My google reader is working over time these days it seems. There is so much ferment going on in the wine world and in the world in general. Now that the elections are over, I find myself reading through some old and new blogs and wine newsletters with renewed vigor. One that I find fascinating is Gabrio Tosti di Valminuta’s wine letter from his boutique De-Vino. A Roman wine expert and sommelier, also of Il Posto Accanto fame, his newsletter is extremely interesting without being pedantic which is a joy to find. He recently mentioned a wine that I love Le Pergole Torte from Montevertine . An expensive wine no doubt, it hasn’t garnered the success that other wines from Tuscany have in my opinion because it is slightly more restrained, a trait I prefer. The wine also reminds me of a dear friend in Florence who gave me a bottle some 15 years ago with glee in her eye suggesting it was a wine I shouldn’t pass up. She was right.

This wine is made from 100% Sangiovese and spends 18 months aging in slavonian oak barrels, six months in allier barriques and six months in the bottle. For a further description, check out the winery or De-Vino’s websites.

The next newsletter has a very different focus, background and viewpoint but I find it informative.
Grand Cru Classes Newsletter , is written by owner Tracy Kamens, a colleague from the International Wine Center. Recently she wrote a long piece about wines that give a portion of their proceeds to charity. I try to buy products that devolve a portion of their revenues as often as I can. Charities, like schools, will be woefully under financed as a result of the financial crisis.

Another newsletter that I enjoy reading is the Wine Spirits Daily which keeps me up to date on the news aspects of the industry. There are many, many others including Benson’s, Meininger Wine Business International which comes out on Thursdays and the weekly newsletter from the Italian Sommelier Association. I find it hard to stay on top of all the news as I am sure that others do but I do my best. Websites like Vinowire give non-Italian speakers a view towards what is happening in the Italian wine world. I may have to move just to hold my wine magazines and books. I suspect I am not alone.