As indigenous varieties, all are somewhat obscure to most people, some like Casetta Nera though, are unknown to almost everyone. This particular red grape variety comes from the Vallagarina valley. The top part of this valley is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige while the lower portion is part of the province of Verona. Apparently the... 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 →
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 →