earth to find those hidden away beauty spots.
use SeatGuru or SeatExpert for the facts on which seats to pick and which seats to avoid on any airline.

on the go:

use Visa's ATM locator if you need cash in a foreign country

Digital cameras and mobile phones can take more than just holiday snaps...

Take photos of your passport and travel documents.
Take photos of your bag/bags in case they are stolen or lost.
Take photos of your child/children every day because it is easy to get separated in busy and unfamiliar surroundings as this can give a bang-up-to-date snapshot to help find your child in an emergency situation.
Take photos of city or transport maps so you have them on call.
Beware of internet cafés or cybercafés or any public computer where you might log on, because criminals have been known to add keystroke readers to access your sensitive accounts and information.
Finally, don't do your banking or shop online if you are using a free Wi-Fi service.

Latest News in English from around Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:36:00 +0000

2011 update: For the latest news in English from around Italy, check out these numerous links to websites and blogs. These links can also be found under the "Italian News in English" section of our Italian Travel Directory.

agenzia giornalistica italia
ansa
capri magazine
cnn
corriere della sera
euronews
firenze magazine
global post
hello milano
italian news in english
italian online newspapers
italian sports news
italica - san marino
la repubblica
libero news
new york times
only in italy
positano news
rome review
sikania - sicily
the florence newspaper
the florentine
the guardian
the riviera times
the rome journal
the times
toscana e chianti news
valley life - tuscany

Best country for retirees?

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 08:18:00 +0000

Interesting to see Italy at number 5 in InternationalLiving.com's annual ranking of the best countries for retirees. They ranked and rated 25 countries in eight categories to come up with the world’s top places to retire, taking facts and figures from a huge range of sources. Here's the top 10:

1. Ecuador - 81
2. Panama - 80
3. Mexico - 79
4. France - 78
5. Italy - 78
6. Uruguay - 77
7. Malta - 76
8. Chile - 76
9. Spain - 75
10. Costa Rica - 75

For the full list check out InternationalLiving.com's website

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:01:00 +0000

to all our friends around the world

on blogs, websites and twitter!

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to our family and friends, readers

and fellow bloggers, sponsors and twitter followers

from around the world.

Great Italian Food Blogs and Websites: Update December 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:39:00 +0000

As part of the new 'Food + Wine' section it seems only right to start by mentioning these great Italian Food blogs and websites:

2friends4cooking - Italian cooking lessons in Rome, recipes and more

Aglio, Olio, & Peperocino -Italian culinary adventures

Anna Maria Volpi - A passion for cooking

A Pinch of Italy - The passion for cooking has an Italian aftertatse

Aurelio Barattini - Food of Tuscan farmers

Bella Baita View - Piedmont mountain retreat

Beyond the Pasta - Recipes, Language & Life with an Italian Family

Flavors of Abruzzo - The sights, sounds and flavors of the region

Frutto della Passione - Food and all things culinary in an Italian setting

Italian Days - One day Italian food tours

Italian Food Forever - A love affair with Italian cooking

Italian Food Lovers - Travel, Discover, Taste

Juls’ Kitchen - Passionate moments of cooking randomly

La Tavola Marche - Local seasonal Italian recipes

Love Sicily - Enjoy Sicily through great food and wine

Lucillian Delights - An Italian Experience

Madonna del Piatto - About the culture and philosophy of Italian home food

Ms Adventures in Italy - About cooking, exploring and tasting new specialties

Not only Pizza - Everthing about food starting from Italy

Over a Tuscan Stove - Everyone should try being Tuscan at least once a day!

Parla Food - Katie Parla chases down the best food in Italy

Secret Recipes from the Hideaway - Le Marche farmhouse recipes

Spaghetti al Pomodoro - Spaghetti and love in Italy

Stile Mediterraneo - Puglia cooking vacations and wine tours

The Artichoke Blog - On artichokes around Italy

The Italian Chef - Dedicated to the art of fine Italian cooking

Think on it - Philosophy from an Umbrian farm

Tuscanycious - Tuscany with Gusto

Tuscany: Wine, food and Culture - Promoting wine, food and culture of the region

Under the Tuscan Gun - Fresh, healthy Tuscan recipes

Volevo fare lo Chef - I wanted to be a chef

An Interview with Enrico Rivetto of the Rivetto Winery, Sinio

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:16:00 +0000

December's 'Food and Wine Interview' is with Enrico Rivetto of the Rivetto Winery in Sinio, Piedmont.

For over 100 years the Rivetto family has been making wine in the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. Today this medium size estate occupies some 35 hectacres, 20 of which are vineyards, and faces the spectacular Serralunga d’Alba castle and the charming picturesque village of Sinio. Rivetto have recently opened a shop in nearby Alba, offering their delicious range of wines to the public whilst the estate has also opened its doors to visitors, allowing wine lovers and nature enthusiasts to stroll through the beautiful grounds.

Enrico says: "We are undertaking a number of new projects. Firstly, a Nebbiolo Spumante using the Champenois method and secondly, a new Barolo named Briccolina".

The Questions and Answers:

1) How and when did you first get involved with wine?

I think I always wanted to be involved in wine, when I was 4 years old I helped my father in the cellar. My job was to switch the pumps, which transferred the wine from one barrel to another, on and off. So I started breathing in the wine atmosphere at a very early age. I graduated in Oenology from the University of Viticoltura and Enologia in ALBA and since then have been heavily involved in all aspects of the family business.

2) For our readers who haven't been to Sinio and Serralunga, can you tell them a little bit about what makes this part of Piedmont such a great place for growing grapes and making wine.

Our winery is located on the top of a beautiful hill between Serralunga d'Alba and Sinio and first thing that you see is the view. The contours of the hills, the colour of the landscape, the castles and the panorama of the Alps. Everywhere the vineyard views are unique, it is very difficult to describe. The soil in this area is rich in clay and calcium which creates a perfect composition for growing grapes, especially for wines that require ageing. In my opinion, the soil accounts for half the reason why our wines are so special.

3) Rivetto has been making wines for nearly 100 years, what do you consider to be the biggest challenges now for Rivetto?

I represent the 4th generation of my family and we are one of the older wine producer families in southern Piemonte. Those members of my family who ran the company before my brother and I had many difficult moments, two world wars, a methanol crisis and a family split.

Fortunately today things are not as difficult for us, but of course there are many challenges ahead. We are undertaking a number of new projects. Firstly, a Nebbiolo Spumante using the Champenois method, secondly, a new Barolo named Briccolina and finally improving the quality of the only white grape indigenous to the Langhe hills called Langhe Nascetta. From a marketing point of view, my challenge is to communicate the philosophy of Rivetto wines through our website, my blog and other social media. Perhaps the most difficult challenge, and in many ways the most important to me, is how to involve my daughter and two nieces in our wine business in the future. At the moment they are very very young, so I have time to think how to do it without applying any undue pressure.

4) If someone was contemplating purchasing Rivetto wines for the very first time which would you recommend and what foods would you suggest to pair with them?

Barbera d'Alba "Zio Nando" is my choice, matched with pasta and a meaty sauce. Even if the Barbera Zio Nando is 14% volume, it is very well balanced and smooth, it makes the perfect, high quality introduction to Rivetto's wines.

5) Which do you consider to be Rivetto's top three wines?

A difficult question, but I favour the Barbera d'Alba "Lirano Soprano" 2007, followed by the Barolo Serralunga 2006 and then the Barolo Riserva 2004. In the near future, when we release our Barolo Briccolina, I believe this will probably become our number one wine.

6) How may "Italian Reflections" readers taste and purchase your wines?

We ship our wines worldwide or you can purchase our wines from one of 30 importers located in over 30 countries. Please feel free to contact me for further information.

Many thanks to Enrico Rivetto of the Rivetto Winery for your time and answers.

For further details check out the Rivetto website or contact:

Azienda Agricola Rivetto - Loc. Lirano 2, Sinio (CN) 12050 Italia.
e: rivetto@rivetto.it
t: +39 0173613380
f: +39 0173613977

w: http://www.rivetto.it/
b: http://blog.rivetto.it/

Cookery School With A Difference Launched In Venice

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:10:00 +0000

The Palazzo Cà Zanardi in Venice was the location for the recent launch of Federazione Nazionale Personal Chef - La F.N.P.C.

This is an Italian cookery school with a difference, offering much more than just cooking courses. It is an “International Laboratory of Food and Wine Studies”, called "Cannaregio 4132".

Attendance far exceeded all expectations and the Federation's President, Mirko Squadroni, Commercial Director, Piergiorgio Pezzolesi, Public Relations Director, Paolo Dalicandro and Marketing Director, Andrea Verzola were all present, along with many member chefs and guests at the reception, presentation and tasting at the Palazzo Cà Zanardi.

The Palazzo Cà Zanardi will be the Federation's headquarters. This Venetian, residential palace dates back to the 16th century and is located in a peaceful setting with its own private garden and magnificent sun filled terrace. The palazzo is located close to the Cà d’Oro, Venice's beautiful 15th century gothic palace on the Grand Canal. Set away from the busy tourist areas but still reachable with ease by foot, being just a three minute walk from the Cà d’Oro water bus stop, or by boat, via the quaint Santa Caterina canal whose gentle waters pass the palazzo’s private pier. The palazzo's elegance is reflected in its grand halls and reception rooms which display the artistry of its furnishings, creating a fascinating atmosphere. Indeed, the palazzo is often used for special occassions such as gala dinners, wedding parties, art exhibitions and musical events.

The Federazione Nazionale Personal Chef is a unique association that brings together and unites Italy's Personal Chefs. Amongst the main aims of the Federation are to participate in events and fairs to promote and create greater awareness of the Federation whilst selecting and procuring collaborative contracts with local suppliers all over Italy. The internet portal of the Federation, http://www.federpersonalchef.it/, will also promote Nationally and Internationally, the Federation's concept and the multiplicity of the services that can be offered to its clients and customers.

At the Federation's headquarters within the Palazzo Cà Zanardi, aspiring chefs will be able to undertake numerous courses. Whether amateur or professional, there are courses to cover every aspect of the culinary world. One of the first courses will be conducted by Francesca Barberini, from Gambero Rosso TV, for children. Other courses currently available include, three courses for amateurs.

For professionals the courses are designed to give personal chefs the tools required to start up and run a flourishing personal chef business. The subjects include the practicalities of how to become a personal chef, how to adapt when you arrive in an unfamiliar kitchen missing many of the cooking utensils you would normally cook with as well as practical workshops that will cover subjects such as food design, food marketing and food trend watching.

Language courses combined with cooking courses are also available. Offering Italian chefs, with a basic understanding of English and wanting to work in the English speaking world, the chance to learn the language in more detail. Whilst non-Italian chefs, with a basic understanding of Italian and wanting to work in Italy, will have the chance to learn Italian.

For more information check out the Federazione Nazionale Personal Chef's website at http://www.federpersonalchef.it/

Yet Another Good Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:27:00 +0000

21st November: Top 10 blog posts from Italy

This month's post about Turin's Christmas Lights was chosen by Italytutto as one of the top ten posts of the week. So it's great to be included again in such esteemed company. All of these blogs are all worth a look at, if you don't know them already...they are, in alphabetical order:

At Home in Tuscany: Pisa is changing
No need to go to Florence these days if you’re looking for entertainment
Brigolante: Gluten Free Italy: A Celiac’s Guide to Umbria
An extremely useful resource to catering for a gluten intolerance
Italian Reflections from Casa Dolcetta: Turin’s Christmas Lights 2010
Stunning contemporary art replaces the Santas and snowflakes
Madonna del Piatto: Baci di dama cookies
The photos alone make you want to bake them
Over a Tuscan Stove: My First Saffron Harvest
Gifts that keep on giving
Path to Self Sufficiency: Wild Food of the month, November – Autumn olive and of little helpers
What is the autumn olive berry?
Rubber Slippers in Italy: Classic Loren – La Ciociara (Two Women)
Leather sandals and the ugliness of war
Sicily Scene: Viva Agira!
Are the people of Agira the coolest people you’ve ever seen?
Tuscanycious: Pamela Sheldon Johns’ Olive Oil
The answers to the questions that the local Tuscan farmers ask each other about the olive harvest
Zoomata: Social Media? Italians prefer chatting in Cafes
A survey on how Italians socialise

An Interview with Davide Monorchio of Contratto

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:24:00 +0000

The new 'Food and Wine Interview' series begins here with Davide Monorchio, Cellar Manager of Contratto Wines in Canelli, Piedmont.

Davide lives nearby, in Nizza Monferrato and we met recently during a tour of Contratto's amazing cellars in Canelli. I am pleased to now call him a friend and very grateful for taking time out to answer our questions.

Contratto is one of Italy's premier Brut sparkling wine producers. Over the years it has acquired a select number of vineyards in and around Alba and Gavi as well as Cerequio. Casa Contratto has been home to the Contratto company since 1876. Lying in the heart of Canelli, beneath the castle, it's elegant Liberty Style buildings reflect the period when Contratto first became world famous. In 1994 this historic company was taken over by Distilleria Bocchino, a famous Piemontese producer renowned for its liqueurs, particularly a grappa created from the pips of Moscato grapes which results in an aromatic and widely acclaimed liqueur. Today the companies are run by Carlo and Antonella Bocchino whose intention is to keep on creating the best and focusing on a small range of classic and historic wines which are limited to highly selective estate production.

Davide says: "Contratto's main challenge today is to remain true to our heritage."

The Questions and Answers:

How and when did you first get involved with wine?

My earliest memories are as a child when I remember being involved in the grape harvest. My uncle is a winemaker and my grandfather was a grape producer. However I started "professionally" here at Contratto in Canelli in 2002.

For our readers who haven't been to Canelli, can you tell them a little bit about what makes this area of Piedmont such a great place for growing grapes and making wine?

Canelli lies right in the centre of the moscato producing vineyards of this area. During the middle of 19th century all the champagnes were sweet sparkling wines, due to the fact that they used to add more than 200 grams per litre of sugar cane. So, the Canelli wine producers, firstly Carlo Gancia, decided to produce a sweet sparkling wine using directly moscato grapes. The major cellars, Contratto, Coppo, Gancia andRiccadonna were founded here in Canelli mainly for logistical reasons.

Contratto is one of the oldest winemakers in Canelli, what do you consider to be the biggest challenges facing Contratto now?

It is not easy to be in today's market selling only small quantities of quality wines. Especially as many of the more well known wine producers sell a few top quality wines but a also sell large quantities of "normal" bottles at cheap prices. Our main challenge is to remain true to our heritage, without needing to produce lower quality wines in order to survive in today's marketplace.

If someone was contemplating purchasing Contratto wines for the very first time which would you recommend and what foods would you suggest to pair with them?

I would suggest that they buy a traditional Asti Metodo Classico, the Asti De Miranda. It follows the same method of production that was used some 150 years ago. Many years ago it was called "Asti Champagne" or "Moscato Champagne". This sparkling wine represents our tradition and our heritage. Ideally it should be served with a classic hazelnut cake, "Tonda e gentile del Piemonte".

Which do you consider to be Contratto's top three wines?

In my opinion it would be firstly, Asti Metodo Classico De Miranda, then our Barolo Cerequio DOCG, and finally our Riserva Giuseppe Contratto Brut Metodo Classico.

How may "Italian Reflections from Casa Dolcetto" readers taste and purchase your wines?

The best way is to send us an email to visitacantine@contratto.it. We are very happy to arrange tastings. For example our standard tasting visit includes one tasting, however if you want a complete tasting this is by prior arrangement. We can also provide information on purchasing.

Many thanks to Davide Monorchio of G.Contratto S.p.A. for your time and answers.

For further details check out the Contratto website or contact:
Contratto S.p.a. - Via G.B. Giuliani, 56 - Canelli (AT) Italia.
t: 0141/82.33.49 - f:: 0141/824650 - e: info@contratto.it

Turin's Christmas Lights 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:09:00 +0000

At this time of year the Christmas lights in Turin are a sight to behold. However these are not your common or garden santa & snowflake illuminations. In 1997 Turin's city council launched the Luci d'artista, initiative in order to extend Turin's growing role as a promoter of contemporary art.

New works this year include My Noon, Tobias Reheberger's large-scale luminous reinterpretation of a digital clock which marks the passage of time. Cristalliazzazione sospesa (Suspended Crystallisation) by Carlo Bernardini and Bwindi Light Masks by Richi Ferrero.

Luci d'Artista finishes on 16th January 2011. The works by Daniel Buren, Marco, Marco Gastini, Rebecca Horn, Joseph Kosuth, Mario Merz, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Gilberto Zorio will then be re-lit from 17th March until late June 2011 to illuminate the city in honour of the celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unification.

Turin's tourist offices are providing free Luci d'artista maps and organising weekend guided tours.

Check out the Turin Contemporary Art website for more information.

105,000 Euro Truffle

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

A wine critic paid 105,000 euros for a 900 gram white truffle at the annual truffle auction in Alba, Piedmont last Sunday. The auction was held as usual at the medieval Castello di Grinzane. The buyer, Jeannie Cho Lee, a South Korean wine critic living in Hong Kong, made her bid via a satellite link-up, and paid a per gram price of 117 euros, slightly lower than last year's rate of 133 euros per gram.

Ms Lee commented via Twitter that she bought the truffle with her friends and is looking forward to holding a white truffle 'feast' after it arrives in Hong Kong. The majority of the auction's proceeds, some 307,000 euros, go to Italian charities and the Mother's Choice children's charity in Hong Kong.

It's Not a Bad Day Again...

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:53:00 +0000

A recent post about Bugatti's Kitchen Scales was chosen by Italytutto as one of the top ten posts of the week.

So it's not a bad day again to be included in such esteemed company. These blogs are all worth a look at, if you don't know them already...they are, in alphabetical order:

An American in Rome: The Problem with Italian Plugs
Round, flat, thick, thin …
Baroque Sicily: Like Melted Butter
“So terribly physically all over one another”
Bella Baita View: Slow Food’s Salone del Gusto and Terre Madre
A market place for wondrous products
Brigolante: Seven Perfect Days: A One Week Itinerary for Umbria
The best of absolutely everything
Dim Sum, Bagels & Crawfish: Palermo
Don’t miss it
Italian Reflections from Casa Dolcetta: Bugatti Kitchen Scales
To match your Bugatti toaster
News from Italy: Our Garden in October
The apples and grapes are now all harvested
Parla Food: Paolo Parisi’s Eggs Fetch a Pretty Penny
Are they worth the price?
Sicily Scene: The Olive Pickers’ Lunch that wasn’t
Even if rain delays picking, there is always a fabulous lunch
Valle Nuova: Peperoncini ripieni
Family recipe for this traditional Piemontese delicacy

Bugatti Kitchen Scales!

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:14:00 +0000

Need something to compliment that Bugatti toaster? Like shiny Italian designer pieces in your kitchen. Then how about the perfectly formed Bugatti Uma Electronic Kitchen Scales and Timer. So elegant you'll be tempted to fill it with flowers rather than measuring ingredients.The body is chrome-plated stainless steel whilst the conical bowl is of high quality plastic.They're pretty large and therefore impractical for storing, but why would hide something this beautiful away? Approx: €110.

A Bugatti Toaster!

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 08:48:00 +0000

That humble kitchen appliance, the toaster normally does not generate much excitement when it comes to design. However, trust the Italians to bring a touch of style to your kitchen. The Pink Bugatti Volo Toaster has a very distinct design identity. It's bold, sleek and sexy whilst featuring a motorised toast lifting system, includes six electronic browning control options, wide slots to accommodate varying thickness of bread and even comes with a crumpet warming rack!

Approx. €160.

Left Hand Drive Cars For Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Moving to Italy, need a Left Hand Drive for your new home or even your new life! Try out our friends at car Kilrush Cars.

Kilrush Cars state that they are simply the easiest and best way to find good quality pre-owned left hand drive cars and that their Company Philosophy is that the Customer always comes first.

Well let's see...

Firstly, Kilrush have more than 20 years experience in the Motor Trade, so you know you are talking to professionals. They also know that making an investment in a new left hand drive car is very important for you. Now you can buy exactly the LHD car you want with complete confidence and at the right price.

Kilrush Cars specialise in top quality used left hand drive cars up to five years old. These vehicles are in excellent condition and all their second hand, left hand drive vehicles are one owner, and come with full service history. They are supplied by some of the most reputable companies in Europe, with whom they have a long standing relationship. This guarantees you the customer complete satisfaction.

Secondly and most importantly all their vehicles are supplied with:

    * A European Certificate of Conformity
    * Full Service History
    * Log/Registration Book
    * Guaranteed Mileage
    * 12 months M.O.T.

and with the documents and paperwork that are supplied with your Left Hand Drive vehicle, you can easily register the vehicle anywhere in Italy or the rest of Europe.

Lastly the small, yet important print. Kilrush Cars are happy to welcome AA inspections at their premises, will also buy good quality Left Hand Drive cars and welcome Part Exchange. They also accept most major credit/debit cards.

For more information, contact Lawrence Howie at Kilrush Cars, by phone: +44 (0)1252 782883, or by email: sales@kilrushcars.com.

The Jewel in the Crown?

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:27:00 +0000

The royal residences of Piedmont were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997 as the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. The jewel in the crown is the amazing La Venaria Reale.

Just outside Turin, in Italy's nothern Piedmont region, lies the Venaria Reale Palace. It was the Duke of Savoy's, Carlo Emanuelle II, answer to Versailles in France. Work started in 1658 with the court's greatest architects, Amedeo di Castellamonte, Garove, Juvarra, and Alfieri all taking part at various times in the construction. Later, the complex was snubbed by Napoléon and ravaged by French revolutionary soldiers. In the 18th century it became a barracks and gradually fell into disrepair.

Today, after a century of neglect and a decade of enormous restoration effort, the palace and gardens are open again to the public. The Venaria complex is one of the largest royal residences in the world, covering nearly a million square metres with 5,000 square meters of frescoes and decorations, 80 hectares of gardens and 3,000 hectares of parkland surrounded by 35 km of walls. Truly astonishing statistics.

The Reggia (or palace) itself displays some of the best artwork from the Savoy collections including many beautifully restored frescoes. The Great Gallery and Hall of Diana are just two of the must-sees. The gardens that surround the palace have been skillfully recreated by architects and landscapers who have taken into consideration the original plans, but added a contemporary dimension that creates the conception of infinity.

When: Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 09:00 to 16.30, Saturday 09:00 to 22:00, Sunday 09:00 to 19:00. Closed: Mondays (except Holidays) and December 25th. On January 1st the opening time is 11:00.

How Much: Reggia and Gardens, full price ticket: 12.00 euros.

Where: La Venaria Reale (The Royal Palace of Venaria) is located about 8 km northwest of Turin's city centre.

How: By Bus: Take bus 11 or 72 from the centre of Turin or the Venaria Express shuttle bus from Porta Nuova or Porta Susa railway stations.
By Train: Take the Torino-Ciriè-Lanzo line and leave the train at the Sandro Pertini stop.
By Car: Turin Northern Ring Road (Tangenziale Nord), exit: Venaria or Savonera/Venaria and follow directions for "La Venaria Reale - Reggia e Giardini".

Italian Menu Decoder

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 06:00:00 +0000

Eating out in Italy is nearly always a great experience, however if you are new to Italy or your Italian is not quite up to speed, knowing the Italian for 'dinner' or 'reservation' or even a 'fork' can be fairly useful.

So check out this great little gem, entitled 'Italy Menu Decoder' by Kyle Phillips from BudgetTravel. It could save you a lot of grief!

It's Not a Bad Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:04:00 +0000

It's not a bad day when you find out that a recent post about Gucci and Riva's collaboration on a new 'designer' boat, was chosen by Italytutto as one of the top ten posts of the week.

Great to be included in such esteemed company. All these blogs are worth a look, if you don't know them already...they are, in alphabetical order:

All Roads lead to Pecetta: Coming to a TV near you – us!
Starring in House Hunters International
At Home in Tuscany: Guest post by Megan McCaffrey-Guerrera
At Home in Lerici on the gorgeous Bay of Poets in Liguria
Baroque Sicily: Carubbi carubbi
The food that kept Sicilians alive in World War II
Bell’ Avventura: Following the Linguine Trail
Aspiring waiters be warned!
Casa Dolcetto: A Designer Boat
Anyone for a Gucci boat?
The Espresso Break: The Paper Makers of Amalfi
A walk through the history of paper making in Amalfi
Gillian’s Lists: Lunch with the Locals
The Roman pastifico that serves lunch
Letters from Florence: Cultural imperialism, one sandwich at a time
What happens when you give an Italian child peanut butter
Monica Ceserato: Venice, Mosaics and Orsoni
The beautiful world of mosaics
A Welshie in Italy: Day trip from Milan – Varenna
The best gelateria seating in Italy

Bad Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:45:00 +0000

Downpours are expected to continue throughout most of the day in Liguria and, after subsiding somewhat during the night, rain will return for most of Tuesday.

Bad weather has also hit the neighboring region of Piedmont, while the brunt of the storm should move Tuesday over the northeast, central and southern areas before fair weather returns over most of Italy on Wednesday.

From ansa.it (share this quote)

Art Update October 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Italian Reflections) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:10:00 +0000

At this time of year there are a number of exhibitions around Italy proving to be great attractions for art lovers.

FLORENCE at the Palazzo Strozzi: 'Bronzino, Painter and Poet at the Medici Court' with 90 works in world's first monographic show; until January 23.

and at the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti: Caravaggio and Caravaggeschi in Florence with 100 works; until October 10.

plus at the Palazzo Pitti: Vinum Nostrum. The Art, Science and Myths of Wine in Civilisation; from prehistoric winegrowing to Dionysus cult, Etruscan, Roman use; show features oldest surviving wine container, on loan from Georgia; until April 30.

MILAN at the Palazzo Reale: 'Salvador Dali', The Dream Draws Near' with 50 works; until January 30.

PADUA at the Palazzo Zabarella: "From Canova to Modigliani, the Face of the 19th Century"; 100 portraits and sculptures; until February 27. PASSARIANO (UDINE) - Villa Manin: 'Edvard Munch and the Spirit of the North' with 122 works; until March 6.

PERUGIA at the Galleria Nazionale: 'Theatre of Dreams from Chagall to Fellini' with 100 works; until January 9.

ROME at the Palazzo Barberini: permanent exhibition of ancient art back on show after long restoration; also at Galleria Corsini, Villa Farnesina Chigi and Orto Botanico.

and at the Museo di Roma (Palazzo Braschi): The Risorgimento in Colour: Patriot Painters; until January 9.

plus at Vittoriano: Fausto Coppi, Il Campionissimo'; bikes, shirts, helmets, fan letters, reports and footage of legendary cyclist on 50th anniversary of death; until October 31.

SAN SEVERINO MARCHE at the Pinacoteca Civica, Palazzo Servanzi Confidati and Chiesa della Misericordia: 'Baroque Marvels' with 90 works including Bernini, Guercino, Pomarancio, Orazio Gentileschi, Valentin de Boulogne, Baciccio; until December 12.

SIENA at Santa Maria della Scala: Life of Michelangelo; letters, poetry, working sketches; until November 14.

TIVOLI at Villa Adriana: Show charting rise and fall of Hadrian's Villa; dozens of artefacts returned from collections around the world; until November 1.

TRENTO at Buoncastiglio Castle; The Adventure of Glass: From the Renaissance to the 20th Century between Venice and Distant Worlds; brings together over 700 masterpieces celebrating glass production on the Venetian island of Murano; until November 7.

TURIN at the Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Chiablese, Castello di Racconigi: "Vittorio Emanuele II: The Gentleman King"; new documents, pictures on life of Italy's first post-unification king; until March 13.

VENICE at the Fondazione Cini: 'The Arts of Giambattista Piranesi - Architect, etcher, antiquarian, vedutista, designer'; 300 original prints plus 33 photos by Gabriele Basilico of Rome sites in 1960s; until November 21.