Producers of the Villamagna DOC In 2011, the Villamagna DOC was established after several winegrowers decided it was time to create stricter quality standards for the growing of their Montepulciano grapes and the maturation of their wines. The movement began in the late 1990s, but it took more than a decade to win their own […]
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Visiting Agriverde Winery One of the many spectacular wineries I visited in Abruzzo during the Abruzzo Wine Experience was the Agriverde Winery. The export manager who led the tour explained it was the signature certified organic winery chosen by “team Ferrari” to toast the victory during the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Beyond that honor, the
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Cantina Frentana When most wine lovers think of Italy, red wine like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese typically come to mind. Yet the red Montepulciano grape is king in Abruzzo, a charming mountainous region bordered by the Adriatic sea. Historically – and even today – much of the wine is produced by cooperatives. In 1964, Emidio Pepe helped
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2022 Anteprime Toscana Official Welcome Dinner of Anteprime di Toscana 2022 March 19 Official Welcome Dinner of Anteprime di Toscana 2022 Words can’t describe the thrill of walking toward the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio for the welcome dinner of Anteprime di Toscana 2022. It would be the first time international wine journalists and Tuscan
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Lunch with the Contini Bonacossi family A beautiful lunch in the new restaurant at the new CIBRÈO CAFFÉ within the five-star hotel Helvetia & Bristol with Bonacossi family behind their Capezzana wines. In the 1960s, Ugo Contini Bonacossi transformed his estate Villa di Capezzana (dating from 1716) from sharecropping into a modern estate. Today the Contini Bonacossi
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Erica Crawford of Loveblock Wines It was so great to meet Erica Crawford of New Zealand’s Loveblock wine tonight. Fresh in from Auckland, she came prepared with her Pinot Gris, two styles of Sauvignon Blanc, and a delicious Pinot Noir. The restaurant venue was midtown’s Osteria La Baie. A chilled glass of the 2020 Pinot
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San Felice Wine Lunch San Felice: Celebrating Sangiovese Great tasting today with San Felice in New York City. The winery got its start in 1700 with the Grisaldi del Taja family who then owned woods, olive groves, and vineyards. Today San Felice thrives as the producer of fine wines, including Vigorello, the first Super Tuscan
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Lunch with Rene Barbier IV of Clos Mogador Nearly a half century ago, the French-born René Barbier of Clos Mogador planted vines on the steep slopes of Priorat’s craggy hillsides in Spain. Priorat is 100 miles southwest of Barcelona, at the foot of Spain’s Montsant mountain range. The region is known for its very dark-colored llicorella
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Wine Dinner at Ammos Restaurant NYC Love Greek wine? The Kohas Agency invited me to a dynamic dinner celebrating Greek wine at Ammos Restaurant in New York City. New Face of Greek Wines Greek wine offers incredible value for the price. Greek White Wines For fish and salads, Greek white are aromatic and refreshing.The fragrant
Montefalco Wine Producers The Arnaldo Caprai winery emerged as a clear highlight of my Umbrian trip. This brand garnered well-deserved fame in New York city for the excellence of its wine, and its emphasis on the native Sagrantino grape. The Arnoldo Caprai Story This Montefalco success story began in 1971 when textiles entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai
Trasimeno Umbrian Wine Region The Trasimeno Doc wine region is a “hidden gem” of the historic wine regions of Italy. Virtually all the wineries I visited had their own private church, some dating from the 12th century when the winery (a former palace) had been owned by noble families. Many might know the Trasimeno region for
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Torgiano Wines in Umbria Torgiano Wine Region Do you enjoy discovering “hidden gem” wine regions? Torgiano is a lovely region in Umbria to consider for your next wine travel vacation. Why? Dating from Etruscan times, Torgiano was all about wine. This wine heritage was further developed by the Romans. You can see the remains
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