I have recently started a new column in the Organic Wine Journal. Here is my first article. I will be writing about Italian wineries that are biodynamic, organic and sustainable or moving in that direction. I'm excited to focusing on this group of wineries which grows daily in Italy.
Italian Elections Capture World’s Attention
Perhaps my headline is overstated but there is some truth to it. Italy's upcoming elections on February 24-25 are resonating throughout the European Union's capital cities of course but other nations are paying attention as well, especially those with business interests in Italy or with Italian companies. Even US and UK newspapers are filled with... Continue Reading →
Italian Indigenous Varieties: Casavecchia Nero from Caserta
The subject line could have been little known Italian varieties and that is exactly the point. Often people talk about just how many grape varieties Italy has. The numbers differ but Attilio Scienza, a Professor in Milan and an expert on all things related to the grape told me in an interview some years ago... Continue Reading →
Prosecco and Asian Cuisines – A Nice Pairing
I celebrated Chinese New Year Friday night at Cafe Evergreen in New York City with Lisa Carley and a number of her friends. We each brought different bottles of wine to pair with the foods. I brought Prosecco because I recently gave a presentation in which I underlined how the wine can pair with all... Continue Reading →
New World Wines: Tasting Man O’War From New Zealand
Apparently Waiheke is one of the hotspots in the New York Times 2013 travel section. Too bad, I thought it was a secret. Kidding aside, I wish I had pictures of this splendid island from a trip there but alas that is not the case. What I do have are nice impressions of the wines... Continue Reading →
Italian Indigenous Varieties: Carricante Bianco
Carricante bianco is a white grape variety that used to be widely planted throughout Sicily. Production of this vigorous variety has now been concentrated in the area around the city of Catania. In the US, perhaps Carricante is best known for the wines it produces on Etna. Etna Bianco must be 60% Carricante while Etna... Continue Reading →
Wines From Old World Regions: Vranec from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
I had my first Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonian (FYRM) wine last week at a restaurant I like in New York City called Balkanika. The food is a mixture of Eastern European cuisines and a perfect spot for a meal after my tango class with my teacher from Montenegro. The former Yugoslavian republics are a... Continue Reading →
Wine of the Week: Baglio di Pianetto Ficiligno 2010
I had this wonderful wine from Baglio di Pianetto a few weeks ago at Salumeria Rosi. I was impressed with the blend of 50% Viognier, 50% Insolia. Viognier grows beautifully in this part of Sicily, relatively close to Palermo and at an elevation of 500-600 mt above sea level. The wine was foral and rich... Continue Reading →
Nemo Has Come To Town, Let’s Remember Our Neighbors
It has been ages since I have posted on my blog. In the interim, I did a couple of presentations on Prosecco DOC for trade and consumers, translated for the vice-president of the Brunello Consortium during a few interviews and annoyed all of you with invitations to upcoming Italian and Chilean events. What I didn't... Continue Reading →
