With the end of 2022 and the arrival of the New Year, many people take the time to take stock of the highlights (and lowlights) of the past year and make resolutions for the year ahead. After reading Eric Asimov’s article on the New York Times on his Most Memorable Wines of 2022 , I became inspired to do something similar and come up with … Continue reading My Most Memorable Wines of 2022
Nestled in the lake district at the foot of the Alps, the small appellation of Franciacorta is a gem waiting to be discovered. Located about 70km east of Milan on the south shore of Lake Iseo, Franciacorta consists of 19 villages in an amphitheater-like area rich in mineral deposits from the glacial era. In the last few years, Franciacorta has become more famous within Italy … Continue reading Franciacorta, Italy’s answer to Champagne?
Abruzzo, land of fisherman and shepherds. The regional economy, originally based on fishing, agriculture and pasture, has diversified, but it maintains its reputation for high-quality, natural products. Although geographically small, Abruzzo is one of the most important wine-producing regions in central and southern Italy. The Land Abruzzo is located in Central Italy, bordering the Adriatic Sea which runs for 130km from north to south along the … Continue reading The Wines of Abruzzo: Between the Mountains and the Sea
The wine world harbors much majesty and enticement, particularly regarding terroir and how a sense of place translates in the glass. Around the globe, breathtaking landscapes, dramatic history, unforgiving terrains, and diverse soil types help tell a story through wine. In Italy specifically, the winemaking area around the Etna volcano on the island of Sicily holds considerable fascination. The region’s cool, high-altitude continental climate is … Continue reading Etna Winemakers Focus On Tradition To Create Terroir-Driven Wines
5StarWines is a competition of Italian wines organized by Veronafiere, the group that oversees Vinitaly – the world’s most important fair for Italian wines. In its 6th edition, held in Verona between April 1-3, 2022, over 2,300 wines were submitted from all corners of Italy and internationally. Having the honor to participate as a judge for the first time allowed me to learn about … Continue reading 5StarWines: My experience as a judge in Italy’s premier wine competition
Let’s admit it, 2021 wasn’t really the best of years. Earlier in the pandemic many of us, myself included, believed that we’d be back to normal sometime in 2021 and were disappointed and fatigued by end of the year. Personally, I mostly missed the social and professional gatherings – formal and informal – that I enjoyed before 2020: wine dinners with friends, tasting groups, trade … Continue reading My New Year Wine Resolutions for 2022
It was 5.40am on a Sunday morning. I was sound asleep when I suddenly felt the deep rumblings that turned into a prolonged, loud roar. My first thoughts were: “Is it an earthquake? A bomb? A strong thunderstorm?” (Having grown up in Central America, I’m used to all three of them). Then I realized the noise coming from deep within the center of the earth … Continue reading Etna Wines: The Power of the Volcano
The final article of the Native Italian grapes series closes in Southern Italy, focusing on a combination of hearty, robust, sun-loving grapes from Puglia and Sicily as well as more delicate, light bodied varieties from across the region. NEGROAMARO (Region: Puglia) One of the most important red grapes of Puglia. Its name means “black bitter,” probably in reference to its dark color and somehow bitter … Continue reading Lesser-known Italian grapes: The South – Part II
We continue our exploration of native Italian grapes, this time we’re traveling to the south of country, where producers are crafting some of the most exciting wines from indigenous grapes such as Greco, Fiano, Vermentino, and Carricante. All of them share the typical crisp, fresh acidity of Italian wines, coupled with salty, savory notes that make it ideal for the dining table. FIANO (Region: Campania) … Continue reading Lesser-known Italian grapes: The South – Part I
For the second post of the series on native Italian grapes, we’ll explore a few of the most notable varieties from the regions of Umbria, Lazio, Marche, and Abruzzo in Central Italy. SAGRANTINO (Region: Umbria) Native to the medieval hilltop village of Montefalco in eastern Umbria between Perugia and Spoleto. Historically known for its sweet passito-style wines, the grape almost disappeared in the mid-20th century, … Continue reading Lesser-known Italian grapes: Central Italy
Vino Interiano 