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Susumaniello

Susumaniello is an ancient red grape native to Apulia in Southern Italy. Traditionally, grape production was limited to the small province of Brindisi, extending into Italy’s boot on the Adriatic coast. …

Bold pop art Ruche wine bottle and grape illustration.

Ruchè

Ruchè (pronounced Roo-Kay) is a red Italian grape from the Piedmont region. This grape has risen from obscurity to having its own recognized DOCG. Ruchè is grown in several municipalities in …

Timorasso

If you Google “Italian grapes that were almost extinct,” the volume of results is overwhelming. While other indigenous grapes have flourished in Italy for centuries, all of these near-forgotten grapes make …

Vineyard workers inspecting grapes with mountains in background.

Maturano

Italy’s Wine Heritage To love Italy is also to loathe Italy. Italy’s fragmentation makes it both remarkable and dysfunctional, with each region possessing unique characteristics. This fragmentation extends to the vineyards, …

Colorful vineyard illustration with farmers, wine bottles, and buildings.

Forastera: The Forgotten Grape of Ischia

Introduction to ForasteraIn the world of wine, certain grapes dominate the conversation. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir often steal the spotlight. Yet, hidden in the shadow of these giants are …

Vien De Nus

Several grapes are nearing extinction in the mountainous area of the smallest wine region in Italy, Valle D’Aosta. These grapes have grown there for years, yet only a small percentage of …

Colorful vineyard illustration with grapes and a barrel.

Grignolino: A Detailed Exploration

About GrignolinoGrignolino, a lesser-known yet remarkable grape varietal from Italy’s Piedmont region, beckons wine enthusiasts with its unique profile and historical significance. This article delves into the origins, characteristics, and modern …

Timorasso

In the early 2000s, I was part of the opening staff of a new restaurant, Penne, at the Inn at Penn located at 40th and Walnut. It would be an Italian …

Pallagrello Nero

In Italy, countless grape varietals have been lost in time, never to be tasted again. But occasionally, a variety long thought extinct reappears, offering a glimpse into the past and a …

Fumin

Winemaking in Valle d’Aosta almost disappeared due to the upheaval brought about by both World Wars. At the end of the 1800s, there was over 3,000 ha of vineyards; however, by …

Slarina

The geographical presence of the Slarina vine is primarily identifiable in the plains between Alessandria, Novi Ligure, and Tortona. Alessandria is located in Piedmont, Italy, and is also the capital of …

Top Restaurants Near the Wine School

For a decade, the Wine School has been a hub for oenophiles in Rittenhouse. In that time, we’ve seen our fair share of restaurants come and go, but the current crop …

BBQ Wine Pairings

It’s finally spring here in Philly, and I want some barbeque. It’s warm enough to hang outside while slathering the ribs with sauce and cool enough to drink red wine. I’ll …

National Wine School: AI Sommelier Wine Courses

Wine Education for the 21st CenturyNot to brag, but I know our reputation. It’s hard to ignore being named the best wine school in America. We really want to take all …

Wine bottle, glass, certificate, abstract art.

Why Sommelier Certifications Matter

Sommelier certifications are increasingly popular with both wine enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you are curious about wine education or looking to advance your wine career, sommelier certifications can be an intelligent …

Wine Events in Philly

Are you looking for fantastic wine events in Philly? Our city is steeped in history, culture, and wine! Did you know some earlier vineyards in the American colonies were planted here? …