“Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.” ~Napoleon Bonaparte If you visited Bordeaux chances are you made it to the right bank. There you’ll find several famous appellations vying for attention including Pomerol, the smallest of Bordeaux’s most esteemed. And in this AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protegee) where there are several families who own and run… Read more »
A year ago I wandered into a favorite wine shop in Bordeaux and discovered Vermentino again. It’s a grape that grows in many places. France, Italy, Australia, California and Oregon are prime areas. I’ve tasted some from each place but the one that stands out is the Vermentino from the Corsican Arena family. A Family Business in Patrimonio Antoine Arena… 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.
Argentina is Malbec country. Head to Mendoza and the Uco Valley where it thrives in a variety of soils and temperatures. This is where Doña Paula is located, and where viticulturist Martin Kaiser studies terroir.
The deep colored Tannat grape is thriving in Uruguay. With naturally high acid and a slant towards firm tannins, it’s fruity (cherry, plum and brambly berries) with sometime notes of spices, earth and floral. The signature grape of Uruguay, it was brought to the country in the 19th century by the Basque born immigrant Pascual Harriague and often called the “Harriague grape”.
Although some wineries have difficulties, and challenges exist in the south of France due to competition with Spanish bulk wine, Languedoc-Roussillon area vintners are producing wines well worth the search at amazing prices.
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.
The wine world can be confusing, Italy is no exception. Many say Italy is one of the hardest to navigate. I found that true unraveling Chianti and Chianti Classico. So is one a sub-zone of another?