Monthly Archives: July 2009

California Dreaming At Porter Family Vineyards In Napa

I am an Italian wine snob. I admit it. I love everything about Italy and have always turned up my nose at those who compare California to Italy, Napa to Tuscany, and other silly things like that. That was, until … Continue reading

Leave a Comment

Filed under italy, Memorable Events, wines

Chile Day 11: The Casablanca Valley – Rediscovering Sauvignon Blanc

Although it has been almost seven months since my lovely trip to Chile, I have yet to write about my vineyard trips while there. An article by Eric Asimov in this week’s Dining In section sparked my memories of just … Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under Chile, wines

Italian Indigenous Varieties: Seldom Seen Blending Grapes From Sardinia & Sicily

While trying to write an Italian indigenous grape dictionary for Altacucina Society’s website, I keep reading about grapes that I have never heard of from all corners of Italy. I am still on the first letter of the Alphabet and … Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under wines

Once a Francophile…

I confess on my birthday last week I drank French wine and not Italian. It’s the first time ever but then again this was a particular birthday. I had bottle of Georges Duboeuf Pouilly Fuisse 2007 with a delicious lobster … Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under France, italy, wines

Blunders, Mistakes and Tasting Wines Blind

Over the course of the last three days, I have had many occasions to try wines and have to guess something about them. I have been hopelessly wrong in over 60% of my guesses and it has been a humbling … Continue reading

3 Comments

Filed under wines

New York Wine Bars – Via della Pace & Bar Jamon

New York wine bars may be a dime a dozen but everyone has their own personal favorites. I went to visit a few of mine this weekend and shared the experience with friends. I had visitors in town and led … Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under italy, spain, Travel, Wine Bars, wine stores, wines

Italian Indigenous Varieties: Aleatico

My series on Italian grape varieties continues on Altacucina Society’s website. This week’s article is on Aleatico. Aleatico grows in a number of different Italian regions, the most famous of which are Tuscany, Apulia and Lazio. I have tried a … Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Italian indigenous Grape Varieties, Italian regions, Italian wineries, italy, Travel, wines

Primo Podcast: Dom and the Somm…Something New

Terence Hughes and I have recently launched a podcast entitled Dom and the Somm. For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Terry, you have a treat in store. Terry and his partners run Domenico Selections, an importer … Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under italy, wines