New Spanish Portfolio
for Familia Torres’ Lead Brand Wines
Barolo Mosconi "Vigna Ped" DOCG 2016
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Empson USA Announces Global Growth with Expansion of Import Business and Domestic Distribution
Empson USA Introduces a new United States Portfolio with the addition of Paul O’Brien Winery
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Food & Wine Pairing: Venetian Apple Fritters and Canella
Because Carnival was a time for people to use up the last of their perishable goods before fasting at Lent, cakes and other baked goods have become a mainstay of the festival. The most famous of these are the carnival fritters or Frappe. Walking down the streets of Venice visitors…
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Why ‘Active Agers’ Could Help Drive Post-Pandemic Sales
Consumers over 50 are drinking more, spending more, and embracing innovation more than past generations. The industry should stop ignoring them A few years ago, Bart Watson, the chief economist for the Brewers Association, decided to stage a craft beer tasting for the residents of his grandmother’s retirement community. Many…
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Spotlight on Prosecco: Celebrate the Everyday
Prosecco’s History Prosecco DOC comes from Italy’s northeast – specifically Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto. But if we’re talking about Prosecco Superiore DOCG, it can only be made in the hilly area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, which was just named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An incredible recognition for a wine…
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Franciacorta: 10 Things to Know about the Wine
When it comes to celebrating Champagne has been the long-time standby, but in the past ten years, a newcomer to the Sparkling scene has been making waves. Italy’s Franciacorta is from the northern part of Italy. So pop and bottle and celebrate these ten facts about Franciacorta that you probably…
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Spotlight on Franciacorta: Italy’s Premier Sparkling
At Ferghettina, owner and winemaker, Laura Gatti explains they had three hailstorms, with the strongest occurring on August 18th in Cazzago San Martino (1 of the 19 Communes of Franciacorta). This forced Laura to pick her grapes earlier than usual (which was approved by the Ministero delle Politiche Agricole) with…
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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…
BBB, Company News
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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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…
Industry News
Corofin: new releases from one of Marlborough’s most interesting producers
These are the 2019 releases from one of Marlborough’s most interesting producers. Mike and Anna Paterson have been making their own wines since 2012, and they are a micronegociant, sourcing grapes from some of the region’s top organically farmed vineyards (read my write up on a visit a couple of…
Industry News
What To Drink Now: 5 Worldly Reds To Toast The Weekend
Happy Sunday! If you are managing through a “dry January” congratulations, you are in your last week of holding out. If you are like me who resolved simply to take a wine country trip every day through the bottle, making every glass an adventure, let’s go around the world with…
Industry News
Finding value: smart picks from Italy’s top producers
From north to south, Italy’s leading winemakers continue to captivate with their benchmark wines, but while these are often out of reach of the majority, there is usually value to be found elsewhere in their ranges. James Button highlights the smart picks… Italy’s top estates are renowend for producing wines…
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…
Industry News
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…
Industry News
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…
Industry News
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…
Industry News
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…
Industry News
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…
Industry News
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…
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