After sharing the delightful recipe for Red Radicchio and Taleggio Risotto last month, today I bring you another mouthwatering dish: Baked Beer Potatoes. This hearty recipe combines the earthy flavor of potatoes with the rich essence of beer and creamy texture of fresh cream. Let’s dive into the details! Index: Ingredients Preparation Wine Pairing Ingredients 600 g potatoes 100 g white onions 80 g speck 300 ml light beer 200 ml fresh cream Salt and pepper, to taste Preparation Rinse the onions and potatoes thoroughly, then thinly slice them on a cutting board Season the potatoes and onion ..read more

In the vast universe of oenology, few things evoke the sense of mystery and fascination like wine aging. It’s a process that transforms grape nectar into an even more complex beverage, rich in nuances and unique characteristics. In this blog, we will explore the requirements for proper aging, the factors that influence this process, and some of the longest-lived wines that have enchanted connoisseurs for generations. Requirements for Proper Aging Wine aging is a delicate art that requires patience and care. Not all wines can undergo this process and must possess some fundamental requirements t ..read more

In the cultural landscape of the 20th century, few movements have had as significant and lasting an impact as the Beat Generation. This literary movement, born in the 1950s, revolutionized American narrative and profoundly influenced counterculture and society at large. At the heart of this movement was one of its most celebrated figures: Jack Kerouac, author of masterpieces like “On the Road” and “The Dharma Bums”. In this article, we will delve into the Beat Generation, Kerouac’s role, and how wine becomes part of this fascinating story. If you enjoyed this article, we recommend: Ernest Hemi ..read more

Are you familiar with wine? Are you an expert or an enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge? xtraWine has compiled a handy list of common wine terms to help you out. A Total Acidity: The sum of various acidic components in a wine. Barrel Aging: The process of maturation following fermentation, where the wine is left to rest in barrels for a varying period. Oak Aging: Refers to wines somehow influenced by oak, either through complete maturation in barrels or a more cost-effective method, such as immersion of oak chips or staves during fermentation or aging. B Barrique: Bordeaux barrel with ..read more

In the vast wine landscape, amidst the countless varieties that delight palates worldwide, natural wines are increasingly gaining prominence. These wines, deeply rooted in tradition and the land itself, are garnering more appreciation and interest among connoisseurs and lovers of fine drinking. But what makes them so unique and captivating? Let’s delve into it together. What are natural wines? Natural wines are the result of a minimalist and authentic approach to viticulture and winemaking. They are produced with the intention of preserving the essence of the fruit and the terroir to the fulle ..read more

In the heart of the Italian Renaissance, the region of Romagna was a crossroads of culture, politics, art and fine wine. Two prominent figures of this period were Pandolfo Malatesta and Federico da Montefeltro. The two lords respectively ruled Rimini and Urbino and left an indelible mark on the cultural and political landscape of the time. Pandolfo Malatesta: The Lord of Rimini Born in 1417 in Fano, Pandolfo Malatesta belonged to the Malatesta family, one of the most powerful dynasties in northern Italy during the Renaissance age. His dominion extended over various territories, but it was as ..read more

Looking for the Best White Wines but Unsure What to Choose? Turn to xtraWine: In its online catalog, you’ll find wines to suit every budget. Plus, discover wines from around the globe! Did you know that xtraWine offers multiple shipments? You can do it in 8 simple steps! Multiple shipments are available year-round, not just during the holidays! The Best White Wines Here are the top five white wines: Feudi San Gregorio Sannio Falanghina Serrocielo Vie di Romans Friuli Isonzo Cuvée Flors di Uis Masseria Li Veli Askos Verdeca Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc Vite Colte Sauvignon Tra Donne Sole Feudi S ..read more

L’origine della carbonara è piuttosto recente: niente progenitori mitologici, niente civiltà contadina da rimpiangere, niente DNA italiano al 100%. A dirla tutta, la nascita della carbonara non è del tutto merito della grande tradizione culinaria italiana. Ha molto più a che fare con bacon americano e la groviera. Ma andiamo per gradi, prima che ad alcuni nostri lettori venga una sincope.  The origin of carbonara is quite recent: no mythological predecessors, no lamentable peasant civilization to mourn, no 100% Italian DNA. Truth be told, the birth of carbonara isn’t entirely credited to ..read more

The use of Stelvin or screw caps for wine bottles is a highly debated issue among consumers and wine producers. It’s more of a cultural clash than a technical or functional matter.  It has long been understood that both types of closures work well, and screw caps and cork stoppers can coexist and have different specialized uses.  The origins of the screw cap  As you can easily imagine, cork stoppers have a very long history. In the Mediterranean area, they have been used for more than two thousand years to seal amphorae used to transport wine by the Greeks and Romans. The advant ..read more

In my previous article I talked to you about liqueurs and cocktails made with various liqueurs. Today I tell you about cocktails based on fruit spirits and non-alcoholic cocktails. Did you miss any cocktails? No problem. On the xtraWine blog you will find cocktails for all tastes: gin, whisky, vodka, tequila, liqueurs and even the 5 famous cocktails. Today I propose you five cocktails: Cordialissimo (fruit spirit) Raspberry (fruit spirit) Rose (fruit spirit) Fruit Skywasser (non-alcoholic) Green Light (non-alcoholic) Cordialissimo A fresh, slightly sour cocktail. It is served with a low tumb ..read more