Through my travels as well as my everyday work, I am able to taste a varied cross-section of Italian wines. But there’s nothing quite like attending the annual Tre Bicchieri tasting to get a feel for what’s going on in the world of Italian viticulture these days. Naturally, the tasting, organized by Gambero Rosso, features numerous examples … Continue reading Thoughts on Recent Great New Releases
Silvia Barbaglia and her father Sergio. Boca, Alto Piemonte (Photo ©Tom Hyland) My recent article about Alto Piemonte at wine-searcher.com Mention the wines of Piedmont and immediately most wine lovers will think about Barolo and Barbaresco. That’s a natural reaction, given the fame and aging potential of these iconic reds, made exclusively from Nebbiolo sourced … Continue reading Alto Piemonte
Vineyards near Canale (Photo ©Tom Hyland) Piemonte is a region known for its wines from the Langhe district, especially the great Nebbiolo-based reds Barolo and Barbaresco, iconic offerings produced from vineyards not far from the town of Alba. Journalists expound the world-class qualities of wines from this area and tourists visit to experience the glories of … Continue reading Roero- The Road Less Traveled
I enjoy most wine books – some more than others – as they contain information on any number of subjects, from grape varieties to history to producer profiles. Given the wide array of wines and wine regions, I’m grateful that so many are written and analyzed. Every once in a while, there is a wine … Continue reading A Masterful Look at Barolo Vineyards
It’s no secret when it comes to Italian wines that the finest examples are made from indigenous varieties by individuals that have been working with vineyards in their homelands for decades, perhaps even longer. It’s what the Italians call anima or soul, and it’s what makes these wines so authentic, so exciting and so distinctive. I … Continue reading One White, One Red, Two Terroirs. All Italian Identity.
Fiano vineyards of Mastroberardino in the Fiano di Avellino production zone. This is one of Italy’s greatest whites, but one that was not given its due in a recent Wine Spectator article. (Photo ©Tom Hyland) The May 31, 2015 issue of the Wine Spectator featured an article by Alison Napjus titled “The Riches of Campania.” Good headline, especially … Continue reading Campania Deserves Better
Why the 2010 Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino will probably not receive 95 or 97 points in most major wine publications and why that’s a good thing. Sometimes, when you taste a wine, there’s more there than meets the eye (or palate). Maybe it’s just me, perhaps. After all, I’ve always had a critical eye … Continue reading Finding Reality in a bottle of Brunello
