In total, Portugal is about 90 miles wide and about 300 miles north to south. Most of the population lives on the coast, either in Lisbon, the capital, or in Porto. Traveling due east of Porto for about 60 miles is where you find the Douro Valley, which then expands into Spain for another 30 miles, and three different wine regions. Going from west to east is Baxio Corgo (lower Corgo), Cima Corgo (upper Corgo), and Douro Superior. The “lower” and “upper” indicate the side of the Corgo River’s confluence into the Douro River, where these wine regions sit. Lower indicating downstream, and in this case, closer to the Atlantic.
Australia’s wine history is only about 200 years old, dating back to its colonial times. Admiral Arthur Phillip departed Portsmouth, England, on May 13, 1787, heading to what became Sydney, to establish a British penal colony. In 1788, the initial settlement was erected. The Admiral took vine cuttings with him in an effort to encourage some high society growth. Wine exported to England could make for a lucrative business. After administrative success, the Admiral was promoted to be the first Governor of New South Wales, but his wine fields failed miserably.
Tonight, City Vino is hosting Always Flavored for a wine pairing dinner. Rita Witte is a talented chef, passionate about flavors and spices. She has a catering background prior to starting Always Flavor, which we will tap into for this dinner. Food to her is more than just sustenance, it is a way to connect with others and build relationships. Birthed out of an overabundance of hot peppers grown in her garden, she started to create flavorful sauces with the mission to elevate every meal. Always Flavored is at 610 Caroline Street where you can pick up a few sandwiches or bottles of her hot sauces. Go to the Rita power of two!
Zinfandel … There is lots more to the origin’s story but here are some of the highlights: An amateur botanist—Francesco Filippo Indellicati (1767-1831) from Gioia dle Colle, in the Puglia region—was the first to mention Zinfandel in his 1799 writings. There was a rare vine in his vineyard that ripens early—early for Puglia is in August. He called it “Primativo,” from the Latin “primativus” for “first ripening end.” Indellicati planted the vine close to his native village, and from there, it spread to other Apulian areas.
As the crispness of fall begins to settle in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in wines that complement richer, heartier dishes. This transitional season brings a delightful shift in flavors and offers the opportunity to explore wines that match the changing palate. Cooler weather invites a deeper appreciation of complexity and depth in wines, making fall the ideal backdrop for discovering those that can stand up to autumn’s rich, comforting meals.
