Recantina renaissance – a rare red grape from the Veneto Regular readers of these pages will know how much I like to discover new and unusual grape varieties, especially those native to Italy. Recently I had the pleasure of staying in Asolo, primarily to explore their DOCG Prosecco. However, this part of the Veneto is also an excellent source for …
Wine of the Year 2017 – Gini Salvarenza
Wine of the Year 2017 – Gini Salvarenza – Soave’s Montrachet My Wine of the Year (WOTY) 2017 is Gini Salvarenza, Vecchie Vigne, Soave Classico, DOC 2014 13.5% Fanfare, please! Introducing Gini The Gini family have been winegrowers at Monteforte d’Alpone in Soave since 1600. These days, brothers Sandro and Claudio Gini run their 55-hectare estate. They own some of the …
The story of Tai Rosso in the Colli Berici, Part 1
The story of Tai Rosso in the Colli Berici, Part 1 Last year I spent some quality time in the Colli Berici in northern Italy. These hills rise out of the flat plains between Vicenza and Verona. In central Veneto, the Colli Berici was my countryside base for visits to these historic cities. The local DOC wines attracted my attention, and …
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 …
Ca La Bionda Casal Vegri is one excellent Valpolicella
Ca La Bionda Casal Vegri is one excellent Valpolicella Recently, I returned from an inspirational trip to Valpolicella. Amarone has firmly re-established the reputation of this region. But what of Valpolicella itself, a lighter red wine made from the same grape varieties as Amarone? If you want an excellent example, try Ca La Bionda Casal Vegri. The Valpolicella challenge Valpolicella can …
Fasoli Gino – doing the right thing right
Fasoli Gino – doing the right thing right I love discovering less well-known producers that make exciting wines. Excitement for me is about wines that express terroir and the personality of the winemaker. Fasoli Gino is one. Amarone is an elegant and powerful dry red wine made with dried grapes. Now famous, its success has driven the resurgence of the Valpolicella …