Italian Wines & The Godfather
It has been 45 years since the release of the cinematic classic, The Godfather. Considered by many as one of the greatest movie ever made, the Wildcatters Network pays homage to this masterpiece, along with a fun lesson on Italian wines. Enjoy!!
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
So goes the quote by Don Vito Corleone in the legendary movie The Godfather.
Italian culture has fascinated us for years before The Godfather movie trilogy. Who doesn’t relate to the love of family, friends, food, and wine? And as the Godfather taught us, even Mafia families need love, support, loyalty, and a good glass of wine.
The Don: “I like to drink wine more than I used to …”
Michael: “It’s good for you, Pop.”
Italy has a very ancient tradition of wine production and consumption long before the Romans made their appearance. The Etruscans, Phoenicians, and Mycenaean Greeks all introduced, enhanced, and established the viticulture practices in Italy and its toe tapping neighbor Sicily long before the Romans came along and made their claims. Romans just expanded that wine culture into large scale production, and Italy has embraced the wine culture in a bear hug of love ever since.
“In Sicily women are more dangerous than shotguns.”
-Calo
Full of mountains, volcanoes, and only about 29% arable land, vineyards have always been an important part of the history and culture of Italy. The Italians love their wine, beating out France in 2008 for the largest producer of wine. They also consume wine at 59.4 liters per capita, just barely under France’s consumption of 60 liters per capita. The United States sorely lags behind with just 7.7 liters per capita.
“This is business, not personal.”
-Tom Hagen
With its moderate climate and volcanic rich soil, all types of grapes are grown in all parts of Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia. Rich in cuisine and wine traditions, Italians meld the two with each being influenced by the local customs, tastes, and traditions. Food and wine go hand and hand in Italy creating long drawn out occasions, not just meals.
“Hey, come over here, kid, learn something. You never know, you might have to cook for 20 guys someday.”
-Pete Clemenza
Italy is known for its Red (Rosso) wines and the Super Tuscan table wines like the Tuscany Sangiovese grape blends, Chianti wines, Cabernets, and Merlots. They have plenty of White (Biancos) wines like the famed whites from the Piedmont area, plus the Proseccos and Asti sparklers that fall under the Spumante category.
“Never tell anybody outside the family what you are thinking again.”
-Don Vito
There are many delectable Italian wines from Bastianich Vespa Bianco-Friuli-Venezia Giulia, to Ruffini Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale-Tuscany, as well as Luciano Sandrone Barolo le Vigne-Piedmont. In honor of the 45th anniversary on The Godfather, taste a small piece of Italian tradition and culture and be a wise-guy for a brief moment.
“Leave the gun. Take the cannolis.”
-Pete Clemenza