Italy
I was pleased to attend a recent wine dinner presented by Ronald Barron, retired principal trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He is known among trombonists as “the wine guy” and among those in the wine trade as “the trombone player”. Ron curated this special evening from his personal cellar, titled “An Evening in Campania Mostly.” The traditional regional meal featured an antipasto, followed by […]
Read more
Since 1850, five generations of winemaking have continued at G.B. Burlotto. The estate remains committed to manual vineyard operations, sustainable viticulture, the use of large barrels, meticulous cellar work, and the importance of patience and waiting—traditions that define the essence of its wines.
Read more
Arianna Occhipinti is the niece of Giusto Occhipinti, the renowned winemaker behind COS wines, which are widely regarded as among the finest in Sicily. Her journey into winemaking began unexpectedly in 1998 when, at the age of 16, she accompanied her uncle to Vinitaly for four days.
Read more
I recently attended an intimate tasting of wines exclusively imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. Known for specializing in French and Italian wines, Kermit Lynch focuses on selections from small, independent producers who practice sustainable, organic, or biodynamic winemaking.
The lineup included a diverse mix: sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines, as well as vermouth.
Read more
Roagna is a renowned winemaker based in the Piedmont region of Italy, celebrated for their traditional and sustainable growing practices. They cultivate Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto grapes in prestigious vineyards like Barbaresco and Barolo, emphasizing biodiversity and minimal intervention.
Read more
Picariello’s Irpinia Fiano is a declassified version* of Fiano di Avellino, made from estate-grown fruit. Some of my favorite Italian white wines come from Campania. They may not be overly complex, but they’re beautifully balanced with just the right touch of minerality.
Read more
Renato makes very good, moderately priced wines from native grapes such as Vernaccia, Canaiolo Nero, and Sangiovese. We particularly enjoyed the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Read more
Torre dei Beati, named after a detail in a 14th-century fresco at the local church of S. Maria in Piano, symbolizes the “Tower of the Blessed” – the ultimate destination for souls striving for eternal peace after facing many trials.
Read more
Although often referred to as Gavi due to its Piedmont origins, traditional Gavi is predominantly made from the Cortese grape.
Read more
During the Quaternary period, the Ligurian Sea covered the valleys of this part of Tuscany with shallow, calm waters, creating an ideal environment for the growth of crustaceans and mollusks. These creatures were the first inhabitants of Montenidoli, leaving behind a precious heritage.
Read more
Luigi Ferrando has long stood as the foremost producer of wines from the Canavese region, where his family’s winemaking legacy dates back to 1900. With meticulous care, the Ferrandos tend to their Nebbiolo vineyards nestled on the mountainside terroir of Carema, forming an amphitheater shadowed by the imposing Monte Bianco.
Read more
I’ve been exploring various producers’ Falanghina lately. It’s a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc and consistently surpasses Pinot Grigio. This La Rivolta Vigneti was particularly enjoyable and reasonably priced.
Read more