Wine Bars in Rome

If you have ever been to Rome, you know that, the concept of forming a line is non existent, so do not bother being polite and waiting at the counter for someone to serve you, just go right up there and blurt out what you want. (fyi: the above photo is not mine, but the rest are)

Secondly the crowds near some of the tourist places are overwhelming and although the places are packed with history, art and great food, the crowds sort of lost the allure and romance these places can exuded in solitude.

Don’t get me wrong I loved seeing these places, but near the end of the day I was in the mood to find a quieter place away from the crowds where I could relax and hear myself think. My husband and I found this solitude in Rome wine bars. This was also true for Venice.

Wine bars in Italy are known as enoteche. One particular wine bar we found was near the hustle and bustle, but tucked into a little cobble stone side street that was not overcrowded or hot. The place was called Enoteca Cavour. It featured a large oak bar, great selection of wines, and platters of cheeses, meats, olives, frittatas, to nibble on as you sipped your drink. We enjoyed some wine and nibbles and later returned for a perfect dinner out in the cobble stone street. We enjoyed Veal Scallopinni.

Veal Scallopinni

We found another wine bar for lunch close to the Monte area called Urbana 47. A lesser touristic area, and highly recommended place to stay away from the tourism. Tons of local shops and restaurants around.

The wine was fabulous here, and the spread was mainly vegetarian and all organic foods. The buffet style allowed us to try different Italian foods featuring a lot of roasted red peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, artichokes, and cheese. The place itself was really modern and funky.

This is a wine bar across from our Hotel i the Monte area. I loved the Pulp Fiction mural. Never had wine hear, but they had a great coffee.

Goats do Roam

For the past 2 years I have been trying to keep a decent wine cellar. The past months have certainly put a dent into not only quantity but quality of my wine selection. With fall and winter coming I am anticipating many hearty dishes like soups, stews, pastas & roasts that would be complimented by the perfect pairing wine.

A new addition to the cellar is a wine I have tasted before and immediately enjoyed the both the aroma and taste.

This South African shiraz has a vibrant red brick color with plum fruit, olive, licorice, and dried herb aromas. To the palate it offers a medium to full bodied, warm and peppery taste that offers a spicy and smooth finish. It goes perfectly with light meat dishes, and my favorite - spicy foods.

Shiraz Cabernet

Being that it is Friday I have food and wine on my mind, well more than usual that is. The hot sun of the day has disappeared behind dark stormy clouds and the wind is picking up to the point the old windows are vigorously rattling. As weather plays an intergral part in my mood, I am more than content to open a bold bottle of wine, cook some comfort food and relax.
A wine that I have grown quiet fond of and fortunately is non expensive is Lindeman's Cawarra Shiraz Cabernet, Australia.

This wine has prominent aromas of spicy plum and dark fruit characters complemented by subtle vanilla oak. Medium bodied with firm tannins, the ripe cherry fruit flavours and balanced toasty oak character linger on the long, complex finish. It goes well with grilled or barbecued meats and meat flavoured pasta dishes. (yes I stole this from the label).

Many recipe books offer suggestive beers and wines to serve with dishes. However, tonight I think I will plan my food around my drink. Therefore tonight I will be having a Grilled Sirloin Tip Steak served with Toasted Cousous Salad with Grilled Summer Vegetables.

See Couscous Salad with Grilled Summer Vegetables