At the Italian Wine and Food Institute tasting last week, few journalists asked questions of note except for our beloved Ed McCarthy. Ed was quite insistent that "super-tuscans" are yesterday's news. Super-tuscans are generally a blend of Sangiovese and either Merlot or Cabernet or both. The winemakers listened to Ed's comments and their reactions were... Continue Reading →
Chile Day 3: My First Glacier, A Memorable Event
I often say to people who have never been to Italy that I envy them. The glory of seeing Florence for the first time while standing on a bridge overlooking the Arno, or that first climb to the top of Piazzale Michelangelo. Or the when you first walk the streets of Rome or see Venice... Continue Reading →
A Brief Chat With Zonin’s Franco Giacosa
I was lucky enough to have the occasion to chat with Zonin's chief enologist Franco Giacosa during the Gala Italia event last week held by the Italian Food and Wine Institute. Giacosa has been with Zonin for 11 years. Prior to that time, he was in Sicily with Duca di Salaparuta for 23 years. He... Continue Reading →
Sicily’s Nero D’Avola Shows Its Different Faces
Lucio Caputo of the Italian Wine and Food Institute held the 24th annual edition of Gala Italia last week. The morning seminar showcased 26 producers. The tasting was divided into three sections, From Sicily With Love: Nero D'Avola, Chianti, SuperTuscan or Brunello, and My Best Wine From 2000 to Today. With so many wines to... Continue Reading →
Italian Wine Seminar, Frick Gallery and Lorenzo in New York
Yesterday was one of those magical days when the stars are aligned and everything seems just right in the world. The morning was taken up with the very lovely tasting seminar run by Lucio Caputo of the Italian Institute of Food and Wine which was focused on Sicilian and Tuscan Wines with a delicious Amarone... Continue Reading →
Women in Wine: Satsko’s Sake Bar On Eldridge Street: Small Gem on Lower East Side
I am writing a piece on Sake Bars in Manhattan for a magazine I work with and have been finding them hidden away in the most diverse neighborhoods. Yesterday and the day before truth to tell, I wandered into Satsko. It has two locations, one on East 7th Street and a second, slightly larger version... Continue Reading →
New York Stores Post Concern For Dec 16 Paterson Proposal
As most of us know, wine stores and wholesalers have joined together to protest Governor Paterson's proposal, first outlined on December 16, to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores throughout New York State. Dr.Vino wrote a long post about this n December and many local publications have been following the story. I was... Continue Reading →
Chile Day 1 & 2: Patagonia, Casillero del Diablo and Me
It's hard to believe but I have been back from Chile for one whole month. Chile was such a transformative experience that I think I have been jealously guarding my thoughts and photos but have finally decided to share. I began my trip in Puerto Montt, part of the Lake Country in the South. I... Continue Reading →
Howard Zinn’s Documentary: The People Speak
Once in a while, I like to write about things that are important to me other than wine. I had the privilege of seeing a documentary at the MOMA yesterday that really resonated with me. It is based on Howard Zinn's seminal work "A People's History of the United States." It was educational, moving and... Continue Reading →
Upcoming Italian Wine Events, Friend Receipe Tuesday
I'm looking forward to two upcoming Italian wine events: Luca Maroni is coming to town with SensofWine organized by Altacucina Society on February 20 at Cipriani. There is a trade tasting and a tasting for the larger public. The Italian Food and Wine Institute is holding a super event entitled Fashion, Wine, Gastronomy and Art... Continue Reading →