Sagrantino, Montefalco wineries and wines Part 1 of this article told the story of dry Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG in Umbria and its rise to become an iconic Italian red wine. This Part 2 has a dozen wineries, most with wines available in the UK. You can click on the map embedded below to view these wineries and find out more. …
Montefalco Sagrantino. Tannins, time, and transformation.
Montefalco Sagrantino. Tannins, time, and transformation. Sagrantino is a fascinating Italian native red grape variety. It’s capable of making outstanding red wines in its homeland around Montefalco in Umbria. This grape has a long history. Despite this, it has only recently acquired success, due to the extraordinary rise of the dry Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG. It was just in 1979 that this …
Lagrein from Cantina Bolzano: Taber Riserva
Lagrein from Cantina Bolzano: Taber Riserva Lagrein is an Italian native red grape variety, grown mostly in Trentino-Alto Adige since ancient times. Lagrien usually makes a monovarietal wine but does also feature in blends. Arguably, Lagrein wines are best from around Bolzano, the capital of the Alto Adige. Indeed, the Benedictine monks of Gries Abbey near Bolzano were famous for …
Autochtona 2018 wine competition, Bolzano
Autochtona 2018 wine competition, Bolzano Autochtona is an annual wine competition held in Bolzano, in the far north of Italy. What makes it unique is that entries can be from wines made only with Italy’s Authoctonous grape varieties. Autochtonous means only those varieties that originate, as far as is known, within Italy itself. You won’t find the international varieties or any other grape …
FICO Eataly World. From Farm to Fork in Bologna
FICO Eataly World. From Farm to Fork in Bologna. FICO Eataly World opened in Bologna in November 2017. Though I was in Bologna exploring the nearby Colli Bolognesi wine region, unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to visit it. Instead, I vowed to come back and, nearly a year on, I did. I went twice. This special place is all …
British Pullman, the high life from another age
British Pullman, the high life from another age The Venice Simplon Orient Express may be one of the world’s most famous trains, thanks in no small measure to Agatha Christie. However, you can share in some of that magic and mystery with a range of special trains operated in Britain by Belmond British Pullman. An indulgent dinner while travelling by …
Highland Park 12yo Single Malt Whisky
Highland Park 12 yo Single Malt Whisky Orkney comprises over 70 mostly low-lying, virtually treeless islands. Located where the North Sea meets the Atlantic, it’s wild, wet, and windy – kept habitable by the Gulf Stream. These islands have been settled for over 5,000 years, shown by the preserved remains of Skara Brae village. Orkney was a Viking stronghold (featuring …
Feudi di San Gregorio – heritage and innovation (updated)
Feudi di San Gregorio – heritage and innovation (updated) Welcome to Campania, in the Mezzogiorno, beautiful southern Italy. Feudi di San Gregorio is in the “shin” of Italy’s boot, some 50 km inland from Napoli. In just a few years, this wine producer became an icon of the modern Italian winemaking renaissance. It remains one of the leaders in restoring authentic …
Bruno Paillard Champagne Première Cuvée MV
Bruno Paillard Champagne Première Cuvée MV Maison Bruno Paillard is an independent, family-owned Champagne house based in Reims, founded only in 1981, with its first vintage in 1985. At the time this was the first new Champagne House to be created in over a century. Bruno Paillard was just 27 years old when he set it up. Now his daughter Alice …
Antonella Corda, Stunning Sardinian Wines
Antonella Corda, Stunning Sardinian Wines Antonella Corda is from a family of Sardinian winegrowers. She is also an agronomist specialising in vine management, returning to Sardinia from Trentino. 2011 was her first vintage. In so doing, she has created a boutique winery producing subtle, authentic, and refined wines. I met with Antonella in Cagliari to taste her Vermentino di Sardegna. …