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Southern Italian Wines take Center Stage at Radici del Sud
Showcasing Southern Italy While most people are familiar with the wines of Central Italy and Tuscany (Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Super Tuscans, Trebbiano, etc.) and those of Northern Italy (Barolo, Barbaresco, Amarone, etc.), the wines of Southern Italy are lesser known. The fact that Italy has over 500 grape varieties, making it that much more challenging. Yet, winemakers, wine tasters, journalists and many others are doing their part to promote wines of the south. Radici del Sud is one such organization. Since 2005, Radici del Sud endeavors to shine the spotlight on Southern Italy by featuring wines produced from native grapes in Puglia, Basilicata, Campania, Calabria and Sicily. Radici del…
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Apassionato di Asprinio Presso L’Agricola Vinicola Cavasete
The word for today is Asprinio. In Italian, asprinio, refers to something tart or sour. In this case, we are referring to the so-called Italian grape in the south of Italy. I have not had much experience with Asprinio, as it is not widely available in the US…(yet). Nevertheless, I had the pleasure of becoming more acquainted with this grape, and several others, rooted in Southern Italy, while serving as a wine judge for Radici del Sud in Puglia. Radici del Sud, or Roots of the South, has been operating since 2005 to make the food, wine and viticulture in southern Italy more visible in the regions of Puglia, Basilicata,…
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A Marriage of Tradition and Innovation at Azienda Vinicola Rivera
Marriage is not always easy. Yet, Azienda Vinicola Rivera handles it with ease, as demonstrated in their production of Nero di Troia. I had the pleasure of visiting their winery and learning about their flagship grape when I was invited to serve as a judge for the 17th annual southern Italian wine competition, Radici del Sud, in Puglia. Radici del Sud underscores the food, wine and viticulture in southern Italy visible. Since 2005, Radici has given prominence to the indigenous wines and olive oils from Puglia, Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Sicily, Molise, Sardinia and Abruzzo. Azienda Vinicola Rivera Azienda Vinicola Rivera S.p.A is located in the city and commune of Andria,…
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Wining Hour Feature: Tenute Rubino Oltremé
Spending time in Italy exploring the many grape varieties is always a pleasure. I was able to spend some time in the south, in Puglia, and get acquainted with some of the region’s native grapes. However, it was at home in NY where I had the opportunity to taste a rare, ancient grape variety, Susumaniello. This month’s feature is the unique Tenute Rubino Oltremé. The region of Puglia, or Apulia is known as the “heel of the boot” located in Southeastern Italy. Puglia’s mediterranean climate and suitably fertile soils are ideal for grape cultivation. Soils in southern Puglia are mainly calcareous sandy-clays over a limestone sub-soil. When one thinks of…
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Keeping it Fresh and Fun with Fiano
While Italy is known for its spectacular red wines, the country also produces some awesome white wines. This month’s Italian Food, Wine and Travel Group (#ItalianFWT) theme focuses on favorite Italian wines. It should go without saying that it is rather difficult to narrow down favorite Italian red and/or white varietals. Nevertheless, for the sake of this article, I’ll zoom in on a favorite Italian white grape varietal, known as Fiano. Recognized as one of Italy’s finest white varieties, Fiano is believed to be indigenous to the southern Italian region of Campania. In fact, Fiano is Campania’s most noble white grape and is believe to be the grape referred to…