A Tuscany Travelogue – introducing Toscana This is an overview article about the wines of Tuscany because many regard it (with some justification) as quintessential Italy. Really, this is a topic needing an entire book or maybe two. However here it is in less than 1,300 words. There are two maps showing just how complex Tuscany is. For brevity, the …
Vernaccia di San Gimignano Vigna a Solatio
Vernaccia di San Gimignano Vigna a Solatio Riccardo Falchini bought the property now known as Casale-Falchini back in 1964. This was an ancient convent located outside the San Gimignano city walls, with forty hectares of vineyards and olive groves occupying the green rolling sandstone hills. From there, the famous medieval towers of the city dominate the skyline. He has worked …
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Diversity discovery in Valpolicella, Part 1
Diversity discovery in Valpolicella, Part 1 Part 1 of this article explores the diversity of Valpolicella; concerning grapes, styles, laws, terroirs, and winegrowing philosophies. Then Part 2 features twelve recommended Valpolicella wines illustrating these features. So, what do we think of when we think of Valpolicella? Is it: A: A cheap red quaffing wine without merit produced in vast quantity for supermarkets? or B: …
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Valpolicella – Discovering Diversity Part 2
Valpolicella – Discovering Diversity Part 2 Part 1 of this article was about the diversity found in Valpolicella; in grapes, styles, designations, terroirs, winegrowing, and philosophies. This Part 2 features a dozen great examples of Valpolicella wines designed to illustrate these points. They are also arranged in pairs to compare and contrast. Such is the strength-in-depth within Valpolicella that on another day, …
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Kirkjuvagr Aurora – a Gin made for Winter
Kirkjuvagr Aurora – a Gin made for Winter When the current gin boom began some ten years ago, few would have wagered that it would still be continuing unabated today. Now there are more than 300 gin distilleries in the UK, double that of five years ago. This growth is due to the many new small artisan brands which major …
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International Sherry Week, 4-10 November 2019
International Sherry Week, 4-10 November 2019 International Sherry Week takes place between 4-10 November 2019. Let’s all celebrate Spain’s great gift to the world! From the floral delights of a chilled Manzanilla or Fino to the nutty notes of an Amontillado and Oloroso. From the umami flavours of Palo Cortado to the sweet caramel of PX. This is the week …
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Trebbiano di Soave – the comeback
Trebbiano di Soave – the comeback Trebbiano di Soave is, alongside Garganega, one of the mainstays of Soave. Under the current rules, Soave allows the inclusion of it up to 30%. Other non-aromatic white grape varieties now only have a 5% maximum. Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Manzoni are those that spring to mind. At the same time, it’s Garganega that’s …
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Runcata Soave Superiore DOCG, Tenuta Corte Giacobbe
Runcata Soave Superiore DOCG, Tenuta Corte Giacobbe I recently had the pleasure of visiting Tenuta Corte Giacobbe, to find out more about their top Soave Superiore DOCG called Runcata. Runcata is made only with the Garganega grape variety. It’s a single vineyard right up on the Eastern border of Soave. The terroir here has different characteristics from others in Soave, …
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Wine Blog of the Year 2019 awards – Wine Alchemy
Wine Blog of the Year 2019 awards – Wine Alchemy I’m delighted to announce today that Wine Alchemy received the Highly Commended award in the prestigious Wine Blog of the Year 2019 awards. You can see the results here at WinesDirect. That’s because YOU chose to vote for me, not some cosy clique. The shortlist contained some illustrious company, which makes this award …
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Tenuta di Ghizzano and a double anniversary
Tenuta di Ghizzano and a double anniversary The Tenuta di Ghizzano occupies the gently contoured hills of the Colline Pisane. Here, in coastal Tuscany, Pisa is less than an hour away. This 350 ha estate has been handed down through 26 generations of the Venerosi Pesciolini family since 1370. Today it’s in the safe custody of Ginevra Venerosi Pesciolini. Ginevra’s father, …
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