Domenico has flooded me with information and pictures of his zigzagging voyage up and down the Boot. Here are a few items that seemed particularly newsworthy, rewritten in my own words.
Since TypePad utterly destroyed my intended post, a news roundup, I'm going to be cautious. One little news posting at a time. (But the links, my God, the links...)
Luciano Pignataro's 50th birthday bash: 1000 of his closest friends
Well-regarded wine writer Luciano Pignataro, who works for Il Mattino of Naples, hosted his own mega-bash at the picturesque Forte La Carnale which overlooks the Salerno seafront and affords spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. Everybody who is anybody in Campanian wine circles was there, including Bruno De Conciliis, who has been credited with resurrecting the Cilento region -- Bruno is a vivid character and, by the way, a good buddy of my good New York buddy, Gabrio Tosti.
Also present was a little-known winemaker from the unsung Caserta province, Francesco Iapelli, whose small Della Valle Japellj winery had Domenico's favorite find of the evening, a stunning aglianico rose' with structure and subtle, mouth-watering hints of the Mediterraean macchia. All this for about 5-6 euros.
The best news of the evening: Luciano said that his web site, a treasure trove of information and balanced reviews of Southern wines and restaurants, is being translated into English. It should be ready in this version by fall. I'll keep you posted.
For Domenico ("Mimmo" in those parts) the best news of the next day, at check-out time, was that the hotel bill had been paid for by Feudi di San Gregorio. This winery is one of the several that sparked the renaissance of Campania as a serious wine-producing region, and one whose wines I have always enjoyed. Grazie a voi.
Hey Terry, also read this review of "Feudi Di San Gregorio" restaurant! (I want to try that asap). Nice menu!
http://maialeubriaco.blogspot.com/search/label/Feudi%20di%20San%20Gregorio
Ciao!
Fede
Posted by: Fede - Fiordimela | June 19, 2007 at 09:48 AM