By The Glass
Chuck Furuya
Italy’s wines have
come on strong
in isle spotlightIt is truly remarkable how Italian wines have come on in the islands in the last two years. Here are two recent discoveries that you might want to check out:
The first is a 2001 pinot grigio from a Venezie producer named Cortenova ($11). The wine is dry, minerally, intense, although amazingly light and delicate on the palate.
No frills, fancy labels or bottle shapes here. Just good wine, ideal for pan-fried akule, papio or moi (hold the soy sauce, please). You could also do deep-water fish -- salt and pepper the fillet, flour lightly and pan-fry. Remove the cooked fish from the pan, then add some diced garlic and quickly sauté. Add 1/8 of a cup of the Cortenova and reduce. At the last moment, throw in some capers and whisk in a little butter.
My second recommendation is the 2000 Chianti, Fattoria Galiga "Codirosso" ($11), a sensational value. It was served with an incredibly delicious roast chicken that was accented with a pinch or two of finely cut Nalo Farm herbs. (For the overworked parent, many stores offer pre-cooked roast chicken at very good prices. If really pressed, you could substitute one of these, sprinkled with some finely chopped herbs). Serve with this wonderfully delicious chianti. Easy to do and you will be thankful that you did.
If you don't know enough about Italian wines and want to learn, get your palates ready! The Honolulu Wine Festival is this week and this year it is themed "Italy Mi Amore" ("Italy My Love"). I encourage you to go, for several reasons:
>> It is a golden opportunity to sample an incredible cross-section of Italian wines from pinot grigio to sangiovese to teroldego to brunello.
>> The first night, Friday, offers the chance to find the right wine for risottos created by six top Italian eateries; the second night, Sunday, pairs Italian wines to Italian-influenced dishes created by the Hawaiian Island Chefs.
>> Proceeds benefit the Hawaii Lupus Foundation, a charity dear to many of us.
Tickets to the grand tasting, 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Sheraton Waikiki, are $65 in advance; $85 at the door. Tickets to the gala dinner, 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hawaii Prince Hotel, are $175. Just call 538-1522. Ciao.
Chuck Furuya is president of Fine Wine Imports and Hawaii's only master sommelier.
This column is a weekly lesson in wine
pairing written by a rotating panel of wine professionals.
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