Stars of Roero

Every year I make my pilgrimage to Berkeley, California in June and cruise around my favorite neighborhoods, exploring.  My parents lived in this town in the east bay before I was born and they always referred to it as their old “stomping grounds.” Having spent my first two years of college at UC Berkeley, I … Continue reading Stars of Roero

Catch Up Wine Reviews: Monforte d’Alba

Since returning from my trip to Piemonte in the fall of 2010 my goal has been to review all of my winery visits – before I return this coming fall. It’s a big task, and looking back, I realize I should have done more writing while I was actually there. But at the time I … Continue reading Catch Up Wine Reviews: Monforte d’Alba

Cantina del Pino Ovello Barbaresco 2001-2007, and more

On May 3 this year I was lucky to catch my good friend Renato Vacca during his short trip to California. He and the guys (Joe & Mike) at Enoteca La Storia (ELS) had arranged a vertical tasting of Cantina del Pino Ovello vineyard Barbarescos. This is the only such comprehensive vertical tasting ever done with … Continue reading Cantina del Pino Ovello Barbaresco 2001-2007, and more

Renato Corino Part 1.3

Note: This entry is meant to follow my first Renato Corino entry: Renato Corino Part 1.0, Mauro Veglio Part 3.  You should read it before reading this one. From: domenica, 3 ottobre e mercoledì, 6 ottobre. The thing that keeps all of us wine dorks going is that one characteristic in wine that makes it … Continue reading Renato Corino Part 1.3

G.D. Vajra

From martedì, 28 settembre, 2010. Certainly one of my favorite discoveries last fall was Azienda Agricola G.D. Vajra, which happens to be in the village of Vergne, just a couple steps away from my beloved agriturismo, Le Viole.  In fact the family who owns Le Viole has the same last name as the owners of … Continue reading G.D. Vajra

Elvio Cogno, Andrea Oberto, Domenico Clerico

From venerdì, 24 settembre, 2010. …and then there are those days where everyone says yes.  They are sandwiched between two other really big days of visits, tastings, and dinners – and you were hoping for some sort of break – but there is no time.  You can’t miss any opportunities. Elvio Cogno I met Valter … Continue reading Elvio Cogno, Andrea Oberto, Domenico Clerico