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Join Us for Taste of Italy Dallas! REGISTER HERE.

Now in its third year, the event will take place on Tuesday, October 8, at Eataly Dallas from 11.30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This year’s trade component will be the largest ever, featuring over 20 exhibitors and 400 products.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Please join us for two very unique seminars on Tuesday, October 8, at Taste of Italy Dallas held at Eataly (8687 N Central Expy #2172, Dallas, TX 75225):

The Wines of Umbria
12:30 p.m. (La Scuola – Eataly)

We are excited to invite you to a unique guided wine tasting event featuring exquisite products from 10 exceptional winemakers from the beautiful region of Umbria, Italy. Discover the rich flavors and traditions of Umbrian wines as we explore the region’s main grape varieties, including Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Grechetto, and Montefalco Rosso.

This is the lists of the featured wines:

White Wines:
CHIORRI – Etesia Pinot Grigio 2023
LA VENERANDA – Montefalco Grechetto DOC 2023
COLLE CIOCCO – Trebbiano Spoletino 2022
TENUTA FREDDANO – Spes Orvieto DOC Classico 2022

Red Wines:
DUCA DELLA CORGNA – Corio Rosso 2023
BRIZIARELLI – L’Affabile Rosso 2022
CESARINI SARTORI – Rosso Bastardo 2022
BOCALE – Montefalco Rosso 2021
ANTONELLI – Montefalco Sagrantino 2019
TILI VINI – Assisi DOC rosso 2016

To enhance your tasting experience, there will be light bites inspired by the typical Umbrian cuisine paired with each wine, allowing you to savor the perfect harmony of flavors.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of wine, this event promises to engage your senses and deepen your appreciation for Umbria’s renowned viticulture.

Don’t miss this opportunity to savor some of Umbria’s finest wines and learn from knowledgeable guides while enjoying delightful culinary pairings. Bring your friends and come share an unforgettable evening of taste and discovery!

and

The Wines of Lombardy (Every Day in Lombardy).
3:00 p.m. (La Scuola – Eataly)

We are excited to invite you to an exclusive presentation highlighting Lombardy as a unique travel destination, showcasing the less-known areas such as Valtellina, Oltrepo Pavese, and more. Our campaign, “Everyday in Lombardy,” aims to uncover the hidden treasures of this beautiful region and offer new experiences to travelers.

Join us at La Scuola at Eataly Dallas on October 8, 2024, at 3 PM for an engaging presentation. Attendees will enjoy regional light bites prepared by the skilled chefs at Eataly, perfectly paired with the Metodo Classico sparkling wine, Franciacorta Brut, produced by the esteemed winery Boccadoro. As you may know, Franciacorta is another hidden gem in the Province of Brescia that we are proud to include in our promotional efforts.

During the event, we will also present various travel package options tailored to showcase the wonders of Lombardy.

This gathering will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what Lombardy has to offer and discuss potential collaborations that can enhance the travel experiences of your clients.

Please let us know if you can attend. We look forward to sharing the beauty of Lombardy with you!

Both seminars and tastings will be led by wine writer Jeremy Parzen author of DoBianchi.com. Not only is Jeremy one of the most dynamic and entertaining speakers in the industry. He’s also a widely revered expert on Italian viticulture. Known for his lively discussions, he’s looking forward to sharing his unique insights into Umbria and Lombardy and their wines.

To ensure your spot at the Seminars is secured, there is a nominal registration fee of $20 per Seminar (RSVP HERE).
This helps us manage the limited availability of spaces for this exclusive event.Additionally, your RSVP will grant you access to the Walk Around Tasting of Italian wine and food at the Taste of Italy Dallas, happening at the same location, Terra Restaurant Eataly Dallas, starting at 11:30 AM.

Join us at the Texas Restaurant Association Show in San Antonio on July 14-15 to explore the vibrant Piazza Italia area! Immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of Italy right in the heart of Texas.

Make sure to stop by booth 1357 in the Piazza Italia area, where we welcome all wine, spirit, and food professionals to experience a taste of Italy. Discover exquisite wines, spirits, and culinary delights that showcase the essence of Italian cuisine.

Indulge in a culinary journey at the Texas Restaurant Association Show with a showcase of top-notch brands that epitomize quality and tradition. Explore an array of exquisite offerings from renowned brands:

Bindi USA: Satisfy your sweet tooth with decadent desserts crafted in Italy by Bindi USA. Experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your palate.

Fabbri 1905: Discover the essence of Italian excellence with Fabbri 1905. Experience a range of premium products that embody a rich culinary heritage and unparalleled quality.

Fratelli Beretta: Delight in the finest Italian salumi from Fratelli Beretta. Experience the authentic flavors and craftsmanship of traditional cured meats that are sure to impress.

Lioni: Immerse yourself in the world of fresh cheeses with Lioni. Explore a selection of mozzarella and fresh cheeses that capture the essence of Italian dairy craftsmanship.

Pansardo: Embark on a gastronomic adventure with Pansardo. Experience a taste of Sardinia with a diverse range of cheeses and other culinary delights that reflect the unique flavors of the region.

We are also proud to announce a spectacular showcase of wines from all regions of Italy. Embark on a sensory journey as you explore a diverse selection of Italian wines, each representing the unique terroir and cultural heritage of its origin. From the robust reds of Tuscany to the crisp whites of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, indulge in a tasting experience that celebrates the diversity and excellence of Italian winemaking.

In the wake of the USDA’s greenlight to expand pork imports from central Italy, this year’s Taste of Italy (Dallas and El Paso) will be the first to feature fresh and short-term cured pork products. The following is a translation of a press release issued by the Italian government announcing the changes in U.S. Federal regulations. Please join us in October to taste a wide array of Italian wines and foods that will be presented at Taste of Italy, the largest trade fair in the U.S. devoted exclusively to Italian products.

The statement published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Last week, Michael Watson, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, signed the Federal Register “final notice” that modifies the Code of Regulations Title 9 CFR 94.12(a)(1) whereby the Italian regions of Tuscany and Umbria are now included in the list of territories free from swine vesicular disease (SVD).

The publication of the final notice marks the official conclusion of the U.S. government’s lengthy process for the inclusion of the two regions in the list of territories that are free from SVD.

The provision, which will go into effect on July 12, 2024, allows for the expansion of types of pork products that can be exported to the U.S. from Tuscany and Umbria, including fresh pork products and short-term cured products that have been packaged in specially equipped facilities.

In order to export their products, these facilities must adopt the procedural measures required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Italian pork products represent a promising sector in bilateral trade between the two countries. According to the Italian government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italian pork products to the U.S. were valued at $240 million in 2023. In the first two months of 2024, that figure increased by 25 percent with respect to the same period in 2023 (source: U.S. Department of Commerce via the Italian Trade Commission in New York).

On Tuesday and Wednesday, May 28-29, 2024, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas will be hosting a group of visiting Italian winemakers and grape growers for a series of tastings and meetings with Houston-based trade members.

We’ll be organizing a series of one-on-one tastings and meetings for the winery representatives and locally based distributors.

When: Tuesday, May 28 – 9 am through 5 pm – and Wednesdaym May 29 – 2 pm through 5 pm

Where: Italy-America chamber of Commerce of Texas – 1225 North Loop West, Suite 450 – Houston, Texas 77008.

What: one-on-one 30-minute (max) meet&taste with the winemakers – (light bites will be provided).

How to participate: please, email m.gamberucci@iacctexas.com and let us know – 1) What producers would you like to meet with; 2) your ideal time-frame. More info about the wines are available upon request.

It’s a great opportunity to learn more about three different winemaking regions in Italy — Veneto, Friuli, Lazio and Tuscany. The events will give local wine distributors the chance to meet with potential suppliers.

Their group will be led by Sebastiano Bazzano, an Italian export consultant whose company B.Connected helps Italian wineries to find the right importer in countries around the world. A longtime partner of the IACC, Sebastiano also works with importers and their suppliers to facilitates logistics once an importer has placed an order for his clients’ wines.

The IACC couldn’t be more pleased to host this compelling group of winemakers, including the following estates:

Gotto d’Oro (Lazio)
Gagia Blu (Toscana)
Villa Russiz (Friuli)
Isola Augusta (Friuli)
Obiz (Friuli)
Montesel (Veneto)
Terre di Gioia – Albino Armani (Veneto)

 

It’s become a genuine Houston tradition.

Ever since Taste of Italy first presented its “Texas BBQ and Italian Wine” pairing seminar, the popular event sells out within a day of being made available online.

For the Taste of Italy 2024 in Houston last month, pit master Ara Malekian (above, right), owner of the legendary Harlem Rd. Texas BBQ, returned to lead attendees through a tasting of classic Texas smoked meats and six Italian wines.

He was joined by Tom Dobson (above, left), Italian wine buyer for Spec’s, one of the largest retailers of fine wine in the U.S., and Dale Roberston, wine writer for the Houston Chronicle.

Italian food and wine historian and educator Jeremy Parzen moderated the panel.

In another era, noted Jeremy, American wine lovers often claimed that Italian wine only tasted good when paired with food.

That’s exactly the point, said Tom, a native Texan. Even though he has access to plenty of Californian, French, and other wines from around the world, Italian wines are what he typically reaches for when enjoying Texas smoked meats.

Winemakers in Italy grow and vinify their wines with food in mind, added Dale, a longtime fan and collector of Italian wines.

Of the six wines poured at the event, each was greatly appreciated by both the panelists and attendees. And each wine, ranging from lighter in body to richer and more concentrated, brought out different nuances in the smoked meats that Chef Ara had prepared especially for the occasion.

For those interested in learning more, please see the flight of wines below.

And for those who would like to attend next year’s tasting and seminar, please be sure to sign up promptly: The seats go fast for what is a standing-room-only gathering each year!

Thanks to everyone who participated and warm thanks to our panelists who shared their insights into what makes Italian wine one of the greatest pairings for Texas BBQ.

Langhe Nebbiolo, Cerrino, Piemonte
Aglianico del Sannio, La Guardiense, Campania
Ferzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Citra, Abruzzo
Cabernet-Merlot, Carlo Scala, Puglia
Chianti Riserva DOCG, Castelsina, Toscana
Chianti Governo, Il Risveglio, Valvirgino, Toscana

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Texas (IACC) and the organizers of the Houston Italian Wine Ambassador Competition wish to share their congratulations with the winners of this year’s event.

Candidates participated in two exams: General Theory of Italian Wines and a Deductive (Blind) Tasting of Italian wines.

Awards and prizes were given out based on the candidates’ exam scores. The first-place winner obtained the highest score for both exams. Awards were also given for the highest scores obtained in each exam, including a $500 stipend. The Competition has also been possible thanks to the support of the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie Consortium.

The winners:

David King, first place (winner of a free trip to Italy).

Arlon Crosthwait, winner, theory ($500 stipend).
Andres Blanco, runner up, theory (magnum of a Prosecco).
Frank Riccioli, second runner up, theory (Riedel decanter).

Carlos Rosa, winner, tasting ($500 stipend).
Isabel Hernandez, runner up, tasting (magnum of Prosecco)
Omar Lozano, second runner up, tasting (Riedel decanter)

The IACC would also like to share its heartfelt thanks with Houston-based sommelier Sergio Valladares, who ran this year’s competition.

Thanks to Sergio’s excellent and tireless work, the Houston Italian Wine Ambassador Competition achieved its mission of promoting Italian wine education throughout the city of Houston and the state of Texas.

Sergio, we couldn’t have done it without your vision and hard work!

Special thanks to the following wineries who provided wines for the Deductive Tasting: Citra, Viticoltori Senesi e Aretini, Capo Zafferano, La Guardiense, Abbasico di Busco, and Rifugio del Vescovo.