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 the grapes that thrive there lack the necessary acidity for great sparkling wine the grapes that are generally acknowledged as making the best sparkling wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, even Riesling) […]
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 that is also the hallmark and birthright of Montalcino, Montecucco DOC celebrates 20 years of appellation status this year. The elevation of Montecucco Sangiovese to DOCG, now the calling card of Montecucco, was granted […]
Finding Good Value in Wine
Good Value Wine If you want to find “good value” in the wine world, how easy is it? How much do you need to know about wine? Is it possible to get “good” wine at a supermarket, or even at a hard discounter like Aldi or Lidl? Well. Defining “good value” is almost as difficult […]
Chiaretto: Bardolino Bets on Rosato
Walt Disney famously remarked “whatever you do, do it well.” It is good advice, but before you can do what you do, sometimes it is helpful to find out what you can do, and what has the potential to be done well. On the shores of beautiful, scenic Lake Garda in northern Italy, Bardolino DOC […]
Stop and Smell the Vinegar
Recently I wrote a couple of articles about Ciliegiolo and the Maremma. This was made possible because I had been invited to Grosseto to take part in the Maremmachevini event, showcasing the wines and producers from the area. Normally, it is necessary to fly to these kind of events – particularly if the events are […]
Solera and the Solera System
Solera You may have encountered this word before. If you drink Sherry or Spanish Brandy, you almost certainly have. But what does it mean? Let us first get some possible confusion out of the way. “Solera” is not to be confused with “Solaris”, which is both 1: a disease-resistant grape variety first created in Freiburg […]
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 it. Tinta Grossa. If you’ve heard of it, you’re already ahead of the game. If you’ve tried it, you are in the minority. And if you’ve had it as a […]
Fruit Wines Worthy of the Name
Shady Lane Estate Winery “This tastes too much like wine…” That was what my wife said. But when that is the only criticism there is for a bottle of fruit wine that you happen to be drinking, then things could be worse. Fruit wines have a well-earned reputation for being sweet and simple. In fact, […]
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 no less worthy of closer examination. Not forgotten, perhaps, but overlooked. An ensemble player – often in the scene playing a supporting role, but seldom in the spotlight: the blending […]
Maremma, Che Vini!
Maremma, Tuscany’s Underestimated Corner Driving south from Siena, I enjoyed experiencing the landscape and climate of Tuscany undergo nuanced changes. The vegetation became more spaced, the fields wider. The hills became more rolling. It was palpably warmer. Below the vines, the grains and the cypress trees the soils, which I obviously was not able to […]