New Spanish Portfolio
for Familia Torres’ Lead Brand Wines
Barolo Mosconi "Vigna Ped" DOCG 2016
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Mattia Vezzola Named Best Italian Winemaker 2020
Dear friends, It happened for the fifth time that I have been considered as the Best Italian Winemaker 2020! Thanks to Food and Travel, one of the most important international magazines of food, wine and enogastronomical journey. The award was given to me by my dear friend Riccardo Cotarella, the…
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Empson USA will be the exclusive US importer for Familia Torres’ Lead Brand Wines
September 8th, 2020 – Vilafranca del Penedès (Barcelona) / Alexandria (Virginia) Familia Torres (Miguel Torres S.A.) and Empson USA announced today that effective September 8th, 2020, Empson USA will be the exclusive importer in the US for Torres’ lead brands such as Sangre de Toro and Viña Esmeralda. The decision…
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Empson USA Partners with Women of the Vine & Spirits
Aug. 28, 2020 Alexandria, VA – Empson USA, a business specializing in quality and distinctive family-owned estates who are deeply rooted in the excellence of terroir, is proud to announce they have renewed their commitment to Women of the Vine & Spirits as a Bronze Corporate Member. Women of the…
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An Interview with Arillo in Terrabianca Winery
Terrabianca Vineyard Questions: What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else owned it previously? The success story of Terrabianca started with Roberto and Maya Guldener in 1988 in the heart of the Chianti Classico…
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An Interview with Speri Winery
The Speri Vineyards What is the history of the land you are on? Valpolicella, one of the most prestigious areas on the Italian wine scene, has been dedicated to viticulture since ancient times. It is located in western Veneto, between Verona and Lake Garda, delimited by the Lessini Mountains in…
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An Interview with Marcarini Winery
The Marcarini Vineyards What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else own it previously? The Langhe area has always been known for being highly suited to viticulture. In the past, it was easier to…
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An Interview with Hauner Winery
The Hauner Vineyards What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else own it previously? Malvasia on the island of Salina was introduced by the Venetians and the origins of the plants are Greek. It…
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An Interview with Jankara Winery
Vineyard Questions: What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else own it previously? The land used to be used by shepherds to graze sheep. What clones and selections are used? We have three different…
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An Interview with Einaudi Winery
Vineyard Questions: What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else own it previously? We have owned our vineyards since 1897, so for a long time. Before that, if there weren’t vineyards, we think local…
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An Interview with Conterno Fantino Winery
Vineyard Questions: What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else owned it previously? Our family has been cultivating grapes for generations. It was almost natural (or rather cultural) to begin this journey. Before us,…
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An Interview with Carpineta Fontalpino Winery
The Carpineta Fontalpino Vineyards What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else owned it previously? The history of Carpineta Fontalpino is remarkable! It had always been a farm. In fact, it was owned by…
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An Interview with Cignale Winery
The Cignale Vineyard What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else own it previously? Castello di Querceto and its vineyards are located in the Dudda Valley, about 7 km from Greve in Chianti in…
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An Interview with Ca’ Rome Winery
The Ca’Rome Vineyards What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else owned it previously? The vineyards in Serralunga belonged to my grandmother (Maria di Brün). But they were vineyards even before that. Same goes…
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An Interview with Boscarelli Winery
The Boscarelli Vineyards What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else owned it previously? Boscarelli is located in Cervognano, a historically famous area for quality grapes. In the 1960s, farmers lived here, but before…
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An Interview with Bongiovanni Winery
The Bongiovanni Vineyards What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else owned it previously? Some background: The Bongiovanni farm was founded in 1950 by Giovanni Bongiovanni, Davide Mozzone’s (Davide is third generation) grandfather. The…
Company News, Rosé
An Interview with Pietradolce Winery
The Pietradolce Vineyards What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else owned it previously? Some of the land we cultivate was already dedicated to Pre-Phylloxera vineyards, and others we transformed into vineyards. What clones…
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An Interview with Feuduccio Winery
The Feuduccio Vineyards: What is the history of the land you are on? What was it used for before your winery owned it or did someone else own it previously? Il Feuduccio acquired previously existing vineyards and olive groves in the early Nineties, all conveniently located in a single plot…
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The Rediscovery of Alto Piemonte
Piedmont is a great wine region for several reasons, primarily because of the production of Barolo and Barbaresco. These two reds, crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo, have become two of Italy’s icons on the wine scene, thanks in part to their remarkable distinctiveness, and their ability to age for 20 years…
BBB, Company News
Fuligni’s Legacy in Brunello di Montalcino
Today, Brunello di Montalcino is known by every Italian wine lover, and by most anyone who’s ever enjoyed one of the world’s great red wines. Many consider this to be Italy’s finest wine – red or white – and its image is almost universally positive, especially given its staying power,…
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Alto Piemonte — The Amazing Wine Region You’ve Been Missing Out On
The Alto Piemonte wine region has been stuck in the shadows of its regional siblings – Barolo and Barbaresco – for as long as anyone can remember. But make no mistake, Alto Piemonte wines can hold their own, especially Ghemme and Gattinara, two historic wines made from Nebbiolo and grown…
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Yeast: The Unsung Hero of Winemaking
Yeast is a subject that will generally turn the conversation to another topic quickly, but in the wine industry consumers and buyers are rapidly becoming more interested in what goes into producing their wine. Empson USA spoke with Manuel Marchetti of Marcarini winery to get more information. First, it’s important…
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Savvy about Sauvignon?
Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape variety that is now grown all over the world for the making of crisp and refreshing dry and sweet wines. It originated in the Bordeaux region of France but because it grows so easily and generously in both warm and cool climates, it made…
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What is Chianti Classico?
Easy to drink and pair, steeped in history, but most importantly, the perfect expression of its unique terroir. Since leaving the fiasco – the round-bottomed bottle wrapped in a straw basket – behind, and taking on new DOCG regulations aimed at improving quality, Chianti Classico has gained wide recognition as…
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Barolo Brunate 2015, Barolo La Serra 2015, Barolo Del Comune di La Morra 2015
During the year 2015, the winery Marcarini has changed the method of grape’s transportation into the winery in the harvest period. We moved from carrying the grapes in the cellar through trailers to little boxes of 20 kg each. This way, we are not only able to increase the quality…
BBB, Company News
The Beauty of Traditional Barolo
As more consumers experience a greater number of wines from around the world, there is always a learning curve. Naturally, many wine lovers want wines that are easy to drink and easier to understand; this explains the popularity of wines ranging from Provence Rosé to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The…
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Einaudi, Respecting Dolcetto and Showcasing Barolo
Luigi Einaudi is a famous name in Italian history, as he served as Italy’s first president in 1948. But prior to that in 1897, he purchased his first vineyards in the Dogliani zone, some 25 miles south of the city of Alba; later in 1915, he began to produce wines…
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Barolo and Barbaresco: A Q&A with Ca’ Rome
“You need to get to know Barolo and Barbaresco. You have to drink them often to learn to love them.” – Giuseppe Marengo, Ca’Rome At the Ca’Rome winery in the town of Barbaresco, there is a small quantity of Barbera, Langhe Rosso and Langhe Nebbiolo that is produced, but the…
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Empson USA Now the Exclusive Importer for Torraccia del Piantavigna
Alexandria, Vir.—Pioneering Italian fine wine importer, Empson USA is proud to announce that effective February 1, 2020, is the exclusive importer for Torraccia del Piantavigna from Piedmont, Italy. Wines will be distributed nationwide. Empson USA CEO, Tara Empson is excited for the growth opportunities that the new portfolio addition will…
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Spotlight on Brunello: Tuscany’s Bold Beauty
BRUNELLO’S HISTORY: Brunello’s homeland and namesake come from the town of Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy. The appellation is small compared to others in Tuscany at only 59,309 acres, and of that area, only 15% of it is under vine. Brunello has existed, in some form, since the 14th century, but…
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What are wineries saying about the 2016 Barolo and 2015 Brunello vintages?
Davide Mozzone of Bongiovanni “The 2016 Barolo is a generous vintage. The 2016 vintage was harvested later than the 2015 or 2014 vintages. The summer was longer but did not have the peak hot days that the 2015 vintage had, because of the regular ripening season the yeast in the…
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Lagaria is Redefining Pinot Grigio with the new Dolomiti Line
was last modified: February 4th, 2020 by Empson USA
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2019 Harvest Report: Sicily & Sardinia
SICILY After one of the rainiest seasons (2018) the region has ever seen, Sicily is back to “normal” in 2019. There were still many interesting weather events to contend with, but not like in other regions. Budbreak went extremely well, in spite of a cool, wet spring. Heavy rains made…
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2019 Harvest Report: Central & Southern Italy
UMBRIA A cool and rainy spring slowed the growth cycle down. But the hot weather that followed didn’t cause any problems with water stress thanks to the abundant water reserves. There were a few storms during the hot months of July and August that further “quenched the thirst” of the…
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2019 Harvest Report: Tuscany
TUSCANY The odd man out this year, Tuscany seems to be the only region to increase its quantities over 2018. Winter was colder than average with very little rainfall. But February was warm and spring saw many storms, which replenished water reserves. Budding was only slightly delayed thanks to low…
BBB, Company News
Empson USA announces annual Barolo Brunello Barbaresco Tour 2020
Alexandria, V.A.—Fine Italian wine importer, Empson USA has announced its annual “Barolo Brunello Barbaresco Tour,” which will take place January 23 – January 30. Highlighting the great reds of Northern Italy, Empson USA will celebrate its renowned Barolo, Brunello and Barbaresco producers during a multi-city celebration of events and tastings around the…
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2019 Harvest Report: North Italy
Harvest in Italy is always one of the most exhilarating and exciting times of the year and fortunately, 2019 is providing much to be enthusiastic about. Overall, the quantity will be down from 2018’s record-breaking numbers, though still within the normal range – around 46 million hectoliters. Nevertheless, Italy should…
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2019 Harvest Report: Lombardy
LOMDARDY Harvest in Italy is always one of the most exhilarating and exciting times of the year and fortunately, 2019 is providing much to be enthusiastic about. Overall, quantity will be down from 2018’s record-breaking numbers, though still within the normal range – around 46 million hectoliters. Nevertheless, Italy should…
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2019 Harvest Report: Piedmont
Harvest in Italy is always one of the most exhilarating and exciting times of the year and fortunately, 2019 is providing much to be enthusiastic about. The 2019 Piedmont growing season kept winemakers busy – between heavy spring rains, various hailstorms throughout the season, scorching summer temperatures and some early…
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Fulfilling a Promise of Quality: Fantini Montepulciano is a Top 100 Best Buy Wine
Fantini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018 has been awarded a place on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buy List for 2019. Each year Wine Enthusiast publishes its Top 100 Best Buys list. This list is comprised of wines that deliver heavily on quality while stretching each dollar to the max. …
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When Dreams Come True in Sardinia
Alexandria, VA – In 2018 Renato Spanu, owner of Jankara, moved to Sant’Antonio di Gallura, Sardinia to fulfill his dream of running his winery, Jankara, and his dedication is paying off with a new winery and a new Cinque Grappoli Award from Bibenda. Daring to Dream Big Located in picturesque…
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Tara Empson To Visit Dallas Texas
Alexandria, VA – Tara Empson will be traveling to Dallas this September to attend several wine events. The trip includes a cocktail meet-and-greet, a wine dinner open to the public and an industry trade tasting. Tara Empson, Owner and CEO of Empson USA, is a Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40…
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Italian Wine Exports: You Have To Be Responsible To Everyone
Tara Empson may just seem like a young Millennial at the age of 34 years old who was placed into the sweet position of being handed the title of CEO of her family’s company Empson & Co. and Empson Canada yet when one gets a chance to sit down for…
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The Age of Change: Tara Empson Named to Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemakers
Empson USA is thrilled to announce that Tara Empson, CEO and Owner of Empson USA, will be included in the 2019 Wine Enthusiast Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers list. “It is an honor to be part of the Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 list for 2019. I had always set…
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A New Life for Lagaria Pinot Grigio and Pinot Grigio “Ramato”
was last modified: June 28th, 2019 by Empson USA
Company News
Marcarini: On Top of the World
Six generations of history in winemaking and the Marcarini family is still working hard to innovate and renew itself. The latest generation is focusing on bringing new ideas and new energy to an already dynamic brand and their great desire to learn pairs well with Dad Manuel’s great desire to…
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Happy International Sauvignon Blanc Day
was last modified: June 28th, 2019 by Empson USA
Company News
Pioneering Italian Wine Importer Empson USA Announces New Chief Executive Officer
New York, NY, April 2, 2019 – Empson & Co., a leading exporter of fine Italian wines, announced today that Tara Empson has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Empson USA and Empson Canada, effective April 1, 2019, following her appointment to CEO of Empson & Co last September….
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The New Challenges Of Importing And Marketing Italian Wine: An Interview With Tara Empson
JOHN MARIANI 13th Mar 2019 | Forbes | Food & Beverage For nearly a half century Empson & Co. has championed fine Italian wines in the United States and around the world. Founded by Neil and Maria Empson in 1972, when most Americans knew nothing but Chianti, Valpolicella and Soave…
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Cheers to the Women in the Wine Industry
was last modified: August 21st, 2019 by Empson USA
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Pietradolce’s Living History – an Interview with Michele Faro
Pietradolce is known for its pre-Phylloxera vines. How much of the vineyards are composed of these vines? How much fruit do you end of using? Out of a total of 20 hectares at Pietradolce, only 10 hectares are pre-Phylloxera. However, because of the low yields this only represents about 30%…
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Not All Pinot Grigios Taste the Same. Here’s Why.
We all have a friend who just loves Pinot Grigio. It’s their go-to order, popping up at dinner parties, nights out, brunch, summer rooftops, and majority of their Instagrams. Who can blame them? Pinot Grigio offers solid value — you can find many for less than $20 — and is…
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Empson USA Adds Corofin to its New Zealand Portfolio
was last modified: August 21st, 2019 by Empson USA
Industry News
6 Red Wines Under $20 to Pair With Fall Festivities
As the days grow cold and the leaves begin to change, nothing is more warming than a glass of red wine. From now until the new year, there are all kinds of dishes and occasions where red wine matches the mood and pairs with the food. Whether you are planning…
Industry News
Italian Rosé Is On The Rise
As the thirst for rosé continues to flourish, Italian winemakers shine a light on the terroir giving this category even more diversity When summer descends, rosé is the wine we reach for. What was once a category associated first and foremost with Provence, France, has expanded in provenance. With the…
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Verdicchio – Italy’s Killer V
I think we all remember a time when the Italian white on the tip of everyone’s tongue, from the fanciest of restaurants to the coziest of trattorias, was Pinot Grigio. However, so much has changed since then. Granted, it’s taken Italian whites much longer to be seen seriously than it…
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Our Top 100 Barolo from 2018 to 2020
We have been professionally rating Barolos since the early 2000s and drinking them for a lot longer, and we can’t think of a better time than now to buy and drink the king of Italian wines. The dynamic duo of the 2016 and 2015 vintages have just arrived in the…
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Piedmont Shines with Releases, Especially Barolo 2016
You are going to find some great bottles right now if a trip to a wine shop, or a visit online, means buying wine from Italy’s Piedmont region. First, plenty of new and classic quality 2016 Barolos and Barbarescos are now available and they are reminiscent of the excellent and…
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Wine Spectator Insider Report Spotlights Boscarelli
Wine Spectator was founded in 1976 and, today, is the world’s leading authority on wine. Wine Spectator’s Insider Report is a first look at the editor’s most exciting new wines. For the June 10th edition, the publication focuses the spotlight on Boscarelli Winery. A Vino Nobile Family Boscarelli was founded…
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The New Amaro Obsession
The art of finishing dinner with a glass of amaro, a traditional Italian digestive, is catching on in New York. This summer, a Spritz blitz took over the bars and restaurants of the big apple. New Yorkers lapped up the scarlet Italian aperitif with abandon and bought bottles of premixed…
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The Two Grapes that Define White Bordeaux Wine
Blending Sauvignon Blanc with Sémillon is a classic French white wine technique, most popularly associated with Bordeaux. But the combination has taken off across the world and wines utilizing the style can be found throughout Australia, California, New Zealand and Washington State. The grapes work so well together because Sémillon…
BBB, Industry News
The 2016 Barolo is Here at Last
Finally, some good news we can all get behind – Barolo’s latest offering is one for the ages. “2016 was the vintage we were all waiting for” – Luca Currado, Barolo producer in Castiglione Falletto. One could argue that the wines of Barolo are as good as ever today. Certainly…
BBB, Industry News
Tuscany report: Top scoring new releases from Brunello di Montalcino to Chianti Classico
Michaela Morris tastes the latest releases in Tuscany, including the highly anticipated Brunello di Montalcino 2015 wines, plus Chianti Classico 2017. Reviewing my notes from Tuscany’s Anteprime tasting, I have a keen sense of nostalgia. This full-throttle showing of the region’s latest releases marked my last trip to Italy. I am not…
BBB, Industry News
Barolo 2016 & Riserva 2014: Report and 100 wines tasted
There are plenty of excellent wines from 2016, but how did the 2014 Riservas fare? Stephen Brook reports The great majority of these wines were tasted blind in January 2020 at the Nebbiolo Prima event in Alba, while others were tasted (non-blind) at the Grandi Langhe event that followed immediately…
Industry News
Barolo 2006: Panel tasting results
Sufficient time has now passed for the quality of the top wines to shine through – the best 2006 Barolos offer both maturity and freshness, and many will continue to age well. With only 29 wines to be tasted, our judges agreed it was impossible to draw any broad conclusions…
Industry News
The Purity of Piedmont
The 2015 vintage for Barolo and 2016 vintage for Barbaresco deliver dozens of great reds For more than a decade, Barolo has been on a roll in the United States, gaining momentum with a string of excellent vintages since the 2004 harvest, a number of them at the classic level. It’s no…
BBB, Industry News
Buyer Beware: Everything You Need to Know About the 2015 Brunello Vintage
If you follow Italian wine, you’ve likely heard the buzz surrounding the just-released 2015 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino, with many pundits claiming it’s one of the best vintages ever. Coming on the heels of the washout 2014 vintage, unsurprisingly, a number of local winemakers have been touting the greatness of…
Industry News
The Best Wines to Serve on Easter
Whether you’re feasting on ham, lamb, or chicken, the beverage pairing will be a breeze if you stick to these bottles. Pairing wines with an Easter meal can seem daunting. The table often features lighter meats like honey-baked ham, roast chicken, or lamb and a wealth of bright spring vegetables…
Industry News
White House Spares European Wines from 100 Percent Tariffs for Now; 25 Percent Duties Remain in Place
After reviewing the tariffs in the Airbus fight, the U.S. Trade Rep has raised duties on plane parts and is staying the course with wine tariffs The Trump administration sent wine consumers a decidedly mixed Valentine today. In the early evening hours, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued a decision…
BBB, Industry News
2016 Barolo: Right Place, Right Time
In so many ways, 2016 is all about being in the right place at the right time for Barolo. An ideal growing season with all the prerequisites for a great vintage comes at a time when so many winemakers are in their primes, past the stage of experimentation and settled into…
Industry News
10 of the Best Sicilian White Wines at Every Price Point
As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is home to various microclimates that are great for growing grapes. Wine has been produced there since at least the 5th century B.C., after the Greeks began to transport vines to the island from the mainland. The southwestern side of the…
Industry News
Sip Trip: Sardegna, Italy’s Undiscovered Island Paradise
Sardegna is the “Wild West” of Italy. On this island rich with history, some people still speak Sardo, an ancient language derived from Latin, Arabic, Spanish, and Catalan. It’s a place that often plays second fiddle to Sicily and is even forgotten as being a part of Italy in the…
Industry News
Opportunity Knocks Amid Wine Tariff Chaos
The wine tariff uncertainty is unbearable, but where some see disaster others see opportunity. Despite wider economic conditions, the wine industry has managed to keep the party going for years. And now, tariffs are walking in like a baton-wielding gang of cops. While everyone seems to agree that these taxes…
Industry News
Best Wines To Pour At Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is the Super Bowl of cooking and entertaining. And while a lot of the focus is on the perfect roast turkey and all the trimmings, an extended family get together calls for wine. Lots and lots of wine. While at some point during dinner with the family one might…
Industry News
Spotlight on Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino sometimes gets overlooked in the rush to focus solely on Brunello. That’s a shame, as the best Rossos offer pedigreed expressions of Sangiovese from this magical hillside town and its surrounding vineyards. At the same time, styles and overall quality are variable, which makes navigating Rosso a…
Industry News
2015: Brunello’s Fairy-Tale Vintage
The 2015 vintage is a historical year for Brunello di Montalcino that nobody should miss. The wines show impressive precision of vivid fruit, fine tannins and freshness in acidity despite their ripeness and richness which makes them some of the most exciting in years. Winemakers in Montalcino were never better…
Industry News
Italy, Tuscany: Chianti Classico New Releases & A New Wave of Italian Icons
“You can’t get a plant to grow by pulling on its leaves,” a friend once counseled me. By its very definition, growth happens organically, spontaneously and naturally. Those words came to mind as I tasted through the 248 beautiful wines presented in this article. This is an exceptional group of…
Industry News
Tre Bicchieri Award. Gianfranco Sabbatino from Le Casematte in Messina Speaks
Please Note: This article has been translated from its original format into English. “Twenty years ago, almost by accident, I started working in the wine sector, a thousand miles away from what was my profession.” Gianfranco Sabbatino, who was an accountant before, reports on the site of his company. “But…
Industry News
Travel Log #9: First Impressions of 2015 Brunello
My son Jack and I spent this past weekend tasting a few dozen 2015 Brunellos from top producers in Montalcino while visiting vineyards and cellars. We came away with a pretty awesome opinion of the vintage, which will be released in January 2020. We also organized a dinner for 42…
Industry News
2016 Chianti Classico – A Modern Day Benchmark
I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about Chianti Classico and its wines. My July trip included a number of truly memorable estate visits, two unforgettable verticals, and the thrill of discovering a handful of wineries that were new to me. The top 2016s have turned out…
Industry News
Against the Odds
The small winegrowing country of New Zealand represents only 1% of the wine made in the world, yet it just recorded its 23rd consecutive year of growth. That’s an amazing success story. Those figures come from New Zealand Winegrowers, which also reports that the value of the country’s wine exports…
Industry News
Sicily: Where Great Wines and Lava Flow
Sitting down and writing my annual Sicily report has never been so exciting. I don’t remember the last time I tasted through so many world-class wines, both white and red, from Sicily; probably never, in fact. In a nutshell, that’s what you need to know about the state of Sicilian…
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Italy, Sicily: Etna (A Spotlight on the Carricante Grape)
As I write this, I am in the middle of my big annual tasting of wines from Sicily and Etna. Those comprehensive reports are estimated to have reviews for more than 200 wines each. My Sicily and Etna articles should be published by the end of this summer. Before we…
Industry News
Etna: A rising force
Life on the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano is never going to be easy. But an influx of established Italian producers from beyond Sicily has sparked a leap forward in quality and global interest in these island wines, reports Stephen Brook… When I last reported on the wines of…
Industry News
Get Ready: The Super Tuscans are Coming
In April, my son Jack and I decided to do a major Italian tasting earlier than normal in our office in Tuscany, reviewing wines from key producers from the top appellations of the country. We had already tasted hundreds of reds from prestigious appellations such as Brunello di Montalcino and…
Industry News
Vintage 2019: Small but stunning
A wonderfully warm summer has contributed to a superb vintage for New Zealand’s wine regions, with 413,000 tonnes of grapes harvested during Vintage 2019. Although smaller than anticipated, the quality of the harvest is being touted as exceptional from top of the North to bottom of the South Island. New…
Industry News, Rosé
Your Cheat Sheet to the Best Italian Rosé
Fans of crisp, savory rosé should familiarize themselves with Italy’s bounty of beautiful pink-hued offerings. While in the past it was not common throughout much of the country, producers from north to south have ramped up production of stellar vini rosati from native and international grapes. There are a number…
Industry News, Rosé
A Quick Guide to Rosé Wine
Rosé is a wine with surprising nuance that encompasses impressive traditions in some of Europe’s great appellations. However, it’s not so complex that it’s intimidating to learn the basics. Rosé is the fastest-growing category in America, as consumption grew roughly 50% in 2017. Consequently, you’ll likely see more choices on…
Industry News
Think Pink: Italy’s Lively 2018 Rosatos
Italy, long viewed as mostly a treasure trove of red wines, in fact loves to drink pink. Some wine lovers might simplistically think that one pink wine fits all. Not so, or at least not in Italy, where you can choose, in increasing depth of hue, between Chiaretto (typical of…
Industry News
Italy, Piedmont: Barolo, Barbaresco & More (Current and Old Releases)
My reviews of the latest releases from Piedmont will be found in Issue 243 (to be published at the end of June 2019). These are not those wines. Instead, this collection of 750-plus reviews from Piedmont represents a concerted effort to evoke “spring cleaning.” A portion of these reviews refer…
Industry News
Dolcetto – Piedmont’s Charming, Delicious Red Wine
The three most famous red varieties of Italy’s Piedmont region are used to produce three very distinct and diverse wines. Nebbiolo, the only grape allowed in Barolo and Barbaresco, is a variety with delicate garnet color, but powerful tannins and deep concentration; the best examples can age for 25-50 years. Barbera,…
Industry News
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2016 & 2015 Riservas: Gaining Ground
The 2016 vintage tested producers’ commitment and ability from the get-go, but if there is a vintage to rediscover Vino Nobile, this is it. It didn’t start well: May and June were cool and rainy, resulting in significant disease pressure and mildew – a recurring problem throughout most of the…
Industry News
Brunello di Montalcino 2014: What to Look For
Italy’s infamous 2014 vintage has been exhaustively narrated as one region after another released their wines. It was finally Brunello’s turn to face the music… Arriving in Montalcino, it was clear that this area was not spared Mother Nature’s dour disposition. Difficile is the first word that tends to escape…
Industry News
Chronicling the Renaissance of Italy’s Alto Piemonte Region
An ancient winegrowing area is making a comeback after a long hiatus—and garnering acclaim Alto Piemonte is located in the northeastern corner of the Piedmont region of Italy at the foot of the Alps. It comprises four provinces and 10 appellations—Gattinara, Ghemme, Boca, Lessona, Sizzano, Bramaterra, Fara, Coste della Sesia,…
Industry News
Underrated, Underappreciated and Underreported Italian Wines And Producers
Italy is the only country where every region – there are 20 in all – is a wine-producing one. Given the vast number of indigenous varieties across the country, that equates to a great number of wines. Some, such as Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Amarone della Valpolicella, are world…
Industry News
2016 – Year of the Vino Nobile
W. BLAKE GRAY 18th Mar 2019 | Wine-Searcher If you like Brunello di Montalcino, this is a good year to drink Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The reason is the different vintages on sale now: a bad one for Brunello and perhaps the best vintage in the modern history of its…
Industry News
The 2014 Brunello Vintage Overcomes Difficult Conditions
KERIN O’KEEFE 28th Feb 2019 | Wine Enthusiast The year 2014 was one of the coolest, wettest ones in recent memory on mainland Italy, and the Montalcino region in Tuscany was no exception. But thanks to the expertise of the most dedicated producers, there are some lovely Brunellos from this…
Industry News
Tuscan Red Wines to Enjoy After a Winter Day Outdoors
WINE ENTHUSIAST STAFF 27th Feb 2019 | Wine Enthusiast We’ve written plenty of articles about the perfect wines for hiding under a blanket away from the cold. But what about for those who still want to explore the outdoors despite the freezing temperatures? If the winter means you can finally…
Industry News
2014 Barolo and Barbaresco – Celebrating An Underrated Year In Piedmont
TOM HYLAND 25th Feb 2019 | Forbes | Food & Drink There have been so many successful vintages in Italy’s Piedmont region over the past 15-20 years, so a less-than-great year every now and then may not be that surprising. Consider 2014 for example, a vintage that has been less…
Industry News
Chianti Classico 2015 & 2016: In the Right Place at the Right Time
ANTONIO GALLONI 22nf Feb 2019 | Vinous As Vinous readers know, I have long championed Chianti Classico as a source for pedigreed, ageworthy wines that the average consumer can still afford. That is, thankfully, still true. In 2015 and 2016, wine lovers will find two genuinely great back to back…
Industry News
Brunello’s New Vintages (2014 & 2013 Riservas) Produce Mixed Results
JAMES SUCKLING 21st Feb 2019 | JamesSuckling.com No one ever thought 2014 was going to be an outstanding vintage for Brunello di Montalcino. It rained too much during the harvest. Nonetheless, some outstanding wines were made as key producers fine-tuned their vineyards, were ruthless in their selections of grapes during…
Industry News
2015 Barolo…The Bigger Picture
ANTONIO GALLONI 15th Feb 2019 | Vinous Barolo lovers have become spoiled over the last fifteen years or so. While 2015 is clearly a mixed vintage, in any other previous era there is little doubt it would have been considered outstanding. Readers will find a number of dazzling 2015s, even…
Industry News
New Zealand Pinot Noir Wines to Seek Out
TINA GELLIE 13th Feb 2019 | Decanter Pinot Noir grows at its best in cooler climates – think Burgundy and Champagne – which is why it fares well in New Zealand, especially in regions such as Marlborough and Central Otago. New Zealand has developed a reputation for the quality of…
Industry News
Barolo 2015: Vintage report and 89 wines rated
STEPHEN BROOK 13th Feb 2019 | Decanter | Food & Drink There have been so many successful vintages in Italy’s Piedmont region over the past 15-20 years, so a less-than-great year every now and then may not be that surprising. Consider 2014 for example, a vintage that has been less…
Industry News
Barolo 2015 Best Vintage Since 2010 – Maybe Better
NICK STOCK 25th Jan 2019 |JamesSuckling.com Our 2019 tasting year got off to a scorcher. From a blazing hot Melbourne, Australia, I jetted off to Hong Kong for a dazzling dinner with James and Marie in the new James Suckling Wine Central wine bar – a perfect place if you…
Industry News
The Changing Styles of Valpolicella: Fresh vs Dried Grapes
MICHAEL GARNER 8th Jan 2019 |Decanter Expressing Valpolicella’s true spirit is a matter of taste, reveals Michael Garner… Ernest Hemingway knew exactly what to expect from his glass of Valpolicella. In his 1950 novel Across the River and into the Trees, his mouthpiece, the cantankerous Colonel Cantwell, refers to his…
Industry News
Through the Wine Looking Glass: 2018 in Review
IAN D’AGATA 3rd Jan 2019 | Vinous Another year is slowly coming to a close and the memories are too numerous to count, or to list. I realize just how fortunate I am to be able to make a living by writing about wine; each year, what is both my…
Industry News
An Eco-Friendly Wine Tour of New Zealand’s South Island
CHRISTINA PICKARD 3rd Jan 2019 | Wine Enthusiast Ever since a certain hobbit was captured on the big screen, tourism in New Zealand has been steadily on the rise. So, too, has the world’s consumption of its wines, where 98% of the vineyards are certified sustainable. It makes sense, then,…
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