Friday's on this blog are supposed to be dedicated to Italian women in wine but today I am so disturbed by the latest economic news from that country that I feel it should be mentioned. As I read with dismay the news about Italy's rising borrowing costs, worsening debt to GDP ratio and increased bond... Continue Reading →
Italian Indigenous Varieties: Bonda
Italy, as we all know, has more indigenous varieties than almost any other nation. This is true throughout that beautiful country from North to South. This week's indigenous variety is one called Bonda. It sort of sounds like an attractive and sexy brunette but is instead a grape that grows in the Valle d'Aosta. This... Continue Reading →
Bottega Falai – Tuscan Chef Iacopo Falai Expands Empire
I've just been in the mood for Tuscany lately, what can I say. I was there just two short weeks ago having dinner with friends I have known for 20 years. I miss those carefree Tuscan days and my friends but lucky I can get good Tuscan fair right here in New York thanks to... Continue Reading →
On The Road Again: Verona, Vulcania 2011, Soave
I'm on the road again, having left my Milan friends, clients and engagements. I'm now in the Veneto on my way to meet a producer and I attended the third edition of Vulcania Soave. The event lasts for two days with discussions about the impact that volcanic soil has on the grapes that grow in... Continue Reading →
Wine of the Week: Villa Bucci Rosso Piceno
My wine of the week is Villa Bucci's Rosso Piceno. The wine is made from a blend of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Sangiovese. It spends a year in oak and six months after that in the bottle before being released into the market. I found it on wine-searcher for between $17 - $25 depending on the... Continue Reading →
Italy Names Three New DOCG & Three New DOC Wines
There is no stopping the Italians these days in terms of the numbers of wines being recognized with a DOCG and DOC designation. On April 21, just in time for the Easter holiday, three new DOCG and DOC wines were confirmed. They are 'Frascati Superiore' , 'Cannellino di Frascati' and Montecucco Sangiovese for the DOCG... Continue Reading →
Patriotism Alive and Well in Italy’s 150th Year
One of the most interesting things I noticed during this visit to Italy was the plethora of Italian flags hanging on people's balconies. Generally speaking, in my experience, Italians are not the most nationalistic of people, except when it comes to the Azzurri - the national soccer team. That being said, this time was different.... Continue Reading →
Biodiversity – A theme at Vinitaly
Although today is Thursday and I promised I would write about Italian indigenous varietals, I want to write about a subject that kept coming up throughout my Italian trip - biodiversity. If in the meantime, before my next indigenous variety post, you want to learn of a new grape variety, check out Dobianchi's post on... Continue Reading →
Salone del Mobile Day 3: Wine & Design Pairings From Friuli, Changes in Milan
Wandering around the Salone del Mobile events last week, you always happen upon interesting items and thought provoking works. Sometimes you also find things you can't live without. For example, last Wednesday my friend found her wedding dress at the Salone which was a kick and of course touching (WEEPY GIRL MOMENT) and we also... Continue Reading →
