G.D. Vajra is a family-run winery located in the village of Vergne, within the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy. Established in 1972 by Aldo Vajra, the estate is named after his father, Giuseppe Domenico Vajra. The winery is renowned for its commitment to organic farming practices, having been one of the first in the Barolo region to adopt such methods in 1971.
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Nestled in Portugal’s verdant Basto subregion of Vinho Verde, Quinta da Raza is a historic estate founded in 1791.Situated on the right bank of the Tâmega River, the vineyard spans 50 hectares and cultivates native grape varieties such as Azal, Arinto, Padeiro, and Vinhão.
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Authentic, heartfelt and refined wine from clay pots. This small project, rich in history and tradition, revives the art and culture of winemaking of the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. It is in Vila de Frades, in the heart of Vigueira, that the couple Teresa and João keep the flame of this thousand-year-old tradition alive.
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The D’Anguera family has farmed the same vineyard in Montsant since 1820, making them true stewards of the land. With seven generations of winemaking tradition, Joan and Josep D’Anguera carry forward a legacy of innovation.
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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 […]
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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.
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In the glass, it presents a straw-yellow hue with subtle golden reflections—clean and bright. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of stone fruits and citrus, delicately balanced with a hint of balsamic. On the palate, it is structured, flavorful, and enveloping, with a fresh, lingering finish.
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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.
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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.
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Knowing this wine hailed from the Canary Islands, I anticipated an initial volcanic, slightly sulfuric nose—a characteristic that some might find surprising, yet it serves as a gateway to deeper complexity. As the wine opens, vibrant layers of dark berries emerge, bringing an inviting freshness. In the glass, the color is a majestic deep royal red, rich and captivating.
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The Mondavi To-Kalon I Block is a remarkable example of Napa Valley winemaking and a tribute to the historic To-Kalon Vineyard. This wine is sourced from the esteemed I Block, the oldest Sauvignon Blanc planting in North America, with vines dating back to 1945.
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Founded in 2006, the estate focuses on native grape varieties and employs traditional methods such as the “trenzado” vine training system, which weaves the vines into braided rows to adapt to the steep volcanic terrain.
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