Luce della Vita celebrates its 25th Anniversary 1993-2017 In 1993, Frescobaldi released their first vintage of Luce della Vita. 2020 marks a milestone, as their latest release of the 2017 vintage is their 25th. For any wine producer, the release of the new vintage is always an exciting moment. When that vintage marks a quarter-century, it’s even more special. Time then, …
Porchetta – an Italian Food Classic
Porchetta – an Italian Food Classic One of the joys of cuisine in Italy is finding mobile food vans selling hot Porchetta, especially on weekends and national holidays. I recommend that wherever you stay in Italy, ask if there’s a van visiting nearby. This might be at a market or village celebration. Sometimes the regular vans are pitched on the side …
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Gagliole: three authentic expressions of Tuscany
Gagliole: three authentic expressions of Tuscany Gagliole is a winery based in the heart of Chianti Classico. It owns vineyards at two separate and distinctive locations. One is at Castellina, while the other is at Panzano, some 20 km further north on the Via Chiantigiana. This old scenic road links Florence with its historic and bitter rival, Siena. Now the SR222, this …
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Malvirà Roero Arneis – stylish white wine in two guises
Malvirà Roero Arneis – stylish white wine in two guises Arneis is a fashionable Italian white grape variety. It has an exciting story to tell and can make excellent wines. Two of those wines feature here, both from the Malvirà winery, showing contrasting styles. Malvirà is at Canale, the unofficial “wine capital” of the Roero DOCG, in Piemonte, northern Italy. Arneis is …
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Millésime BIO 2021 Organic Wine Fair
Millésime BIO 2021 Organic Wine Fair Millésime BIO 2021 takes place in Montpellier, France, from 25-27 January 2021. It will be the 28th edition of the world’s biggest Organic Wine Fair. I’m looking forward to this event immensely. Millésime BIO 2020 was the last international event I attended because of Covid-19 disruption, and it seems likely that the 2021 edition …
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Craft Vinegar from Orkney – Time for an Acid Trip
Craft Vinegar from Orkney – Time for an Acid Trip The renewed appreciation of vinegar is a welcome food trend. It advocates using speciality vinegar, in cooking, as a condiment or even in cocktails. So many food trends turn out to be the briefest of over-hyped fads replete with dubious celebrity endorsements and dietary benefits. However, the rise of artisan …
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Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG 2018
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 Ricasoli and the Castello di Brolio probably need little introduction to many lovers of Chianti Classico. It’s one of the most iconic properties in Tuscany. Indeed, opening a bottle from Ricasoli always brings back fond memories of visits there. Firstly, there’s that imposing castle, the Florentine Castello di Brolio, acquired by the family …
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The Great Vine – the World’s Oldest Grapevine
The Great Vine – the World’s Oldest Grapevine Where is the world’s oldest grapevine? Perhaps in continental Europe, where grapes have been grown for centuries. Or alternatively, in a place that’s a cradle of winegrowing, such as Georgia or Syria. Surprisingly, the world’s oldest grapevine is thriving in London. This is The Great Vine, which it’s now 252 years young. There …
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Comité Champagne MOOC, Massive Open Online Course
Comité Champagne MOOC, Massive Open Online Course The official online course about Champagne wines is now available, provided by the Comité Champagne, called the MOOC. The Comité Champagne is, “the trade association that represents the interests of independent Champagne producers and Champagne Houses. Its mandate is to promote the vines and wines of Champagne. Its broad remit includes economic, technical, …
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Brunello di Montalcino Terroir: Tenute Silvio Nardi 2015’s
Brunello di Montalcino Terroir: Tenute Silvio Nardi 2015’s Tenute Silvio Nardi has just released their three 2015 vintage Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wines. This article is about how each one expresses their particular Montalcino terroir. Let’s begin with a little more about Brunello and why Nardi is a classic producer. Then we can see how these wines express their environments and …
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