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Argentina, Making Wine History
When I think of Argentinian wine, Malbec, of course is the first thing that comes to mind. I know that I am not alone in this line of thinking. Then, my thoughts might go to Torrontes and/or some Pinot Noirs from specific producers. But, sparkling Torrontés? Cabernet Franc? An Argentinian Pet Nat Rosé? These were all firsts for me…aside from the fact that they were from Argentina! However, this was the intention. Wines of Argentina sought to make this a truly unique event. Making Wine History, was their first wine tasting soiree designed to “experience and discover the endless range of flavors and distinct styles our wines have to offer.” Mission accomplished. The…
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Wining Hour Feature: Pico Maccario “Lavignone” Rosato
This month, I am featuring a lovely Italian rosato, “Lavignone,” from Pico Maccario in the northwest Italian region of Piedmont. Piemonte, in Italian, means at the foot of the mountain,” and it is a superior winegrowing region, with Italy’s largest number of DOCG’s and DOC’s. Piedmont is the home of Nebbiolo, one of Italy’s oldest and most noble grapes. This Rosato is made from Barbera, which is a very rare find here in the U.S. When I tasted it a restaurant, I immediately knew that I wanted more. Pico Maccario Winery, located in Mombaruzzo, Piedmont, was founded in 1997 by brothers Pico and Vitaliano Maccario. They have vineyards in Monferato and…
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Oh my, More Maremma Please!
I had the pleasure of attending a Master Class and Wine Lunch sponsored by Il Consorzio Tutela Vini Della Maremma Toscana. This event was special for several reasons. For one, it was the first in-person tasting event I actually attended in over a year, due to the pandemic. It was fantastic to venture out, to see familiar faces and to learn, sip and socialize with others. Moreover, I was able to taste wines and learn more about a favorite wine region-Tuscany. In particular, the focus was on the pristine land, the Tuscan Maremma. Although it’s the Tuscan Maremma, Maremma is located between Toscana and Lazio, and the borders include the…
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Taste & Talk: Celebrating 10 Years of Te Pā Wines
When one thinks of Sauvignon Blanc, they may think of the green-skinned white wine grape that originated in France. However, i think of Sauvignon Blanc and New Zealand as being practically synonymous, as this is the varietal that put New Zealand on the wine map. One winery that is known for producing stellar Sauvignon Blanc in the region is te Pā Winery. te Pā is based at the top of the South Island in the beautiful Marlborough wine region of Aotearoa-New Zealand. In advance of #SauvBlancDay, #WiningHourChat sat down with Mikela, the marketing manager for te Pā Wines. We are always happy to have a taste of New Zealand and learn what’s new with te Pā. Here…
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Wining Hour Feature: Eremo Tuscolano Frascati Superiore
This month, I am featuring a delightful Italian white wine from Eremo Tuscolano in Frascati or Lazio. Frascati is both a city and a commune in the Lazio (Metropolitan City of Rome) region of Italy. The ancient town of Tusculum, located south-east of Rome, is modern day Frascati. Tusculum was well known during the ancient Roman Republic and the Roman Empire as a luxurious resort area for the wealthy Romans. “But still closer to Rome than the mountainous country where these cities lie, there is another ridge, which leaves a valley (the valley near Algidum) between them and is high as far as Mount Albanus. It is on this chain that Tusculum is situated, a city with no…
