In Italy, wine is an everyday part of life.
Whether at home or out in the village, people share a glass of wine and a bit of conversation as a way to end their day. At twilight, when the pace of life slows and people let go of the pressures of the day, friends often meet at a local enoteca-a place to try different kinds of wine and delicious small-plate dishes-and toast the moment. You can create your own twilight enoteca experience wherever you are. Here's how:
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Choose a single kind of Italian wine,
such as Sangiovese, for your special evening. Ask each of your guests to bring a bottle of whatever varietal you choose-they'll enjoy the experience of discovering and then sharing a new wine. Open the bottles and set them on a table. Encourage your guests to pour a taste for themselves and notice the taste and scents of the wine. |
Set out a fresh baguette,
several wedges of your favorite Italian cheeses, and small bowls of marinated olives. You can make crostini or bruschetta with little more than sliced rustic bread, olive oil, chopped tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms, and fresh basil. No matter what you make, remember to keep it simple-because in the Italian countryside, the gatherings friends most enjoy are casual. |
You can enhance the evening with these suggestions:
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Use clear wine glasses, so people can see the color of the wine. |
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Set out a pitcher of water with floating lemon slices |
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Encourage people to jot down their thoughts and observations about each wine. |
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Introduce your guests to Bella Sera Pinot Grigio. |
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| Twilight Bruschetta |
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1/2 jar Whole roasted red or yellow bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
1 Ripe tomato, diced
4 oz. Goat cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 Cup Toasted crushed pistachios
1/2 loaf French baguette or Italian bread, cut in 8 slices
1/4 Cup Olive oil, for brushing on bread
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Preheat broiler.
Brush bread slices with desired amount of oil, broil until they brown slightly, then remove from oven.
Spread goat cheese on top of each bruschetta, add several slivers of roasted pepper and top with a spoonful of chopped tomatoes.
Finish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and serve immediately.
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Invite your friends and family with our Bella Sera invitation. You can easily create your own invitation using any one of our lovely beautiful evening backgrounds. |
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