No one is going to deny these are strange times: very trying for many and certainly surreal for the rest of us. Last weekend promised a bit of gloom, and not just via the weather forecast. With these prescribed self-quarantines I wasn’t going to do much except laundry, catch up on a couple of shows … Continue reading Renato Vacca—the character and spirit of Piedmont
Category: Nebbiolo-focus
Entries focused on some aspect of Nebbiolo—the best grape ever.
Nebbiolo Prima 2016: making new friends
Last May was my third go-round at Nebbiolo Prima, one of the most important Italian wine summits of the year. At this annual blind tasting and pre-marketing event, Albeisa, the Unione Produttori Vini Albesi (Union of Producers of wines from the Alba area), hosts about 100 journalists from all over the world for one week … Continue reading Nebbiolo Prima 2016: making new friends
Summer Standouts of the Langhe & Roero
Last Friday some good friends from Napa stopped by and I opened my one bottle of Marengo Pugnane Barbera d'Alba. First sip and suddenly I remember, "Wow, I am totally in love with this wine!" And then, "Oh yeah! I still have not written up my standouts from my last trip to Piemonte ..." Ooops. … Continue reading Summer Standouts of the Langhe & Roero
Karen MacNeil, a great inspiration
I managed to sneak a few treasures into my suitcase from my last trip to Piemonte. I also came home to a few unexpected ones. Two packages sat on the floor by the front door when I walked into my house after being gone for nearly three weeks—my 15th trip to Italy in 10 years. … Continue reading Karen MacNeil, a great inspiration
A day in Monforte d’Alba
Something funny happened this year. After nine years of setting out for Piemonte da sola, I finally found someone who was doing the same. Sure I have been there with other friends and family members sporadically, at various times, and there are my German Barolo Boys who I meet every year. But until this year, … Continue reading A day in Monforte d’Alba
Due Vigne Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto
You won’t catch me in any big box or department stores on Black Friday; I’m usually hitting the trails. But for the past two years I have sought middle ground by supporting local and small businesses. Last year I attended the Surf City Vintners Art, Wine, & Gift Bazaar here in Santa Cruz, a fantastic … Continue reading Due Vigne Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto
enotecaMarcella 