Dry Sherry, Parte Dos. May the Flor be With You. Manzanilla, Manzanilla Pasada, Amontillado and Palo Cortado In Parte Uno of discovering dry Sherry, we met Fino and Oloroso. These are entirely different from each other yet they originate from the same base wine. The essential difference between them is that their creation is either by ageing biologically with flor (Fino) …
Discovering Dry Sherry, Part 1: Fino and Oloroso
Discovering Dry Sherry Parte Uno: Fino and Oloroso Britain has enjoyed Sherry since the 14th century and was primarily responsible for its subsequent worldwide popularity through merchant trading. It comes in all sorts of dry (and sweet) versions. This first piece focuses on Discovering Dry Sherry, the Vinos Generosos, Spain’s great gift to the world. Part 1 of this article …
Badia a Corte Riserva – Vinum Florentinum
Badia a Corte Riserva – Vinum Florentinum Take the old Via Roma (SP1) southeast from Florence towards Rignano sull’Arno. After only 10 km, you’ll find Torre a Cona, a magnificent 18th-century Renaissance estate. It makes wine and olive oil and now offers fine dining and hospitality. Torre a Cona is one of the best wine estates in the Chianti Colli …
Kranz Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé Brut Sekt
Kranz Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé Brut Sekt Weingut Kranz is a top-quality winery in the German region of the Pfalz (aka Palatinate). It started in 1948 in the south of the Pfalz region, not far from the French (Alsace) border. Today, it’s run by the fourth generation, Boris and Kerstin Kranz. The estate is organic and a member of the prestigious and influential VDP. …
Ribolla Gialla – a True Speciality of the Collio DOC
Ribolla Gialla – a True Speciality of the Collio DOC Ribolla Gialla (RG) is a white grape variety grown in the Italian Collio DOC and Colli Orientali DOC and across the border in Brda, Slovenia, where it’s known as Rebula. The enclave of Oslavia in the Collio is regarded as its original home. This is an ancient variety, hardly found …
AI – Imitation is the Most Insincere Form of Flattery
AI – Imitation is the Most Insincere Form of Flattery This summer, 2023, I’ve been thinking about AI – Artificial Intelligence. 2023 is AI’s Year Zero. Hence, this article attempts a response to AI by taking an informed view of the current issues and how these may impact us, including writers like me. I use digital technology daily as a …
Collio – introducing Italy’s best-kept wine secret
Collio – introducing Italy’s best-kept wine secret The Collio (aka Collio Goriziano) is a small Italian DOC. It’s in the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region in the far north-eastern corner of Italy, bordering Slovenia. Following a recent visit, this article is designed as a brief introduction to Collio and its wines. Future companion pieces will cover some of the most …
A Subtle Dislocation of the Norm? Three wines
A Subtle Dislocation of the Norm? Three wines Below are three wines, two whites and a red. Each one shows individuality, a great beverage in its unique way, combining people, place, and culture. However, there is also something even rarer about them, as they are unconventional creations. They offer a subtle dislocation of the norm. Tetramythos, Retsina Amphorae, Traditional Designation, …
Chocolate Cake from Gascony with Maydie
Chocolate Cake from Gascony with Maydie Here’s an adaptation of a chocolate cake recipe by French Chef Marie-Claude Garcia, in the village of Poudenas in Gascony, Southwest France. This cake resembles a big chocolate brownie, while the secret weapon here is the inclusion of Sea Salt*, which adds a whole new dimension. This cake also improves if left to mature over several …
Nautilus – aged underwater by Ktima Foivos
Nautilus – aged underwater by Ktima Foivos This year, there have been many requests for more Greek wine reviews. Perhaps their time to break cover has finally (and rightly) come. So here’s a Greek white wine called Nautilus, made on the beautiful island of Kefalonia by Ktima Foivos. The grape varieties in this blend are organic and biodynamic, native to …