-
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…
-
Taste and Talk: Old Vine Zinfandel from Seghesio Family Vineyards
A #WiningHourChat with Seghesio Wines As winelovers, we keep abreast of the various wine holidays. Nevertheless, we know full well that no excuses are needed when it comes to drinking wine. In November, specifically on the third Wednesday, we celebrate the varietal known as Zinfandel for National Zinfandel Day. Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) is nonprofit association that endeavors to promote, educate and celebrate the Zinfandel grape. We were happy to do our part to taste and talk Zinfandel! Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape that produces a robust red wine, along with the well-known blush wine (white zinfandel). The grape is said to have originated in Croatia around 6000 B.C.,…
-
Step Up Your Game with Altaneve Prosecco Superiore
Altaneve, Bubbles that Rise Above the Rest Sparkling wine is fun, fashionable and just delicious. One such sparkling wine is Prosecco, the popular Italian sparkling wine, which is everywhere these days. In fact, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Prosecco region as a whole, and the 10th Anniversary of Prosecco Superiore! Sounds like a party to me. We’ll be celebrating with our friends in the #ItalianFWT group. Did you know that last year, Prosecco surpassed Champagne, not in terms of volume, but in terms of production and consumption? Although price is likely a factor, according to The Associated Press, Prosecco’s production “eclipsed Champagne’s five years ago and is…
-
A Peek at Psâgot Wines of Israel
Psâgot Wines Wines Keeping the Tradition and Taste Wait, wines of Israel? Yes. For some, Israel is a lesser known region in terms of wine. However, Israel has been producing wine since biblical times. The land of Israel is noted in the bible for having fruits of the vine and wine was exported from Israel and on trade routes. Today, there are five Israeli wine-producing regions: Galil (Galilee, including the Golan Heights), the Judean Hills, surrounding the city of Jerusalem, the Negev, a semi-arid desert region, Shimshon (Samson) and the Sharon plain (Samaria) near the Mediterranean coast, surrounding the towns of Zichron Ya’akov and Binyamina. As many celebrate Passover, Easter and other…
-
It’s Primavera, Perfect for Tramari Rosé of Primitivo
Primitivo can be Crisp and Refreshing too! Primavera, or spring, in Italian, is so much more than the end of the winter season. Primavera or spring signals life, rebirth, renewal and rejuvenation. Spring is a time for longer sunlight hours and warmer weather. Animals come out of hibernation and nature follows suit by growing and flourishing. Flora and fauna emerge everywhere. While flowers are growing and birds are singing, winelovers are thinking about wines to reinvigorate their palate. I found just the thing-Tramari Rosé of Primitivo. Tramari Rosé of Primitivo is produced by Cantine San Marzano of Puglia. San Marzano is a village located in the Primitivo di Manduria DOC…
