You're ready for the season change—why not get a jump start on it?
which work by pairing something bitter with something bubbly. They’re stupendously popular in Italy once it warms up, and are deployed in great numbers for aperitivo hour, which is the time before dinner where you get free snacks and drink lots of spritzes. Sometimes they’re very bitter and sometimes they’re only a little bitter, but what they always are is refreshing, designed to cool you down while the sun is still up.
The Bicicletta, as you can probably already tell, is Italian. It is made of Campari or a similar bitter liqueur, enlivened with some still white wine and lifted with a splash of soda. According to Talia Baiocchi in her book, it comes from Lombardia in the 1930s, named, they say, for the teetering bicycles of the old men who had too many Biciclettas before heading home from the caffe.
I tested Campari against five of its competitors, expecting it to be singular as it always is, and while Campari was indeed very good, I thought better across all tests was actually Select Aperitivo, from Venice. Not only was it good across styles of wine in a way that Campari wasn’t but even when Campari worked well, Select Aperitivo worked better. Select is prettier than Campari, with rose-like florals, a bit less bitterness and a more rounded edge.
As for still wine: I’ve always defaulted to Pinot Grigio here for its Italian pedigree and its universal availability and it does work pretty well with Select, but with both Campari and Select I found I preferred a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, which added orchard fruit, citrus, and grassy notes that integrated surprisingly well. If you don’t like Sauvignon Blanc you also won’t like it here, but if you do, it’s perfect. Vinho Verde would be great.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
On 'Ready to Be,' TWICE Prove They're Ready to WinOn their new EP ‘Ready to Be,’ K-pop group TWICE blows up tired stereotypes and smashes through barriers with a seven-song set that's as brash and compelling as anything in pop music today.
Read more »
D'Angelo Russell ready to reboot his hot Lakers start coming off injuryD'Angelo Russell was playing well for the Lakers until an injury temporarily derailed his return to the team. He's eager to help the playoff push.
Read more »
Review: Chang can dunk (but won't) on 'Chang Can Dunk'Bloom Li plays a 16-year-old underdog who challenges himself to learn how to slam-dunk in this likable, if generic, Disney+ basketball drama.
Read more »
The Dabney Chef Is Ready to Open His Highly Anticipated French Cafe and BistroPetite Cerise opens for all-day dining in Shaw on March 14.
Read more »
Bigger, stronger, and healthy again, Flyers prospect Tyson Foerster is ready for his NHL chanceAfter missing most of last season with a shoulder injury, the 21-year-old Foerster ranks second on the Phantoms in goals (13) and points (26).
Read more »
North Texas lawmakers work to get ready-made cocktails sold on Sundays - KRLD NewsIf beer and wine are OK to buy in Texas on Sundays, why not tequila and whiskey? KRLD's Susan Darwin has more on efforts to change state law.
Read more »