A couple of years ago when I was visiting the winery of Matteo Correggia, one of the most prominent producers of the Roero region, and Sara Palma, who oversees the winery's marketing and external relations, was explaining to me the terrain of the Roero, I asked if there was a map of the cru vineyards … Continue reading Roero DOCG: Nebbiolo
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“Cal-Ital” wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains (SCM) appellation is known mainly for Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.† But wine makers around here actually do grow an assortment of other grapes including Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, and plenty of others in experimental quantities. Aside from that, many of them buy grapes from other regions and in general, make … Continue reading “Cal-Ital” wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains
A Ruchè by any other name, would smell as sweet
When you think of great wine from Piedmont, you probably think of Barolo and Barbaresco and not much else, right? I mean, really. What else is there? Well the zones called Barolo and Barbaresco are located within the geographical location called the Langhe. The Langhe is within the political province of Cuneo. There are other … Continue reading A Ruchè by any other name, would smell as sweet
Italian Castles and Wines —in Napa Valley!
Leave it to me to go to Napa Valley and only find Sangiovese, Aglianico, and Italian castles! A few weeks ago I spent a long weekend in the Mayacamas Mountains, the mountain range that separates Sonoma Valley from Napa Valley. In the afternoons I ventured down and east to the Napa side to explore some … Continue reading Italian Castles and Wines —in Napa Valley!
Old and New World Nebbioli
The Nebbiolo vine is just not that successful on international soils. It can't compete with blockbuster grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which seem to have found a little place to hole up in all corners of the globe's wine regions. No one is writing books or planning tours around "Napa Valley" Nebbiolo or "Barossa … Continue reading Old and New World Nebbioli
Amador Foothill Winery Aglianico
Finally a California wine with some real tannins! (And it's not a Rockpile Petite Sirah — because that would be too easy!) Ooooh, I just love it when these lovely little gems come out of the woodwork and hit me upside the head. Thank you! I needed that! "What was it," you ask? Well the … Continue reading Amador Foothill Winery Aglianico