Timorasso #2

Timorasso is a white grape found in the southwest corner of the Piedmont region of Italy, particularly the Colli Tortonesi Appalachian, which borders Liguria to the south and Emili-Romagna and Lombardy …

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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. …

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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 …

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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 …

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Vineyard workers inspecting grapes with mountains in background.

Maturano

Italy’s Wine HeritageTo 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, where …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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Contino Rioja Reserva 2016

Contino 2016 Rioja Reserva

If you’ve read my reviews of previous vintages (here and here), then you know the deep respect I have for this storied winery. This is the last bottling of Contino by …

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Belhara Estate Malbec Mendoza 2019

Belhara 2019 Estate Malbec Mendoza

Belhara is a small estate in the Uco Valley district of Mendoza that has been producing very polished wines over the past few years. This bottling is an excellent example of …

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