The Sopranos, the landmark HBO series that set a new standard in television, has inspired a line of Italian wine that will launch nationwide this fall. The Sopranos Italian Wines will hit stores beginning in September.

And where did these fine folks go when they were looking for the best wines to offer American families? To Tuscany, of course!

There is no greater romantic rendezvous or sexier wine location than Tuscany in the heart of Italy, land of sun, sea, romance, amazing food and luscious wine.
 
Where else can you sip wine and savor food made with the freshest most delectable ingredients resulting from recipes going back hundreds of years? 
 
You have your choice of wine locations in Tuscany, from the cypress-outlined, rolling hills of the Chianti area, jagged seaside cliffs, the enchanting Tuscan islands or the hills near the tower of Pisa.

I am personally familiar with one of the wineries involved in this project, the Valiano Estate Winery.  I wrote about my visit to this estate in the blog entry titled “I thought I’d died and gone to heaven!”
It is a wonderful historic winery that produces high-quality wines.

HBO certainly chose their producers well. The Sopranos Italian Wines will feature a range of selections for every type of wine enthusiast. For those seeking an affordable quality vintage for every day, there’s a Chianti D.O.C.G., aged six to eight months, that boasts soft tannins with succulent flavors of cherry and berries and a leisurely finish.

For the more discriminating devotee on the look-out for a solid mid-tiered choice, options include a seductive Tuscan Cabernet-Merlot-Sangiovese blend, aged in a combination of big oak barrels and barriques.  It can be enjoyed now or uncorked in another three to five years, allowing maturity to bring out the full flourish of this remarkable wine’s character.  The wine is priced at $14.99.

The passionate aficionado searching for a good value on a higher-end varietal will be able to choose from a complex and satisfying Chianti Classico or an exquisite Chianti Classico Riserva, both of which are estate vinted and bottled.  The Chianti Classico is produced with the highest-quality of grapes from the hills of the Tuscan region and is highly-extracted, which translates to the deep color, lovely tannins and articulate bouquet.  Aged for a least a year in oak casks, and priced at $23.99, it too can be consumed now or in three to seven years.  The Chianti Classico Riserva hails from the heartland of the beautiful region of Tuscany between Florence and Siena.  Aged for three years in oak, this is a powerful red wine with strong tannins, a dry palate and delicate nose.  The wine rewards the patience of true connoisseurs who, though they may consume it now, may wish to hold onto this liquid jewel another seven to ten years before uncorking to experience the full spectrum of its extraordinary integrity.  It is priced at $29.99.

There are other Italian wines offered under The Sopranos label, including two Pinot Grigios, on from the Veneto region and one from the Fruili region, both very nice wines.

May you enjoy them all in good health.  Salute!

Ciao a tutti, Serenella

Chico’s clothing chose me as the female business owner to highlight in their travel series segment on Lucca (Tuscany), Italy.

I am in great company: Chico’s is currently featuring Debbie Phelps (also seen on The Oprah Winfrey Show), mother of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. Michael Phelps won 8 Olympic gold medals for team U.S.A. – a feat never before accomplished. Michael Phelps is the gold medalist all others will look up to as the ultimate athlete.

My own experience with Chico’s was fantastic.  They chose me because we have the same views: Chico’s believes women should be encouraged to follow their dreams and reach their full potential – at any age. Their choice of models is a tribute to all women; they look real and approachable, not like the disinterested walking skeletons seen in other publications! Yes, they are beautiful but also women we can identify with.

The photo shoot took place in my favorite piazza in Lucca, Italy – the Piazza Anfiteatro (amphitheatre square). As I walked under the hot summer sun in this enchanting place I love, I felt proud to be sharing my Tuscany (Toscana Mia).

The folks from Chico’s clothing catalogue and website and their crew were supportive, kind and so fun to work with. They fully “got” my message about the transformative effects of Tuscany and why I love sharing the vivid lifestyle of this  land of sun, sea and romance. I also “got” why Chico’s has such a devoted customer base. I am a new fan!

I am honored to be in the company of Debbie Phelps and so many other wonderful women featured in the Chico’s clothing catalogue.

Ciao a tutti, Serenella

This is a passionate subject. Italians firmly believe that, no matter your status or means, you should always demand the best for yourself. This attitude is certainly evident when it comes to their favorite beverage, the thick and frothy caffé.

But it does not stop here: If you hang around a caffé for a couple of hours, you will get very confused over the many ways Italians order their favorite drink. I have thought of 10. Do you know of any others?

Non-Italians beware: this is a very strong, small shot and true espresso. If you are used to the foreign versions of espresso, this may not be for you. You may want to order one of the versions listed below instead.

2. Un caffé “macchiato” (spotted): This is a request for an espresso with a quick shot of frothy milk (in a much smaller amount than that found in a cappuccino).

3. Un caffé “corretto” (corrected): This is more popular than you may think, especially among men. It is a request to “correct” the coffee with one’s favorite aquavit or liquor of choice, such as “corretto al rum, corretto al cognac, corretto al …” (you fill in the blanks).

4. Un caffé “basso” (low): You are asking for a version of espresso that sits low in the cup (less water) and a stronger result.

5. Un caffé” ristretto” (narrow or condensed): This is a condensed version of espresso with less water, essentially the same as a caffé basso (above).

6. Un caffé alto (high): This version must appear higher in the cup than a regular espresso hence entails more water than a normal single espresso and is less strong.

7. Un caffé lungo (long): This is basically the same as a Un caffé alto (above).

8. Un caffé doppio (double): This is similar to what you can order in the U.S. It is the equivalent of two doses of espresso in one cup. A few of these double whammies and you will walk and talk a lot faster.

9. Un caffé al vetro (in glass): You are ordering your espresso in a glass rather than in a ceramic tazzina (espresso cup).

10. Un caffé in tazza grande (in a large cup): You prefer your tiny shot of coffee in a large cup. This is very trendy at the moment.

Ciao a tutti, Serenella

You can purchase the lovely, hand-made espresso cups above by clicking here.