I just got back from a great trip to the Douro Valley in Portugal. I was thrilled to see the number of women working in the wine industry there. And I admit, surprised. I think Portugal surprised me in general. I had been there on three different occasions but this time I really fell in... Continue Reading →
Wines from Portugal: A World to Explore For Value and Diversity
Looking back on this post from a few years ago, certainly much has changed in the wine landscape of Portugal and lucky for me, amazingly, I am going to get a chance to see what they are offering now in the Douro. Sometimes dreams do come true…
I initially wrote this article on wines from Portugal following a tasting organized in early April by my friend Aileen Robbins for Gourmet Retailer.
I’m not sure how well the link is working so I thought I would just post the entire article. Unfortunately I didn’t take many pictures of that beautiful country. Many years ago I went on a long car trip through the Algarve and I must say I think I am in need of another visit. In the meantime, I can always taste great wines from Portugal here at home.
Anyway, here’s my article:
The world of wine is extremely varied and diverse and nowhere is this more evident than in Portuguese wines. These wines, both white and red varieties, were the subject of a big trade show in Manhattan on April 1 at Cipriani 42nd Street. Professor Michael Weiss of the Culinary Institute of the Arts…
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Isn’t She Lovely….
Happy birthday Maman....
Italian Indigenous Varieties: Lambrusco Montericco
As I said last week, Lambrusco is a subject that is hotly debated online and is one of those topics that seem to have people divided into seriously distinct camps. Personally, I like Lambrusco and always have, even when it wasn't trendy as it is today. Perhaps it is the year I lived in Bologna,... Continue Reading →
Charles Scicolone On DonnaChiara Vertical Tasting Of Fiano d’Avellino DOCG 2007-2015
Today I am posting an article written by Charles Scicolone, a friend and wine expert with a particular affection for Italy. His take on the tasting which I also attended is right on. My favorite was the amazing 2007 which showed beautiful tropical fruit and great acidity. I also favored the 2013 and the 2009.... Continue Reading →
Women In Wine Fridays: Adele Tolli-Capela From ValueVines On Portuguese Wines
As Portuguese wines are on my mind this week, I thought I would reblog this post that I did with a lovely woman who imports Portuguese wines. It’s also time to get back into my women in wine fridays and this seems like a perfect segue.
Today’s post is part of my Women in Wine Fridays series. This week’s post is a question and answer with Adele Tolli-Capela from Value Vines. I met Adele on a recent trip to the Tejo region in Portugal. I was impressed with her spirit and knowledge of Portuguese wines so I asked if I could interview her and here is the conversation.
How did you get into the wine business?
Upon my youngest daughter’s getting ready to go to college, I began searching for something new to do. I was looking for something that would force me to travel internationally and might make use of my language skills. I had been taking wine classes and found the information so interesting and finally took the plunge, acquiring an importer’s permit. I subsequently met a very experienced wine importer who encouraged me to start with wines from Portugal.
What has been the…
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Ferrari At the Emmy’s – Cin Cin
As a huge fan of Ferrari, I am not the slightest bit surprised that it was chosen as the official sparkling wine of the Emmy's. Lucky for me I am ready with a chilled bottle already waiting in my fridge. Ferrari makes amazing sparkling wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Trentino. Ferrari was founded... Continue Reading →
Wine of the Week: Colheita Kopke Port 1966
Sometimes you try a wine that you know you will never forget, this was one of those wines. It had everything - balance, harmony, great tertiary aromas and flavors, length, persistence, acidity, sapidity. You name it, it had it. It was amazing and I couldn't believe the price for a wine that is 50 years... Continue Reading →
Italian Indigenous Varieties: Lambrusco Oliva from Reggio Emilia
While it seems to be one of the lesser known regions of Italy, Emilia Romagna has everything: valleys, hills, coastline, the plains and the Apennine Mountain range. It also is home to wonderful art cities and thermal spas, as well as great food and wine. Among it's most famous wines and grape varieties are the... Continue Reading →
Looking Forward to Lunch With Ilaria Petito of DonnaChiara
I am looking forward to an exciting lunch today with Ilaria Petito and her wines from Donnachiara. Today's tasting is a vertical of Fiano, a grape that I love. Ilaria is a very exciting part of the Campania wine scene. She's truly lovely as are her wines. This fun photo is from VinoVip in 2013... Continue Reading →