is there an emoticon for "tongue in cheek" ?

I do think the wine in Italy is less "potent" than most of the wine I'm used to drinking in the US. At home if I have wine at lunch, it often leaves me sleepy or less alert in the afternoon, but a glass or two of wine in Italy doesn't affect me at all. I think I recall reading somewhere that the alcoholic content on local Italian wines tends to be lower than that on exported wines -- is that possible?

nonnafelice,
my husband just told me that French wines are not as alchoholic as California wines, so maybe the Italians are the same?
That would be a good thing for me, the one with no head for wine :)

And I have a French young friend (male)
who never drinks wine. Don't worry, enjoy yourselves.

Nonnafelice: I've noticed the same thing about the wine in Italy vs. the wine in the US.

During our first dinner in Rome, I thought the wine must have been watered down because I did not feel the same effects as I do at home.

But the next night at a different restaurant I noticed the same thing. It couldn't be that all the restaurants in Rome were mixing their house wines with water!

Since then, I have been told that the difference in the effect is NOT because the Italian wine has a lower alcohol content. I was told it was because the local wines in Italy don't contain sulfites! Wines sold in the US contain sulfites. I believe that it is an individual sensitivity to the sulfites that has the effects which you describe.

I drink...mixed drinks and beer...rarely wine, unless a friend happens to order it. However, when in Rome and Paris this Christmas I want to experience the culture of the cities. What wine would you suggest we order?

We will be in Rome,Paris, and London. I was thinking of something lite and fruity.

Table wine in Italy - that is, wine served out of a barrel or other vessel into a carafe, is somewhere between 10 an 11% alchohol. That is why it seems lighter and doesn't intoxicate people too much. Even bottled wine in Italy is 12%, 13.5% alcohol tops. Here in California there are wines that are 14.5% or even higher. It makes a big difference in the way it affects the body.

This doesn't really answer danaeye's question though - I would say, like another poster did, get a 1/2 liter and just taste it with your meal to see if you like it. Wine is meant to be drunk with food, and it can be a wonderful discovery. If you don't like it, you are only out a couple of Euro.

I don't drink at all -- my migraines put an end to my imbibing #o. I drink bottled water (con gas) with my meals and never feel conspicuous. Since your wife also doesn't drink, you don't have to worry about feeling left out of the party either. Have a great trip.
((c))

A ragged, dirty bum approaches a man passing and asks for money.

Man: ?Are you going to use it to buy booze??

Bum: ?No.?

Man: ?Will you use it to buy cigarettes??

Bum: ?No, sir.?

Man: ?Are you going to gamble it away??

Bum: ?Why, no!?

Man: ?Then will you come home with me and show my wife what happens to a man who doesn?t drink, smoke, or gamble??

This is somewhat relevant to another thread that's currently running.

danaeye,

i don't drink and enjoyed italy quite a bit. like the others have said, i orderd bottle watered (carbonated or not). and it was just fine. in fact i don't remember being asked if i wanted anything to drink...i asked for it at all the restaurants i went to.

i didn't feel like i missed out on anything...A) it's a decision i'm happy about B) i wouldn't know the difference anyways C) i am who i am whether i'm home or abroad D) the italians don't care if u drink or not.