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
Category: Regions
Timorasso Parte 2: Una verticale con Claudio Mariotto
Timorasso Part 2: A vertical with Claudio Mariotto. This entry is meant to follow Timorasso Parte 1: Un giro con Walter Massa. You might want to read it before this one. -- After waiting a couple weeks for an email response, and still nothing, I knew I was just going to have to call him. … Continue reading Timorasso Parte 2: Una verticale con Claudio Mariotto
Timorasso Parte 1: Un giro con Walter Massa
Timorasso Part 1: A tour with Walter Massa. Timorasso is amazing! It has the floral qualities of a Rhone viognier, suppleness married with acidity like a fine white Burgundy (Chardonnay), and the minerality of a noble Riesling. Plus it ages like a champ: after five or ten years —even 15!— a metamorphosis will occur. It'll … Continue reading Timorasso Parte 1: Un giro con Walter Massa
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
Alto Adige: high above San Francisco
A couple days ago I got on the glass elevator at the west end of the lobby in the Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square, and headed up to Victor's ballroom on the 32nd floor. If you've never done this, you have to—it's a free ride with a spectacular view of the Financial District … Continue reading Alto Adige: high above San Francisco
Siro Pacenti Brunello, Panzanella Salad, and friends!
After five days home from Italy I thought to myself, "What I need is a little party with friends, good food, and wine — and it needs to happen only if the stars are aligned just right — nothing formal or planned." So I thought, "What better dish to make when you don't know if … Continue reading Siro Pacenti Brunello, Panzanella Salad, and friends!
enotecaMarcella 