Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured below:

The answer to last week’s mystery is American sycamore seeds, Platanus occidentalis, pictured below:

American sycamore is native to the eastern United States and is the largest deciduous tree in North America. Found most commonly in bottomland or floodplain areas, sycamores thrive in wet environments near rivers, streams, or abundant groundwater.

Sycamore trees are monoecious. They have both male and female flowers on the same tree. This tree reaches reproductive maturity rather young, and flowers profusely, producing numerous light, aerodynamic fruit. The fruit are round balls, around 1″ in diameter, and hang on slender stems.

The seed head persists through Winter, and doesn’t drop the hairy-tufted seeds until January–April. The brush-like structure of the seeds helps them catch the wind and potentially travel long distances.

Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.

Ciao Tutti!

This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste a new wine we are considering for our collection, the Pinot Nero Venezia Giulia IGP ($18.50, ABV 13%) from the Vigna del Lauro winery in Cormons, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

The winery is located in the heart of the Collio wine-growing DOC designation near the border of Slovenia. The region is blessed with ideal conditions for growing grapes due to its varied  diurnal temperature from the warm winds during the day, cool  breezes at night from the Adriatic Sea and soils that are rich in nutrients.

The winery is a family run business, founded by Fabio Coser and managed by him, his wife and their two sons Enrico and Matteo. Their estate has grown to over 30 hectares with 18 hectares devoted to wine grapes and the remaining hectares maintained as a forest, which personifies their commitment to sustainable viticulture.  The winery consists of several small-vineyard sites with a southern exposure and they grow a variety of grapes with a dual focus of indigenous Fruilian grapes and other international grape varieties.

Cormons 28/11/2011 – Ronco dei Tassi – Famiglia Coser – Foto Elia Falaschi © 2011

Currently, their portfolio contains five white and four red wines. Their 100% Pinto Nero has aromas of candied strawberries, dried cherries and orange;  is medium bodied, with a pleasant and long finish. Pair with red meats, game, or Piazza’s aged cheeses.

Several customers have asked for a Pinot Noir so come join me Friday or Saturday for a taste of the Italian version, Pinot Nero, and cast your vote whether it should join Piazza’s collection. For your weekend entrees, Chef Chris has just arrived with entrees of braised beef braciola lamb chops, pork Milanese, and meatball risotto and our aged cheeses also beckon you for a taste!

Cin Cin!

Jenn

Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center, 218 N. Washington St., suite 23, in Easton, MD

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste one of my fave white wines, the Latour a Civitella IGT 2020 ($29.95, $14.95 ABV) from the Tenuta di Sergio Mottura in Civitella d’Agliano, Lazio. The estate was purchased in 1933 by a relative of Mottura’s and thirty years later twenty-one year old Sergio took over management of the estate. 

The design of a porcupine in various joyous poses was chosen for Mottura’s label because it “symbolizes the family’s commitment to quality with respect and care for the environment”. When the estate ceased spraying pesticides and herbicides, the porcupine reappeared in the vineyards. Noted wine authority and writer Joseph Bastianich (son of Lidia) gave the highest compliment to Mottura by declaring “There is a white heart in the center of Italy: Sergio Mottura, undisputed Master of Grechetto”. The estate has 120 hectares of vineyards of centuries old vines and a heritage of biodiversity.  

In 1993, Mottura joined a group in Germany of thirty producers from countries all over the world who were represented by the same German importer. The importer hosted an event on a restaurant boat floating along the Berlin canal to celebrate Robert Mondavi’s 80th birthday.  The group decided to use the opened bottles from the afternoon tasting for the dinner. Mottura’s Grechetto “Poggio della Costa” 1992 was placed at Louis Fabrice Latour’s table. 

Latour later sought out Mottura to express his admiration of the wine and offered some of his wood barriques to the young Mottura. In 1993, this wine was the first white wine from Lazio to be awarded the highest designation of Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso. In 2012, Sergio Mottura was named “Winemaker of the Year” by Gambero Rosso. “The estate has 120 hectares of vineyards of centuries old vines and a heritage of biodiversity.  

Mottura’s Latour A Civitella is 100% Grechetto grape. I love this exquisite white wine for its freshness and delicate lightness, aromas of orchard fruits and white blossoms and a lingering finish.  Pair with salmon or tuna, seafood risotto, spaghetti alla carbonara,  asparagus with lemon, tomato and olive penne feta or chevre cheese. 

Come join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 to taste this wine from the “Master of Grechetto” and see if you agree- 

Cin Cin!

Jenn

Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center, at 218 N. Washington St., suite 23, in Easton, MD

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Ciao Tutti!

This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Anthilia Sicilia DOC ($18.50, ABV 12.5%) from Donnafugata’s Contessa Entellina vineyard, the first of Donnafugata’s four vineyards throughout Sicilia.

Anthilia Sicilia DOC ($18.50, ABV 12.5%) from Donnafugata’s Contessa Entellina vineyard,

The story of Donnafugata begins with two women, one of whom was Gabriella Anca Rallo, who studied the classics at University and became an English teacher. Fate intervened when her father died suddenly and she inherited his Contessa Entellina vineyard. Within a few years, in 1983, she retired from teaching for her and her husband Giacomo to assume management of the estate.

Gabriella learned that the vineyard was near the place where the story’s second woman, Queen Maria Carolina, and King Ferdinand IV of the Two Sicilies (Lazio and Sicily) sought refuge near a British garrison in Sicily when Napoleon began his invasion of Sicily. Gabriella chose the name “Donnafugata” (fleeing woman) for their winery in honor of the Queen and the label portrays a woman’s hair with the wind blowing across her face.

Donnafugata is led by the fifth generation of the Rallo family, Antonio and Jose

Gabriella was one of the founding members of the National Association of Women in Wine. This organization celebrates the commitment of women in all of the wine industry’s categories. For her dedication, she was awarded the honor of Commendatore of the Italian Republic in 2018. Today, Donnafugata is led by the fifth generation of the Rallo family, Antonio and Jose and they grow seven indigenous grape varieties in the vineyards that differ from each other in altitude, exposure, microclimate and soil.

As an art lover, I have long admired the distinctive artisan labels of Donnafugata. In 1992, Gabriella Rallo selected the artist Stefano Vitale to create distinctive labels for each wine to celebrate the varied colors of Sicilia’s architecture and landscape, under the blazing sun. Two of my fave labels were inspired by Mille e Una Notte (One Thousand and One Nights), the story of Sherazade.

Visit www.donnafugata.it and prepare to be amazed by the artful labels!

“Anthilia” Sicilia DOC is named for the city of Entella in Roman times and is the first wine that was produced at Donnafugata.  It remains a customer favorite for its blend of Cataratto and other indigenous varieties. It is a fave of mine for its freshness, notes of white flowers and scents of aromatic herbs and white flowers. Pair with fish, veggie dishes or Piazza’s fresh cheeses.

Come celebrate the Spring Equinox and join me on Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45.

Cin Cin!

Jenn

Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center at 218 N. Washington St., suite 23, in Easton, MD.

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

The delightful hum of lawnmowers is right around the corner. Soon we’ll be tackling outdoor tasks that have been calling our names during the cold winter months. As we transition into warmer days, our 2025 summer “Ask A Master Gardener Plant Clinics” will be traveling around Queen Anne’s County to various events and open houses. This is a great opportunity to have Master Gardeners help with all your questions about gardening, from garden pests, to plant problems, to selecting the perfect native plants, and beneficial insects. Master Gardeners will be on hand to give tips and tricks to make your home garden flourish, help troubleshoot tricky growing situations, and offer encouragement on creating the perfect garden for your space. These events are free and open to the public.

Dates/Topics: 

April 19, 2025- It’s Grow Time at An Eastridge Garden (533 Dulin Clark Road Centreville, MD 21617) – Master Gardeners will be on hand to discuss tips and tricks to getting things ready in your garden.  
From 10 am to 2 pm

 May 3, 2025 – Creating a Bay-Wise Garden at Greenwood Creek Nursery (201 Bennett Point Road Queenstown, MD 21658) Master Gardeners will be on hand to guide you throw gardening to help the Chesapeake Bay. 
From 10 am to 2 pm  

May 24, 2025-Enhancing your garden with native plants at A Little Farm and Nursery (100 Davidson Drive Stevensville, MD 21666). Master Gardeners will be on hand to discuss picking the right native plant for the right place. 
From 10 am to 2 pm 

June 7, 2025- If you plant it they will come, Pollinators at Unity Church Hill Nursery (3621 Church Hill Road, Church Hill, MD 21623). Master Gardeners will be on hand to discuss how to add pollinator-friendly plants to your garden!
From 10 am to 2 pm 

For further information please call or reasonable accommodations to participate in this event contact the University of Maryland Extension Rachel Rhodes, at (410) 758-0166 or [email protected]   

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

This weekend we will offer two wines, the Dolcetto D’Alba DOC, 2022, ($20.50, ABV 13.5%) from the Azienda Agricola Alessandro Rivetto winery in La Morra, Piemonte and the Ghemme  Chioso Dei Pomi DOCG 2017, ($49.95, ABV 14%) from the Rovellotti Vineyard in Ghemme, Alto Piemonte.

We are fortunate that our wine reps from time to time offer us deals on special wines that can’t be reordered. Emily and I tasted the Ghemme with one of our reps recently and we thought it was outstanding. That was no surprise since the importer is Rosenthal and he is one of two importers (Kermit Lynch is the other) whose portfolios of unique wines of the highest quality I follow on their websites. I would buy any wines from them without tasting.

Ghemme Chioso Dei Pomi DOCG: (85% Nebbiolo, Vespolina 15%). Antenello Rovellotti is as proud of his heritage as he is of his wine. He believes less than 200 people share his surname, and around 66 people have never left Ghemme!  His family roots date from the late 15^th century and their wine is produced in a maze of underground cellars with wine stacked from the ground to the ceiling, spread around in Ghemme’s “Ricetto”, a central walled compound that in prior years protected the townspeople during times of war.

Since the early 1980’s, Antenello has consulted with the University of Milan to keep his 15 hectare vineyard in balance ecologically and environmentally; no chemicals, protection of local insects, etc.

Emily and I were both captivated by this wine’s complex nose, its aromatic depth from ripe cherry and wild strawberry to notes of rose petals and leather; medium to full body palate, smooth tannins.  Don’t pass up a taste of this outstanding wine!

Dolcetto D’Alba DOC: Alessandro is the fourth generation of the Rivetto family to manage the vineyard. His  grandfather Ercole imparted in him a deep appreciation for the family’s vineyards  and cellar as his father Giovanni did for him. Alessandro continues the family tradition with another Alessandro, his enologist, Alessandro Bonelli.

The Alessandros have two different labels for their bottles: the modern label “Albeisa” with Rivetto’s initials back to back and the “Bordolese”, which continues the tradition of the Rivetto family.

Their “Wine Loft”, a welcoming and intimate space for tasting their wines, overlooks the beautiful Piedmontese landscape and their municipality of  La Morra.

Their Dolcetto D ’Alba is 100% Dolcetto grape and is fruit forward with aromas of amarena and red cherries, has a persistent flavor, and is soft and balanced as its name suggests (delicate, not sweet). Pair with lightly sauced pastas, white meat entrees, or grilled veggies.

Come join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 for a taste of these red wines from Piemonte.

Cin Cin!

Jenn

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured below?

The answer to last week’s mystery is the tulip poplar, Liriodendron tulipfera, pictured below:

The tulip poplar is a large, native, deciduous tree that can grow 90–120′ tall. Its attractive tulip-like flowers give the tulip poplar its common name. Although not a member of the poplar genus, its characteristics are similar to poplar. It is actually a member of the magnolia family.

In the winter cone-like seed clusters sit upright on the branches. The seeds are called samaras, or helicopters. The individual, winged samaras can be scattered by the wind to distances equal to four or five times the height of a tree. Tulip poplar is a prolific seeder. A seed fall of 300,000 to 600,000/acre is not uncommon. Tulip poplar seeds retain their viability on the forest floor from 4–7 years.

Tulip poplars are a favorite nesting tree for birds, and they are an attractive species to butterflies and hummingbirds.

The tulip poplar leaf is the logo for Adkins Arboretum.

Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.

Ciao Tutti!

This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste a new wine to our collection, the Rosa delle Calle Toscana IGT Rosato ($19.75, ABV 13.5%) from the Azienda Agricola Le Calle Di Riccardo Catocci winery in the Maremma region of Toscana. The beautiful label’s name of the wine translates as “the pink calla lilies”.

Rosa delle Calle Toscana IGT Rosato ($19.75, ABV 13.5%) from the Azienda Agricola Le Calle Di Riccardo Catocci winery in the Maremma region of Toscana

Maremma is Toscana’s least populated part with  the variety of its geography including the blue Tyrrhenian Sea, marshes, long narrow beaches dotted with black rock,  round hills, mountains thick woods and medieval towns like San Gimignano. 

The Le Calle farmhouse is located in Maremma’s heart; between the Tyrrhenian Sea and Monte Amiata. Looking west from the terrace of their cellar you can see the Tyrrhenian Sea and looking east you can see Monte Amiata.  

Riccardo, Camilla and Savina Catocci

Le Calle’s Rosa delle Calle is 100% Ciliegiolio and Emily and I tasted it recently with our rep. We both liked its prominent fresh red fruit aromas of cherry with strawberry hints, floral aroma of rose petals, crisp acidity for food and a clean finish. As an architect, I always critique the label design and this beautiful label would also make a perfect gift. 

Come join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 to taste this new and refreshing wine. Ian D’Agata, who wrote the tome “Native Grapes of Italy” considers the Ciliegiolo grape to be one of Italy’s “greatest but most underappreciated grape variety”. Come taste and see if you agree!

Cin Cin

Jenn

Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center at 218 N. Washington St., suite 23, in Easton, MD.

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.