Last year I wondered into a favorite wine shop in Bordeaux and discovered a particular Vermentino. The grape is growing in several areas. You can find it in California, Oregon, Italy, Australia, France- probably other countries too. They all have their place and are worth searching out. Then there’s Vermentino from the Corsican Arena family. A Family Business in Patrimonio… Read more »
Vermentino is the flagship wine of the Gallura region in the north east of Sardinia. Gallura is a specific area where the grape has a striking personality. Today it’s becoming one of the Island’s most successful wines.
There’s a white grape in the Marche region of Italy that some say produces one of Italy’s prized white wines. In fact, it’s been called one of Italy’s greatest native white grapes. Its best expression comes from Verdicchio del Castelli di Jesi but growns in other areas of the Marche too. Today I’m sharing information about two lovely Verdicchio from the Umani Ronchi estate.
I didn’t know much about the Italian wine grape Aglianico. In fact I can’t remember tasting such a wine. Italy has a staggering number of grape varieties native to the country. It’s likely near impossible to have an exact number but as of 2016, the national registry of grape varieties catalogs 511. As you probably guessed, Aglianico is one of… Read more »
We recently spent a few days in Napa Valley on a California trip to visit friends and family. After two years in living Bordeaux, what a fabulous and interesting experience being back in Northern California. Our amazing vacation rental was cozy and relaxing, close to Oxbow Market and CIA at Copia, and the base of the Silverado Trail, situated perfectly for a stay in Napa.
Two appellations lie within the Languedoc-Roussillon: the Corbiéres and Minervois AOPs (Appellation d’Origine Protégée). Both are focused on red wines made from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, and Lladoner Pelut in differing proportions. They deliver a small amount of noteworthy whites made primarily from Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Vermentino (Rolle), and Maccabeu (Viura). Several other grapes grow there too. Read on to learn about defining characteristics of these areas.
I’m thrilled to be a finalist in the Millesima wine blog awards! Established to highlight the wine blogging community in Europe and the US, the three award categories are Wine Reporter, Food and Wine Pairing, and Wine Travel. Two people from the US and Europe are picked in each category as finalists for the next round.
Vin Santo, the classic Italian dessert wine made in the appassimento method is a beautiful amber color. Inviting aromas of deep caramel- similar to a sweet Madeira- and also hazelnuts and dried stone fruits. It’s great on it’s own but we especially like it with cantucci, a type of Italian biscotti. Dunking is acceptable!
Pairing sweet and savory flavors definitely works, it certainly did here- a tart with figs, pears and caramelized leek yum. My choice was Beaujolais, anything other than a Beaujolais Nouveau, the wine so many are familiar with this time of year. Depending on how you garnish this vegetarian tart, it pairs with many types of wine. Figs not in season? No worries, skip them or use another fruit.
Located in Chianti Storico (old Chianti), you find Chianti Classico wines. Montefioralle is an organic producer located near Greve- an easy trip from Florence for tasting wine and olive oil.