Viola Buitoni grew up in the Umbrian countryside with a family that grew its own ingredients and prepared its own food.  She now lives in San Francisco, not a bad food place itself, where she teaches and writes, including the inspiring cookbook, Italy by Ingredient.  Having visited Umbria last year and tasted its flavorful food and wine, its clear what …

The collection belongs to Taiwanese entrepreneur Pierre Chen. The auction house described it as ‘the largest, most important and by far the most valuable wine collection ever to come to the market’. It features a huge array of fine and rare wines, including two six-litre Methuselahs of Domaine de la Romaneé-Conti La Tâche 1985, which have an estimated price of …

In Northeastern Italy, lies the town of Verona, made famous by Shakepeare’s star-crossed lovers. Just north of the fair city, is one of Italy’s most loved wine regions, Valpolicella DOC. Amongst the gentle slopes of the verdant Valpolicella Classico region, the beautiful Villa Santa Sofia was built in 1560 – mere decades before Shakespeare wrote his bittersweet tale. Designed by …

n8fire has added a photo to the pool: Douro Source : https://www.flickr.com/photos/louisjacob/53218659859/in/pool-17918700@N00

n8fire has added a photo to the pool: Douro Source : https://www.flickr.com/photos/louisjacob/53217375917/in/pool-17918700@N00

n8fire has added a photo to the pool: Douro Source : https://www.flickr.com/photos/louisjacob/53218749670/in/pool-17918700@N00

Historically, Bordeaux’s network of merchants and brokers, known as ‘La Place’, was a closed enterprise dedicated to the buying and selling of claret. Yet things have come a long way since the days of Bordeaux-only vision; the finest Australian wines are now being promoted in the world’s oldest (and most developed) distribution network, as consumers embrace diversity and worldwide excellence. …

Bim Bom has added a photo to the pool: Source : https://www.flickr.com/photos/eduardo_dacosta/53218015025/in/pool-17918700@N00

Long considered one of Argentina’s leading wineries, Achaval Ferrer has now consolidated their place and reputation in the exclusive global fine wine market. To understand how they have achieved this privileged status, one only needs to take into account the excellence displayed by each of the winery’s Malbecs since 1999, especially their Fincas trilogy; wines made solely with grapes from …

Ancient Monastrell bush vines at Bodega Enrique Mendoza in Alicante, Spain, in winter. Heat-loving grape variety, aka Mourvèdre, Mataro, and several other names.   These vines are approaching 100 years old, but because they grow in a desert at altitude and rely mainly on snow melt, most of the plant is underground, with deep root systems penetrating the underlying limestone. …

Château Haut-Brion stands apart from its peers in many ways. Some of these differences are historical: it is the only first growth of 1855 that is not located on the Médoc peninsula. Although the area around the city of Bordeaux was the birthplace of winemaking in the region, by the time of the 1855 classification, Haut-Brion was the only château …

The effects of the fire in a vineyard in DO Valle de Güímar. The fire started at the Lomo Redondo viewpoint at 1,225m in altitude, within the municipality of Arafo. During the investigation, authorities have found not only the origin but also suspect it was started intentionally as an act of arson. While now controlled, the fire continues to burn …

A view across Cobble Hill Vineyard in Norfolk. English vineyard Cobble Hill, near to the north Norfolk coast, has been listed for sale by estate agency Knight Frank, which said it is seeking offers in excess of £1.3m ($1.58m).  Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Bacchus grape varieties are planted at the 3.6-hectare (ha) vineyard (nine acres), which has chalky soils reminiscent …

Succulent and mouthwatering, with a snappy mix of lemon curd, lemon blossom and flint elements. Shows more nuanced notes of salted butterscotch, brioche and litsea oil that linger in the background, while the fresh, vibrant acidity is sleek on the finish, providing focus and length. Drink now through 2030. 1,500 cases made, 150 cases imported. Source : 44e31d1d9fc314b35b89bb4b931b108f

The picture of harmony, elegance and purity, this red features black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Starts out supple, with vibrant acidity and firm tannins emerging on the finish. Drink now through 2033. 4,500 cases made, 1,800 cases imported. Source : 55af25cd6f8b7983896df8e44815ed86