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Pallagrello Bianco

Italy has a rich winemaking history shaped by politics, culture, tradition, historic events, climate, and evolving wine trends. From the evidence of wineries in Sicily over six thousand years old to …

Falanghina

Falanghina is derived from the Latin falangae, which refers to stakes used to support the grape in an ancient wine training method called alla putuelan. Falanghina is grown primarily in Campania but is …

Orisi

Hot, dry winegrowing seasons and low altitudes define the tart, sometimes heavy, wines around the small town of Vittoria in Sicily. Nestled in the island’s southeastern corner, far from the preeminent …

Timorasso #3

In the calcareous and clay soils of Colli Tortonesi, nestled in northwest Italy, Timorasso has slowly — but stunningly — reemerged. Once drank by da Vinci and tasted as a table …

Pugnitello

I was recently hit with the wanderlust bug and convinced 37 of my family members to travel to one of the most beautiful places in the world: Tuscany, Italy. In early …

Pignolo

Pignolo is an Italian grape found in Colli Orientali Del Fruili DOC, located in the Friuli Venezia Guila region, near the border of Austria and Slovenia. While sometimes mistaken for other …

Prié Blanc

In a tiny wine region of Italy, one very French-sounding grape is being saved from the brink of extinction: Prié Blanc. Prié Blanc is also known by the even more French-sounding …

Slarina

When one mentions the word “extinction,” two things generally come to mind: dinosaurs and Donald Trump. But wine grapes? Extinct? Absolutely. History is replete with documented accounts of grapes morphing into …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …