Unlocking Authenticity: Four Essential Lessons from Real Italian Wine & Food

This week, London hosted the Real Italian Wine & Food event at Lindley Hall. It showcased various Italian food and drink products, many of which are still relatively unknown in the UK. Here are some highlights from the show.

Wine and Olive Oil Tasting: A Shared Experience

Tasting wine and olive oil is quite similar. You swirl, sniff, and sip, then judge the balance. During a tasting of Musivum’s Umbrian extra virgin olive oil, this similarity became clear. Just like wine, olive oil’s flavor varies based on its origin and blend.

For example, the DOP Umbria Colli Martini made from Moraiolo olives has a mild aroma and a spicy taste. However, when blended with other varieties like Frantoio and Leccino, it becomes more fragrant and complex.

Umbria’s Rising Popularity

While Umbria is no longer a hidden gem, thanks to direct flights from Stansted to Perugia, it’s becoming a popular destination for British tourists. Some local producers, like Cantina Tudernum with over 170 growers, are eager to introduce their wines to the UK market.

Wines like Todi Rosso DOC blend recognizable grapes, Sangiovese and Merlot, but also focus on local varieties. The Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, while not an everyday drink, pairs well with Umbria’s rich foods, particularly its renowned sausages.

Pairing Wine with Bottarga

Bottarga, the salted and dried roe from grey mullet, poses a unique pairing challenge. Often used on pasta, it can also be enjoyed sliced and drizzled with olive oil. Finding the right wine can be tricky due to its intense flavors. Sardinia, where bottarga is a staple, offers a good option.
Cantine di Dolianova, with its extensive vineyard, offers a range of wines but recommends the Rosada, a Cannonau di Sardegna Rosato, for its balance against the strong flavors of bottarga.

Calabria: The Next Culinary Destination

Calabria is gaining attention for its spicy ‘nduja, a spreadable sausage, as well as for its wines. Producers like Tenuta Regina di Sant’Angelo are cultivating varieties like Nerello Mascalese. This region could soon be a hotspot for food lovers, especially with RyanAir boosting flights to Lamezia airport. This summer, they are introducing 220 weekly flights to cities like Madrid and Tirana, making travel to Calabria easier than ever.

This event highlighted the potential of Italian products in the UK, showcasing flavors that are waiting to be discovered. As tastes evolve, there’s no doubt that these regions will continue to grow in popularity.

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