Le Bevande
For Italians, Wine is Culture.
Italy is one of the most liberal countries when it comings to alcohol consumption. Though the legal drinking age in the country is eighteen years ago, most Italians agree that it's socially acceptable to have children drink watered down wine or have a glass on special holidays or occasions. Wine in particular is such an important element when eating a meal with family. A bottle of red or white appears to be a must when setting up the table for dinner. In other words, wine is culture. But for you non-wine drinkers, there are other outstanding beverages to choose from that will suite your palate.
Italians embrace aperitivos, beverages before a meal and digestivos, drinks after eating. Picture this: you just done work and you head to your local bar for a glass of prosecco or Campari on the rocks. The bartender also brings over a plate of cured meats and cheeses to stimulate your appetite. That is aperitivo. Hours later after a big dinner and you decide to finish the night off with a limoncello or nocino. You know these liquors have digestive properties to combat all those rich foods you have eaten. That is digestivo.
Unlike some American cities, you won't see huge nightclubs or flashy bars in Cinque Terre. You rarely see locals publicly intoxicated, as excessive binge drinking is frowned upon. Italians know that having a drink before a meal, during dinner and for "dessert" is just part of life. It was here in Cinque Terre where we learned how amazing a granite is with vodka. This is also the same place where we rediscovered the beauty of sipping and savoring a glass of wine...hoping to bring this "culture" back home with us. Read below to see what we are talking about.
Granite di Limon
Think lemon slushy with alcohol. This frozen treat can be found all over Italy, but what makes the granite special in Cinque Terre are the local lemons. It's unique sweetness pairs well with liquor, in this case the granite is infused with vodka. A perfect dessert on a hot summer day.
Aperol Spritz
This is another cocktail that can be found throughout Italy. Aperol is an Italian aperitivo (a drink before a meal) made from various plants such as gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. Mix that with bubbly prosecco and soda water to create this refreshing drink. Don't forget the orange garnish!
Vino Bianco - White Wine
Cinque Terre is an excellent sunny region to produce wine. Their vineyards are planted on steep slopes, misted constantly by the sea. Majority of the wines are white from the native grapes, Bosco and Albarola. Ask the bartender or sommelier for white wine recommendations that suite your palate.
Vin Rosso - Red Wine
You will find many of the red wines are from other parts of Italy. There are a few producers like Walter De Battè that follow the red wine making process, allowing the grape skins to soak in the liquid during fermentation. The color will not be as dark as a typical red, but you will find a peculiar briny note due to the sea's mist on the grape skin.
Limoncino
You may be familiar with Limoncello, an Italian lemon liquor mainly produced in southern Italy. The elements are essentially the same for the northern version, Limoncino. The same lemons found in the granite are mixed with alcohol, water and sugar. After the lemon peels have soaked in the liquid for days and their special oils have been released, what you have is a beautiful bright yellow liquor. Many families have their own recipe and claim to have the best limoncino.
Sciacchertra
Only found in the Cinque Terre region, this local dessert wine has a distinct amber hue that can be mistaken for liquor. Made with Vermentino, Bosco, and Albarola grapes, it has hints of figs, honey and apricots. Though it's sweet and fruity, it goes down surprisingly smooth. Watch yourself, it has a ABV of 18%!