Searching for "Italy"


Dec
2017

Sparkling Wine 101: Piecing Together Prosecco

categories: Booze, Wine

Prosecco – it’s not just for breakfast anymore. I’m here to smash the (predominately American) stereotype that the bubbly drink is too light-bodied or sweet to drink on its own and tell you, much like drinking Champagne from the eponymous wine region, drinking a “serious” Prosecco will change the pre-conceived notions that one must make a rosé-ecco, bellini, or sbagliato to enjoy this wine. Indeed, a Prosecco from a well-established Italian winery is a Prosecco not only worthy of drinking on its own — it’s a Prosecco that must be enjoyed on its own.

So let’s learn what makes Prosecco so special…

Courtesy of StillsWaterWine.com

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Nov
2017

Zinfandel: California’s ‘Native’ Grape

categories: Booze, Wine

It makes sense that Zinfandel has gained a reputation as California’s “heritage grape.” For many years, Zinfandel’s exact origins remained a mystery, or, as Jancis Robinson calls it, “a romantic thriller.” The red grape seemed to have made the trek and set fresh roots in the Golden State in conjunction with the forty-niners seeking their fortune in gold. Here, when the search for treasure proved fruitless, settlers turned to farming — and the Zinfandel grape thrived more than the Gold Rush ever could. Fields of vines flourished throughout the Sierra Foothills, and wine — namely jug wine — became a household staple and a new California industry.

With no known parentage and no knowledge of how the red wine grape arrived in the States in the first place — Zinfandel became California’s “wine child.”

Photo Courtesy of NaplesNews.com

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Oct
2017

Wine & Spirits Magazine 2017 Top 100

categories: Booze, Wine, Winery Reviews

It was with somber and heavy hearts that many of the wine industry gathered last Tuesday, October 10th, at the top of San Francisco’s Metreon. There to celebrate the achievement of winemakers around the world who secured a prestigious position on Wine & Spirits Magazine Top 100 Wineries of 2017, many’s minds couldn’t help but turn to those vineyards, wineries, and residents who’ve been impacted by the several fires that continue to devastate California’s beloved North Bay wine regions.

And yet, there was a consistent air of positivity that seemed to permeate the entirety of the evening. Tara Q. Thomas, Executive Editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine, expressed her deepest gratitude and appreciation to the number of caterers, sommeliers, and PR agencies who all offered to lend extra time and assistance to ensure the event went on. Indeed, the majority of Napa and Sonoma wineries scheduled to attend were able to pour and represent their hard work and beautiful wines.

It’s amazing how wine, a world-wide industry, is actually quite a tight-knit community — one that cares deeply for its members. It’s an industry I’m proud to be a part of and represent through my writing.

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Oct
2017

Big Cork Vineyards 2015 Nebbiolo

categories: Booze, Wine

Nebbiolo is a beautiful grape, native to the Piedmont region of Italy. A late ripener, vintners tend to celebrate Nebbiolo’s harvest toward the end of October or early November when the Langhe region becomes submerged in thick, pea-soup-like fog. Indeed, the name Nebbiolo is said to stem from the Italian word for fog, nebbia. Out of this darkness, this denseness, this stone-wall of a cloud, comes one of Italy’s most noble and notable grapes. A shy shade of red in its youth and often quite tannic, the wine ages into rich and vibrant colors — not unlike dragon’s fire — and develops deep aromatics, complex flavors, and matures right out of those sticky tannins. Nebbiolo, at its peak, can be one of the most intense wines alive.

Of course, these are characteristics associated with the Italian varietal from Italy. I don’t believe I’ve yet had the opportunity to taste a Nebbiolo from the United States. Until I popped the Big Cork on Big Cork Vineyards 2015 Nebbiolo.

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Oct
2017

Big Cork Vineyards 2015 Barbera

categories: Booze, Wine

I don’t know a lot about East Coast wines in general and didn’t even consider Maryland as a grape-growing region until I recently came across Royal Rabbit Vineyard. But according to a recent article from Wine Enthusiasts, Maryland is the new wine country to watch. “Today, Maryland is enjoying a wine renaissance,” says writer Dave McIntyre “The Free State had only 12 wineries at the turn of the century; that number was up to 85 at the beginning of this year.” And, with just over 900 acres planted to vines, most wineries are planting their own vineyards, predominantly producing estate wines.

Such is the case with Big Cork Vineyards. And since I so enjoyed the Barbera from Royal Rabbit Vineyard not that long ago, I thought the Big Cork Vineyards 2015 Barbera would be a good place to begin my Big Cork adventure and continue my exploration of Maryland wine.

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