Good Taste is a recurring column by Scott Atkinson, Wine Manager at Piggly Wiggly in Crestline.
Facciamo una passeggiata?
The literal translation is “Would you like to go for a walk?” — but as so often happens in Italian, the words carry far more meaning than their translation. The passeggiata (pass-uh-JAH-tuh) is a long-revered tradition: an evening stroll after dinner, leisurely and social, taken for its own sake. No destination required.
The tradition has found some notable modern advocates. Various Italian mayors have adopted the nightly passeggiata as a way to connect with their communities. The most well-known example may be in Valdobbiadene, where Mayor Luciano Fregonese began his nightly passeggiate — passeggiata being singular, passeggiate plural — as a way to stay active and interact with the people he represents.
Why Are We Talking About Walking in a Wine Column?
Because the passeggiata and a good glass of wine belong together, and here’s why.
Everyone is trying to be a bit healthier these days. A stroll after dinner has real science behind it — lower cortisol levels, improved digestion, better blood sugar regulation, a modest boost to metabolism. There is also the less quantifiable benefit of simply enjoying the evening air after a good meal. We strongly recommend taking the dog.
We have chosen four wines that we think are ideal companions for a summer passeggiata. We have also done some research on these. You could say we’ve road tested them.
Ostro Prosecco, DOC
Alabama summer nights with a nice dry Prosecco? Perfect. And naturally, we had to begin with a Prosecco in honor of Mayor Fregonese himself — who happens to be the mayor of Valdobbiadene, right in the heart of Prosecco country. We have a feeling he would approve of the Ostro. He has been trying to be a bit healthier, and the Ostro has one of the lowest sugar contents of any Prosecco we carry. A fitting match for a man who walks off his dinner every night.
Tenuta Sant’Antonio Valpolicella
The passeggiata is hardly a new concept. The famous promenade along Lake Como — Lago di Como — was created by then-Mayor Lino Gelpi for citizens and tourists alike. We chose this Valpolicella because Lago di Garda sits near Lago di Como, and Valpolicella is one of the great summertime reds. Try it with grilled sausages, charcuterie, or a simple pizza. It’s a bit more lush than a Pinot Noir but close enough in spirit to be comfortable — and different enough to be interesting.
Flâneur Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
The Italians are not the only ones who have elevated the evening stroll into an art form. The French have the flâneur — one who wanders leisurely through an urban landscape, observing, unhurried. This Oregon Pinot Noir is named for exactly that spirit. Bright fruit, subtle spice, thoroughly relaxed. It is perfect for a moonlit passeggiata with your dog.
The Walking Fool
This one is about as subtle as a sledgehammer — and that’s precisely the point. Where the Flâneur and the Tenuta Sant’Antonio offer elegance and nuance, The Walking Fool brings intensity and bravado. Created by the Wagner Family of Caymus fame, this Zinfandel-based blend is bold, rich, and makes no apologies. For the nights when you feel like stretching the walk a little longer.
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All four wines are available at Piggly Wiggly in Crestline Village. Stop in and Scott will be happy to point you in the right direction — or, if you prefer, just ask for the one that pairs best with a long walk on a warm night.
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