In Montalcino: the Challenging 2023 Vintage
I spent time in Montalcino in end August, the last opportunity to taste with winemakers before they are headstrong into
Read more
Italy
In Montalcino: Canalicchio di Sopra
I knew I would like Francesco Ripaccioli when he professed his deep love for Champagne. Francesco, cellar rat / managing
Read more
The rare grape varieties of Italy: a Texsom seminar
A Texsom seminar led by Marquita Levy-Pennington and Shelley Lindgren. ‘We could have this seminar last for two weeks,’ says
Read more
Highlights: La Spinetta Timorasso 2021, Piemonte, Italy
Timorasso is an ancient indigenous grape variety of Piemonte, worthy and regarded enough to have its own DOC (!). This
Read more
Piemonte adventure (5) visiting GD Vajra, one of Barolo’s top producers
Website: https://www.gdvajra.it/en/homepage ‘We are 50 years old, which makes us youngsters in the region, and we had a very humble
Read more
Piemonte adventure (4) in Bra, dining at Battaglino and Osteria del Boccondivino
The Piemonte adventure continued during a stay in Bra, with two excellent meals, plus a few other wines tasted. Barbacàn
Read more
Piemonte adventure (3) Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Alba and Bra
A day of travel. From La Morra, to Barolo on a Sunday morning. This may be the village the famous
Read more
Piemonte adventure (2) La Morra: More e Macine, Osteria Veglio and Vineria Sociale
Day two began with a drive to Annunciata, just below La Morra, for lunch followed by a walk among the
Read more
Piemonte adventure (1) Neive: La Cantinetta di Barun, and Degusto
I’m in Piemonte for a few days. Monday to Wednesday I’m lecturing at the University of Gastronomic Sciences, Pollenzo, for
Read more
Highlights: Sottimano Barbaresco Cottá 2018, Piemonte, Italy
Andrea Sottimano and his father Rino produce highly regarded, structural, age worthy wines from their 13 hectares across Barbaresco. This
Read more