The League of Champions

That I do not support Italian football is probably old news, albeit a veritable understatement. This does tend to imply that I lean towards being anglophile. Another known fact. That I am enamoured by wine is surely no breaking news, and once more, describes the truth rather tamely. Worry not, this piece will not feature old news that is relevant to few if any. However, I am always baffled by the numerous comments I so often get from bemused friends or acquaintances who find the above facts to be sharply irreconcilable. How can I, they ask, be so fond of wine and yet prefer English football over the Italian version (another understatement)? Why this seems so incongruous I really don’t fathom yet I believe it has something to do with the fact that Italy’s wine-making culture is by far superior to that in England, hence I should switch sides. Of course, and pit bulls make great baby sitters!

As I listened to the radio announcing the next round of the UEFA Champions’ League, it became immediately clear that this debate will resurface with a vengeance as Chelsea will face Juventus, Arsenal were drawn Roma and Manchester United will be beating, I mean meeting, Internazionale!

With Juventus hailing from Piedmont with its superb wine culture even claiming to own the ‘King of Wines’, and Rome being the home of Latium’s famous Frascati and some Orvieto amongst others, London’s Chelsea and Arsenal can pitch their neighbouring Sussex that produces a number sparkling wines to at least match some of France’s Champagne.

Internazionale has its roots in Lombardy, and here, wines like their superb sparkling Franciacorta will heavily outweigh the vine cemetery found in Manchester. And yet, for some strange reason, I get the feeling I will be celebrating the clash with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Madeira, and not Mourinho’s Setubal!