and Ramazzotti are my favorites, but Seghesio, Vino Noceto, Montevina Terra d’Oro, Macchia, Pietra Santa and others are reliably good. Some examples I bought had really good vintages but are not consistent. I generally...

rotation: Amaro Nonino (sometimes referred to as “Quintessentia”, Friuli), Averna (Sicily), Amaro Mio (Asti), Meletti (Sardinia), Fernet Vallet (Mexico), Fernet Stock (much milder than the Branca product), Ramazzotti...

I’ve enjoyed several good versions of California sangiovese. The ‘01 and ‘02 Altamura $28 and the ‘03 Ramazzotti $18 are my favorites. The Montevina – Terra D’ Oro $14 is always reliably good as is the Vino Noceto $14, both...

“Amaro” is is the Italian term for bitters, the category that includes Jagermeister and Angostura. There are hundreds of them in Italy, many known only locally. The ones most commonly found around here are Averna (my...

't be choosers. Campari actually does the job, even if it is more traditionally drunk as an aperitif, ditto Punt e Mes, an extra-bitter sweet vermouth. Averna is one of the more popular proper digestivi. If you can find it,...

and dancing! (haha, few bottles of wine later) Now during dinner I like to play quiet back ground music, like Amos Lee, Norah, Buena Vista Social Club or Patty Griffin. Sometimes Eros Ramazzotti when eating italian, haha! Music...