Unlike many of my fellow students, I can legally drink back home in the states, so the excitement over being able to drink in this country is considerably less so for me. However, this has not diminished my excitement over the wine. Italy is as rich in history and culture as it is in wine varieties. For someone like me who prefers a good glass of wine over pretty much any other form of alcohol, Italy is a dream come true. Trust me when I say that I have had some of the best glasses of wine I've ever had while I've been in Italy. I've had quality wine in the US, but nothing has compared to what I've had here, the wine is just better here no questions asked.
Not only are there a wide variety of whites and reds, but they differ from region to region and even within regions. It wasn't surprised to find out that Italians drink more wine than anywhere else in the world. Although I know wine has changed considerably since ancient times it fascinating to think about how important wine has been for centuries in Italy and how important it is for both cooking and drinking today. It was also very interesting to read that although Italy makes some of the most regional, hard to find wines in the world, it also is one of the largest producers of bulk wine.
On our trip to Umbria we were lucky enough to visit a farm that had also had a small vineyard. The whole farm was picturesque and scenic but the vineyard was simply breathtaking, it was what I had been imagining in my head.
We were given the opportunity to taste the grapes straight off the vine, they were simply delicious. They were so fresh and not overly sweet, while still being full of flavor.
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| A glass of wine I had during the Mass of the Holy Spirit dinner. |
On our trip to Umbria we were lucky enough to visit a farm that had also had a small vineyard. The whole farm was picturesque and scenic but the vineyard was simply breathtaking, it was what I had been imagining in my head.
We were given the opportunity to taste the grapes straight off the vine, they were simply delicious. They were so fresh and not overly sweet, while still being full of flavor.
We were then given the opportunity to make wine the old fashioned way, by stomping on grapes!
At first, I didn't like the feeling. Trust me when I say it's a unique experience that can not be described, it's just one of those things you have to experience.
Once I had gotten used to the feeling I really enjoyed myself! Although I know this isn't how they make wine anymore it was still an amazing, once in a lifetime experience.
Since there were so many of use the grapes were getting mashed up pretty quickly and the owners kept adding more grapes for us to mush.
After I had gotten out of the tub and washed my feet off I got to sample the grape juice (Juice they already had made, not any we had mushed up I swear). It was so fresh and better than any grape juice I have ever had (sadly it was just grape juice, not wine yet). This beautiful vineyard provided us with a small insight into the history of wine making in Italy and I am forever grateful for that, even if it was a slightly touristy experience.
Ciao for now!
Veni. Vidi. Mangia
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