Monthly Archives: June 2009

Michael & Farah, Childhood Icons Slip Away

I know this is a wine blog but I feel like writing about Michael Jackson and Farah Fawcett. As a child of the 1970s and 1980s, I grew up with Michael’s music and wanted more than anything to be Farah. … Continue reading

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Festa: San Giovanni a Firenze, Calcio Storico & Nocino

On June 24 each year, Florence comes alive with parades and Florentines dressed in medieval gear to celebrate their patron saint, San Giovanni. Drums beat and flutes play, as the procession leads to Piazza Santa Croce for the yearly Calcio … Continue reading

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Filed under Italian Delicacies, Italian recipes, Italian regions, italy, Memorable Events, wines

Passing of a Patriarch: Antonio Argiolas Dies At 102

I was looking through some websites earlier and came upon the news that wine maker and family patriarch, Antonio Argiolas from Sardinia has died at the age of 102. The Argiolas family is integrally linked to the history of Sardinian … Continue reading

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Filed under Italian indigenous Grape Varieties, Italian regions, Italian wineries, italy, wines, Women in Wine

Father’s Day: Bringing Cyprus’ Commandaria Home For Dessert

June 21 is the longest day of the year and it is also Father’s day in the United States. While my dad loves Amarone, Brunello and many French wines, his real fondness is for dessert wines. I often try to … Continue reading

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Masciarelli: An Abruzzo Winery That Needs No Introduction

I am writing a series of posts about wineries from Abruzzo to keep attention focused on that region which is recovering from a devastating earthquake which took place on April 6. Everyone who has ever had a wine from Abruzzo … Continue reading

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Abruzzo’s Tenuta Ulisse: Innovative Technology Encounters Italian Indigenous Varieties

As I made my way around the Abruzzo pavillon at Vinitaly earlier this year, I happened upon a new winery that caught my eye, Tenuta Ulisse. I am not sure if it was the huge smile on one of the … Continue reading

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Abruzzo wineries: Agriverde’s Wines, Spa and Agriturismo

I had promised that I would write about all the wines from Abruzzo that I tasted at Vinitaly as a way to honor the victims of the earthquake on April 6 and to support the region and its inhabitants. I … Continue reading

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Filed under Italian regions, Italian wineries, italy, Restaurants, wines

Italian Indigenous Grape Varieties: Albarola from Liguria

There are more than 3000 registered Italian grape varieties and many say there are as many as 15,000 varieties. Whatever the exact number is, I have begun a grape variety series on indigenous Italian varietals. I am learning and relearning … Continue reading

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Wines from Arezzo, Still Somewhat Under the Radar

I have been thinking about Arezzo the last few weeks for a number of reasons. I just went to see Roberto Benigni’s show in New York, Tutto Dante, which was a true joy. Benigni’s film, La vita e’ bella was … Continue reading

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Filed under Argentina, Italian regions, italy, Travel, wines

Festa Della Repubblica – 2 Giugno

Today is an Italian national holiday known as la Festa della Repubblica. It celebrates the day in 1946 when Italians voted to become a republic. In Italy, most people go on holiday for a long weekend, affectionately known as il … Continue reading

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