Valpolicella & Soave: The Times, They Are A Changin’
Italy: North, featured
, Feb 2021
Veneto is home to a number of oenological riches, from the whites of Soave to the reds of the Valpolicella district, including the renowned Amarone, one of Italy’s most important wines. The region’s most dynamic, passionate producers are determined to show that their wines stand in stark contrast to the at times indifferent wines that once penalized the image of these appellations in the mind of the consumer.
Cellar Favorite: 2006 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany
, Feb 2021
Because of Il Poggio’s amazing ability to mature over the course of decades, this night was the first time that I decided to open a bottle of the 2006 since tasting it upon release - and I sure am glad that I did.
Friuli Venezia Giulia – In Constant Motion
Italy: North, featured
, Jan 2021
This is not quite Italy, Austria or Slovenia; it is distinctly Friuli Venezia Giulia, and what forward-thinking producers in the region have accomplished through decades of toying and tinkering to find that perfect mix has created a kaleidoscope of styles from ancient to international to completely experimental.
The Power of Three: New Vintage Rosso di Montalcino
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Jan 2021
Rosso di Montalcino took a bit of a backseat this year due to all of the excitement over 2016 Brunello di Montalcino, but now it’s time to focus some attention on these wines. The three vintages currently in the market all have their merits, and also provide some insight as to what might be in store for Brunello.
Cellar Favorite: 1998 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici Riserva
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Center & South
, Dec 2020
As soon as it feels like winter, when sweaters start to be worn indoors and the meals turn meatier and richer, all I want to drink is mature Barolo and Taurasi. It’s at this time of year that I pull a mixed case of the two from my storage, and stand the wines up so that all I need to do is choose, pull, decant and indulge.
Italy’s Sparkling Advantage: Prosecco and Franciacorta
Italy: North, featured
, Dec 2020
The holidays are upon us. It’s the season where more bubbly is purchased and consumed than at any other time of the year. Whether it’s for gifting, celebrating or the perfect pairing at your holiday meal, a bottle of bubbly always fits the bill. This report looks at Prosecco and Franciacorta, two of Italy’s greatest treasures.
Cellar Favorite: 2012 Vietti Barbera d'Asti La Crena
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Piedmont
, Dec 2020
We don’t often think of Barbera as a wine that requires a decade or more to reach peak maturity; but then again, most Barberas don’t possess the potential to even last that long. However, when they can and they do, it’s a very special thing.
2016 Brunello di Montalcino: Radiance Personified
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Nov 2020
In this year of incredible stress, heartache and forced changes to the way that we all have to live, there is certainly a comfort in looking at past vintages that are only now being released. Never before have these wines been more like a time capsule. There is no other vintage or category of wine that I’ve been looking forward to more than the 2016 Brunello di Montalcinos. The big question is: Do the 2016s live up to our expectations?
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Cellar Favorite: 1999 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
United States: California, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Nov 2020
The 1999 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon has earned a highly respected place in the cellars of collectors in the know, and we’re not talking about the more popular Howell Mountain bottling.
Trentino & Alto Adige: Worlds Apart
Italy: North, featured
, Nov 2020
As if engrossed in a Tolkienesque fantasy novel, we delve into the labyrinth of producers, varieties, labels, languages and the diverse terroirs of Trentino and Alto Adige. However, while traversing this realm where Italian meets Austrian meets German, it quickly becomes apparent that the effort we put in to comprehending its people and the array of fascinating and stimulating wines they produce is truly worthwhile. Together, let's take a trip down the rabbit hole to better understand two of Italy’s most under-the-radar regions.