(Flickr: Daniel Gasienica) In Wine Enthusiast, Aleks Zecevic considers how natural wine production fits — and doesn’t fit — in with current winemaking laws. “Many natural wines are prohibited from stating the regional designation, not to mention the specific vineyard, in which the wine is produced. This is often because the wines are designated “atypical” for the region based on …

Much more than a body of water, the Mediterranean sea is the cradle of western culture and of all the stories and legends that shape the world as we know it. A fundamental part of this identity is built upon the gastronomic traditions and crops of the Mediterranean basin. These lands of olive groves, orchards, lavender meadows and gnarly vines …

The Pardi winery was established by three brothers in 1919 on the ground floor of the San Marco Hospital.  Like many Montefalco wineries, they initially specialized in making Sagrantino Passito. Today their great grandsons, the brothers Alberto Mario and Gianluca Rio, tend the vineyards and make a wide range of white and red wines. They have 11 hectares of vines …

The name stems from the monarch butterfly, which is now classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The population has been in decline since 1974, when glyphosate, most commonly known as the brand name Roundup, appeared on the market. The Challenge has been Mondavi’s invitation for his winemaking peers to join him in committing to …

Bags on the bottling line of Cellier des Chartreux, Rhône. When screwcap bottles were first introduced, there was much scepticism about the quality of wine within. Now, they’re universally accepted – championed, even. And the same is happening with wines in alternative formats. The bag in box category has made great strides over the past few years, not only in …

There are few wineries in Italy capable of arranging a vertical tasting dating back 60 years. The Bertani estate in Valpolicella, however, can do this and more – not only pouring 43 different vintages to demonstrate the history of their Amarone, but also releasing most of them to the market. The initiative, carrying the name ‘Library’, was presented at the …

View from the hill town of San Giorgio di Valpolicella towards Lake Garda. Of the many marvellous wine areas in Italy’s Veneto region, Valpolicella stands out for its combination of vine-covered landscapes and magnificent red wines rooted in fascinating traditions. First and foremost is the celebrated Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, which may soon be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, its …

A harmonious red, offering an expression of cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors offset by a vibrant, well-integrated structure. Shows iron, tobacco, smoke and a hint of wild herbs, which weigh in as this evolves on the palate toward a lingering aftertaste. Delivers finesse and energy. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2038. 5,000 cases imported. …

Fresh and lively, with steely acidity that highlights pretty flavors of kiwifruit, lemon and nectarine, ending with a snappy finish. Drink now. 180,000 cases made. Source : a2bccaf642dba2fc035ffe39beac6c84