I tried a new California Nebbiolo last week and I was totally ready get on here and start dogging it but ... well I had a revelation. And so did the wine. So a couple weeks ago Jeff invited me to his annual company party, telling me that this year it was going to be … Continue reading A little California Nebbiolo revelation
Category: Estranged-Italian-Grapes
Reviews of wines made from Italian varieties that are not grown in Italy.
California Nebbiolo
“It grows like a weed,” Randall Grahm said to me first when I asked him to describe his experience with Nebbiolo in California. This is ironic because Nebbiolo is supposed to be one of the most difficult varieties to grow in the world. The point is that the vine does grow like a weed. But … Continue reading California Nebbiolo
Benessere Vineyards Sorridente 2005
I expect it will come as no surprise that one of my favorite Napa Valley wineries is a producer of Italian varietal wines and blends: Benessere Vineyards. It is located just outside of St. Helena in the northern part of Napa Valley. Benessere means “well-being” in Italian. As it applies to the family who owns … Continue reading Benessere Vineyards Sorridente 2005
Cesanese, Cerasuolo, Ruche, Chiavennasca…
- Cesanese - When I teach my Italian Wines classes I like to throw in at least one obscure wine that I am sure no one has ever heard of (or better yet, one that I have never heard of, and have to learn myself!). For my last Southern Italian Wines class, I added a … Continue reading Cesanese, Cerasuolo, Ruche, Chiavennasca…
Ai suma
Part I. One of my favorite things to do is cook for my friends. My friends are troopers; they allow me to be this way. My husband also puts up with it. So about once a year, I go crazy and make a multi-course meal with wine pairings and all the accoutrements. The theme these … Continue reading Ai suma
Cal-Ital Wine Reviews (marzo – maggio)
Barrel Tasting Weekend Every March I attend the Russian River/ Dry Creek/ Alexander Valleys Barrel Tasting weekend(s). These appellations are connected and make up the northern part of Sonoma County. Together they create one of the very best wine producing regions in California – in my bold opinion. My wine buddies and I, quite a … Continue reading Cal-Ital Wine Reviews (marzo – maggio)
enotecaMarcella 