Garganega
You might not have heard of Garganega, but it is one of Italy’s oldest and best white grape varieties. It is a native of the… Read More »Garganega
Grape Variety
Six Summer Rieslings
Summer is here! Hot weather means cool drinks, with low (or no) alcohol. Drinks that are fresh, fun and zippy. That means: Riesling. Or it… Read More »Six Summer Rieslings
Pecorino – Welcome to the Fold
I’m not much of a traditionalist when it comes to wine and food pairings. I love to cook, I love to cook simply and I… Read More »Pecorino – Welcome to the Fold
Rethinking Primitivo
Oh, Primitivo, I’m sorry! I should never have doubted you and your potential. Continuing on the theme of “breaking stereotypes”, allow me to share what… Read More »Rethinking Primitivo
Apulia Sparkles
It is a long-standing stereotype that “the south” cannot make sparkling wines of any real interest because the climate is too hot and sunny, meaning… Read More »Apulia Sparkles
Montecucco Sangiovese Comes of Age
Montecucco Historical Tasting In 1998, a small appellation for Sangiovese-based wines was carved from the Maremma. Forged on the slopes of Mount Amiata, the extinct volcano… Read More »Montecucco Sangiovese Comes of Age
Tinta Grossa: Alentejo’s Neglected Powerhouse
A Unicorn Wine if ever there was one I really hate the term “unicorn wine”. But if there is such a thing, then this is… Read More »Tinta Grossa: Alentejo’s Neglected Powerhouse
Ciliegiolo: Jewel of the Maremma
Ciliegiolo, Jewel of the Maremma For all my talk – and writing – about little-known or forgotten native grapes, there is another category that is… Read More »Ciliegiolo: Jewel of the Maremma
Utiel-Requena: Bobal Steps Out of Bulk Wine’s Shadow
Utiel-Requena: Bobal Steps out of the Shadow of Bulk Wine The scene: southeast Spain, near to the Mediterranean A scant 70 kilometres (as the crow… Read More »Utiel-Requena: Bobal Steps Out of Bulk Wine’s Shadow
Tannic Treasures of the Italian Peninsula
Five Tannic Native Italian Grapes Anybody who knows me and my wine-drinking habits knows that I really enjoy tannic red wines. I seem to gravitate… Read More »Tannic Treasures of the Italian Peninsula