Madrid is known to have the highest per capita number of bars in Europe and its celebrated nightlife goes back a long time, fueled by the years of “la movida” in the early 80s after the fall of Franco’s dictatorship. Madrid offers the broadest diversity and availability of wines from all over the country and despite its large size – the city is home to … Continue reading My Favorite Places to Drink Wine in Madrid
Pizza, an Italian tradition known all over the world. From its humble origins in the outskirts of Naples, it grew in popularity in the 1800s, initially spreading throughout Italy to later become a worldwide phenomenon in the 20th century. A very versatile food that can be enjoyed in all kinds of settings, pizza is the perfect partner for many types of wines, the choice driven … Continue reading Wine & Pizza! 5 Classic pairings to try
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
What comes to mind first when you think about South American wines? Until recently, for me it was generally a plush, dark, oaky Argentine Malbec; or an inoffensive, fruity, good value Bordeaux blend from Chile. For the past thirty years, this was an accurate portrait – for the most part – of what South America’s largest wine producing countries had to offer to the wine … Continue reading The New Wave of South American wines
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
Like most wine lovers and serious enthusiasts, you have probably enjoyed or at least heard of the classic Italian wines from well-known, quality regions: Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, Amarone, etc. Though they only represent a small percentage of production, these wines command the largest mindshare are the first that come to mind when thinking about Italian wines. However, with over five hundred native varieties and a … Continue reading Lesser-known Italian grapes: The North
This past June I became an Italian Wine Ambassador. Yes! I attended and passed the rigorous exam organized by Vinitaly International Academy (VIA), which awards the certification which has become the gold standard of Italian wine education and expertise. VIA’s main goal is to build a global network of qualified professionals who will promote and advocate for Italian wines throughout the world. The program consists … Continue reading On becoming a Vinitaly Italian Wine Ambassador
Vino Interiano 