Just the name – Terra Mia’s Lacryma Christi di Vesuvio Bianco – is enough to intrigue a curious wine drinker to investigate what’s in the bottle. So begins today’s journey into a truly unique white wine from the Italian province of Campania. According to archaeologists who analyzed residue left on ancient casks, Lacryma Christi comes […]
Italian
Part 2: There's a lavish Brunello for most budgets
In a recent column, I wrote about the versatility of the sangiovese grape, and focused on the high end Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino from Tenuta Il Greppo in Tuscany. Biondi-Santi is a collector’s wine, selling for high prices. But you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to enjoy this exquisite and highly revered Italian […]
Biondi-Santi Brunello: Sangiovese at its best
Sangiovese is the most widely planted red grape in Italy and also among the most versatile. It reigns supreme in Tuscany, where sangiovese (translation: blood of Jove or Jupiter) is the primary grape for four distinctly incredible wines: Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile Montepulciano (not to be confused with the southern Italian […]
Prosecco Part Two: Cartizze 'cru' and 4 DOCG delights
So what’s the difference between Prosecco DOC and Prosecco Superiore DOCG sparkling wines? Location, location, location. And a few more production details. The Prosecco DOC classification zone is broader, covering about 44,000 acres under vine in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions around Treviso. Prosecco Superiore DOCG zone is much smaller — only 17,000 […]
For a road trip, bring a six-pack — of vino
It’s party pack time, a six-bottle sampler for a weekend getaway or an extended trip to the beach. In my mind, the key to any good summer road trip includes a rosé, a crisp white wine, and a punchier red varietal or blend. Andiamo! (Let’s go!) THE ROSATTOS: There are simple, good rosés, and then […]
Need a Thanksgiving Day wine? Here are 21 great selections
My wine experts agree: Thanksgiving is an all-American holiday and the traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings goes best with American wine. However, there are some wonderful Italian, French and Greek wines that pair well with the holiday meal. That said, here are 21 suggestions from some of the best wine directors in the […]
These four 2011 Brunellos are gifts to the early birds
Brunello di Montalcino is one of my favorite wines in the world. It’s a gorgeous wine of great complexity and character that relies on Mother Nature and incredible patience to produce. Under Italian law, regular Brunello must be aged for five years before it can be released for sale; the riservas must wait six years. From a drinking […]
Two wines that clear up the confusion on Montepulciano
What’s the difference between Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Montepulciano D’Abruzzo? The answer is simple: Both are wines made entirely from different grapes grown in different regions. Vino nobile di Montepulciano is named for the town/region in Tuscany where ancient Etruscans first planted vineyards. The wine is made from a clone of the Sangiovese grape; […]
Tenuta Sette Ponti's Crognolo: A consistently elegant Super Tuscan
The 2014 viintage of Tenuta Sette Ponti’s “Crognolo” — a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot — was released several months ago and is now available in Massachusetts and New Hampshire wine outlets. If you like full-bodied, dry Italian red wines with a lot of character and smoothness, this one is worth a […]
Easter wines? Experts make their selections
If you’re looking for Easter wine selections, here are 19 to consider from my team of local experts. Buy local and enjoy! Andrea DiFiore, Andover Classic Wines • Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne, $19.99 — The Tre Vigne Barbera has a gorgeous ruby-purple color with ripe red cherry aromas followed by hints of mineral and […]
