Wine Explained

Beyond the Barolo Wars

Beyond the Barolo Wars

An introduction to Barolo is not exactly necessary. If you haven’t had a bottle or two, got some in your cellar or engaged in a debate on its merits vis-à-vis its reputation (and relative pricing), then what have you been doing as a responsible, wine-drinking adult? But at the same time, Barolo is one of those topics that demands as much attention as commitment to drinking it.

Read more

Campania: Saline Air and Volcanic Earth.

Campania: Saline Air and Volcanic Earth.

The region’s wines owe their distinctive character to its unique volcanic soil, profoundly shaped by Mount Vesuvius.The catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and subsequent eruptions have enriched the soil with essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. This mineral-rich, porous soil enhances vine health and imparts higher acidity and minerality to the grapes, resulting in complex, flavorful wines.

Read more

Red wine in ice

Can Red Wine be drunk Chilled?

To think that only light wines are worth chilling is to overlook a whole flavor universe. Chilling suppresses tannins and brings out the fruitier notes in a wine. For wines with higher acidity, a bit of a chill focuses on that element and draws attention to the more aromatic dimension. 

Read more

A Barbagian Invasion.

A Barbagian Invasion.

So remote and secret that even Italians don’t know about its existence, we are finally putting Barbagia on the map. More precisely the wines of Barbagia. Think the mighty Cannonau and the obscure yet brilliant Granatza. These are wines that speak of the challenging landscape and the centuries of winemaking tradition.

Read more

Unlocking the Olive Elixir: Exploring the Diverse Flavors of Italy's Olive Oils

Unlocking the Olive Elixir: Exploring the Diverse Flavors of Italy's Olive Oils

Today, we embark on a flavorful journey through Italy's iconic olive oil regions, where ancient olive groves whisper stories of tradition and innovation. Olive oil, the liquid essence of the Mediterranean sun, has been a cherished elixir since ancient times. It's more than just a condiment; it's an integral part of Italian culture, an expression of love for the land and the people who cultivate it.

Read more

Bordeaux Blend means anything but boring.

Bordeaux Blend means anything but boring.

Sometimes there are things that are just so right that it is worth taking just a little bit of inspiration.
Bordeaux wines, without deferring to the French, are one such example.
Meet two masters of Bordeaux Blend produced in Italy: Eugenio Rosi and Giorgio Meletti Cavallari. 

Read more

Chianti Masterclass. Straight to the Heart of Tuscany.

Chianti Masterclass. Straight to the Heart of Tuscany.

The longer nights have drawn it and so too has the miserable weather. Gone are the days of glasses of a light Rosato and Pesce Crudo.What we all need are warming glasses of red wine and hearty dishes such as Pasta al Ragù and Bistecca alla Fiorentina. And what other wine is more fitting than Chianti?

Read more

Valtellina vineyards

Exploring the Elegance of Valtellina Heroic Wines

Valtellina's heroic viticulture is a testament to human determination and dedication to winemaking. The name "heroic" underscores the extraordinary efforts required to produce wines in this breathtaking yet demanding region, resulting in wines of unparalleled character and complexity deserving of admiration and respect. Meet the four winemakers ...

Read more

Pair it with: Beef

Pair it with: Beef

When it comes to beef the first questions are : what cut? How is it cooked and how is it dressed? 

The first rule for food and wine pairing I follow is to understand the intensity, the richness, the greasiness or delicacy of the dish ....

Read more