Another Successful Member Trip to Italy...
The annual GRI trip to Italy this year took the group to Sicily, a crossroads of diverse origins that give this island its unique culture and cuisine. The combined group of press and GRI members - some 40 strong - embarked on a week-long journey that saw them land in Catania and wind up in Palermo, along the way sampling local delicacies and visiting ancient ruins. “Our annual trip is the chance to re-connect with Italy, discover new products and better understand the nuances of different regional cuisines,“ stated GRI President Gianfranco Sorrentino. Tasting their way through the Sicilian countryside, the group discovered some interesting staples of Sicilian cuisine, namely the Arancia Rossa di Sicilia IGP (Sicilian blood orange); numerous varieties of Sicilian DOP olive oils; pistachio verde di Bronte and cheeses like Pecorino Siciliano and Cacciocavallo.
Of course no meal would be complete without wine and during the trip our Sicilian hosts showed why they are the rising star of the south in terms of winemaking. Mixing innovation with tradition, we tasted phenomenal native varietals such as Nero d’Avola and interesting international blends with grapes such as Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. When speaking of wine and Sicily one could not omit Marsala. While perhaps erroneously labeled in the US, a visit to the historic Cantine Florio showed the diversity of this wine where we enjoyed two different types of Marsala.
To top off the warm hospitality, generous meals and outstanding wines we were privy to up close tours of several of the storied cities in Sicily. Visits to Noto, A UNESCO recognized World Heritage site and considered Sicily's "Baroque City" or the ruins of an acropolis and numerous temples in the abandoned ancient Greek city of Selinunte brought to life the numerous cultures that have called Sicily home throughout history. In the Archelogical Park of Neapolis in Siracusa we put ancient acoustics to the test when our very own Tomasso Verdillo of Tommasso’s in Brooklyn belted out an impromptu rendition of God Bless America, which echoed beautifully off the ancient cave walls.
We make this annual trip to Italy to uncover new products and re-acquaint ourselves with culinary trends so we can return with new ideas. Stay tuned to the www.gruppo.com for info regarding our next trip.
