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Words, Wine and… Me

Grace Giovannetti — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:41:51 +0000

When I got an invitation on Linked In to be the guest Sommelier on a digital series, I wondered, “Is this for real?” I immediately looked into it to see if it was an authentic show — and the exciting answer was YES! Tara Johnson is the creator and executive producer of this new series about female empowerment, “Words, Wine and Women.” The show talks to strong, intelligent, modern women as they engage in raw, honest, and often-humorous conversation. Tara explained that the show features a wine-tasting session with its hosts. The guests are a team of five women tasting wine before they get into the other conversational topics. I loved everything about this program — and even offered our restaurant as the backdrop for Season Two.

I immediately dropped everything I was doing and started researching the story and the wines I wanted to share. I didn’t just want to do the typical “Somm speak” about a varietal and go through tasting notes. Wines are so much more than just “grape juice”. They have a history from the vines, to their birthplace, to the vineyard and winery. It’s a romantic story and I wanted to share the romance I had with the wines I chose. I focused on my heritage and passions, from fashion to becoming a Somm and found the vineyard winery that I knew the ladies could relate to and love. After all, this show discusses women’s hot topics. I wanted it to be fun and relate to what women are really interested in. So I started revisiting my past trips to Italy and the various vineyards I had gone to — and came up with my two red wine selections.

Our shoot took place in August and began at 5:45 am. By 9 am the hosts, makeup artist, dresser, hair stylist, production, craft services, and camera crew surrounded me. We had about 18 people bustling all around us. I couldn’t believe what an undertaking this was! I enjoyed talking to everyone between takes. I watched the ladies perform as I reviewed my notes and wines, waiting anxiously for my turn. Earlier in the day I sneaked behind the spotlights to get a feel of what it would be like. I had never been on camera before, so my nervous energy was flowing. I didn’t want to look like a deer in headlights when it was my turn. When it got close to my call time, I got dressed and had my hair and makeup done. Then I heard my name called and met the other ladies at our wine table as we got set up in front of the cameras.

It was SHOWTIME! I began speaking, and the energy I was feeling carried me through two takes. The time flew by. Suddenly it was done — but my adrenaline was still pumping since I had a second episode to do. Now I had to wait to go on again. More high-energy excitement.

It was an overall great experience. The entire crew was so amazing and supportive — and they all made it so much fun. I hope I get to do it again! Meantime, I hope you enjoy the first episode.

About the Wines:

The wines I chose are from a vineyard winery located in Sicily, and having Sicilian origins I was drawn to Feudi Del Pisciotto immediately. They dedicate one half of their vines to the top red wine of the island, Nero d’avola the indigenous Sicilian varietal and the other half to international varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot, Semillon, and Gëwurtztraminer. These wines exemplify the true essence of “Made in Italy.” The three most important Italian contributions recognized the world over are: Art, Fashion, and Wine.

Feudi Del Pisciotto invited the top Italian designers to participate in the launch of these great Sicilian wines. Part of the annual proceeds will be donated to the restoration of a work of art chosen from amongst the island’s wealth of cultural treasures. This worthy project has resulted in wine labels designed by Valentino, Versace, Missoni, and Blumarine etc. My favorite two are Versace Nero d’Avola and Valentino Merlot.

Watch the episode on the GG Channel to learn more about these fantastic wines.

Salute!

(Grace’s makeup: Cheeks: Tarte cheek stain in blushing bride Base: Koh Gen Do Eyes: Urban Decay Palatte #3 Lips: Mac Cremeshene Creme Cup Dress: SingleDress)

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Wine Is Fine at Holiday Time

Grace Giovannetti — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 20:10:01 +0000

This holiday season has been a bit different for me this year. I have been studying for 2 different wine exams which meant a lot of wine tasting. Last week I attended the Court of Sommeliers seminar and exam which was held at the lovely five star Montage Laguna Beach. Not only did I attend the seminars there I also spent the night. They extended a gracious rate to the studying Somm’s which saved me from commuting about 3 hours each day and I was grateful. After a long day of lectures, I retreated to my lovely beachfront room ate dinner and studied. I thought to myself how luxurious this line of studies is! Let’s face it this doesn’t happen everyday, and I just like all of you out there are enjoying the season, but it is a bit exhausting. These days I find it more satisfying to have dinner with a few friends or just my family and enjoy some of these special “grown up drinks” as the Masters like to say. So here is my list….

Dear Santa,

Here is my Christmas List and Santa I have been good I promise. Oh, and by the way I passed my exams!

2011 La Fluer d’Or Sauternes

I love sweet wine and this one is perfectly sublime and luscious without the price tag of the beloved Château d’Yquem. A Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon with notes of peach and plum fruit accented by notes of honey, caramel and toast. This wine is lively and fresh yet still a botrytised wine. Drink now with foie gras or a rich creamy cheese goat cheese from the Loire Valley. Such a treat!

2012 Domain Fevre, Fourchaume, Chablis 1er CRU

My favorite style of Chardonnay. This 1Er CRU is one of the best in Burgundy, France situated on a hill benefiting from a southerly exposure and the chalky limestone oyster rich soils. This wine has light citrus and aromatic floral notes with a graceful minerality on the finish. If you like butter with your Chardonnay this would not be your first choice, but if you are open to traveling to a new place give it a try. Pair this with any seafood especially Oysters!

2011 Domaine le Couroulu Vaqueyras Classique, Rhone, France

Probably my favorite red wine blend. This GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) blend from the Rhone Valley in the south of France, has all the red fruits, fine tannins and deep color an old world wine from this part of the world has to offer. If you enjoy Chateaneuf Du Pape, but don’t enjoy its price this is a fine choice. Cuddle up this winter and enjoy this wine with stews and lamb shank!

2009 Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, Italy

This wine is made from grapes harvested in various vineyards located on hill in the Classic Valpolicella zone. The grapes are harvested by hand in September/October and then are placed in plastic trays for drying which in Italian is a process called the Appassimento process. This wine is a strong ruby red with notes on vanilla and sweet fruits of currants, cherries and blueberries. A strong, rounded and warm structured wine which is great with red meat and cheeses. A winter favorite! A great gift for those who like to age their wines since this one can be preserved for about another 15 years!

Ca’del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Brut Franciacorta DOCG, Italy

People are always shocked when I say Champagne is not my favorite. There are other choices in the sparkling wine category that I do enjoy and this New Years Eve I will be toasting with this sparkling wine from Franciacorta. This small wine producing area in Lombardy in northern Italy uses the Champagne method with a Cuvee blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero. It’s a perfect sparkle with references to biscuit, toast and lemon. Drink it anytime, all the time!

CHEERS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT.

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