Lison DOCG – In the Shadow of the Lion You may never have heard of Lison DOCG, as despite its lofty status, there are only 44 hectares of vineyards and around 180,000 bottles made each year. Yet the excellent wine quality fully deserves such an appellation, which even contains a Classico subzone. There is a long history of winemaking here, …
Tommasi: two terrific classics. Amarone and Ripasso
Tommasi: two terrific classics. Amarone and Ripasso Back in July 2021, I wrote about Le Fornaci. a Lugana DOC white wine made by Tommasi. Tommasi is famous for two outstanding red wines from Valpolicella Classico, benchmarks of their contrasting styles. Their Amarone originated in 1959, while their Valpolicella Ripasso started in 1995. These red wines rely on drying the fresh grapes, …
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: …
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, wine growing, 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 this article …
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 …
The Verdicchio of the Castles of Jesi
The Verdicchio of the Castles of Jesi In my first article on Verdicchio (Part 1: Matelica, fifty shades of green), I mentioned that the Marche region of central Italy is where the best Verdicchio grows. Here it proves to be one of Italy’s finest native white grapes, capable of outstanding longevity. Part two is about Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Matelica’s more famous …
Visiting Villa Monteleone in Valpolicella
Visiting Villa Monteleone in Valpolicella I visited Villa Monteleone on a hot spring day infused with the smell of Jasmine. We sat in the shade of an ancient Cherry tree tasting the wines with owner Lucia Duran Raimondi. Magic was in the air. Villa Monteleone is in the most western part of the Valpolicella Classico zone in northern Italy, found …
Coffele Castel Cerino Soave Classico
Coffele Castel Cerino Soave Classico DOC, Veneto, Italy. Soave is a famous Italian white wine region. In the heart of the Classico zone, the town of Soave lends it its name. Here, a magnificent walled fortress dominates the landscape. From its swallow-tailed vantage points, you can see far and wide. It seems besieged by rolling limestone and volcanic hills. On …