It's happened to all of us. You end up with a really special bottle of wine. So you wait for that perfect time to open it. The day finally arrives (hopefully), when all your stars seem to be in perfect alignment. So you proceed with the opening ceremony. You cut the foil, insert the worm … Continue reading So when are you going to open that?
Category: Nebbiolo-focus
Barbera and Nebbiolo: California vs Piemonte
Well, I write a lot of notes but have neglected to document one of my most important nights in Italy last fall. Part of me is disappointed and part of me relieved. At the sacrifice of finding every little nuance in every wine I tried, I took the opportunity to just be present and appreciate … Continue reading Barbera and Nebbiolo: California vs Piemonte
Roero DOCG: Nebbiolo
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
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
2008 Barolo of La Morra: a preview
Vinitaly doesn't overwhelm me like it used to. Now that I've been there three times and I speak (good enough) Italian, the major challenge is keeping myself focused, alert, energetic, motivated—and sober—all day long for four days straight of sampling, analyzing, inquiring and writing about, searching for, and taking photos of wines. I tell myself … Continue reading 2008 Barolo of La Morra: a preview
Renato Corino 2.5: Marcella meets Antonio Galloni
Note: This entry is meant to follow Renato Corino 2.0: La Vendemmia 2011. You might want to read it before reading this one. "Prendi un po' di vino," disse la Lepre Marzolina, con tono affabile. Alice guardò bene sul tavolo, ma non vide altro che tè. "Non vedo vino," fece notare. "Non ce n'è," disse La … Continue reading Renato Corino 2.5: Marcella meets Antonio Galloni