Come Monday, October 27, members of the Brunello Consortium will vote whether or not to change the appellation regulations that have governed Brunello wines for years.  Jeremy Parzen of Do Bianchi writes about it here.  You can also follow the Brunello debates on VinoWire.com, an excellent...

If you’ve perused our list of upcoming classes or have done so anytime this year, you probably noticed that most of our Regional classes are devoted to Italy. And they usually sell out – quickly. And the blurbs that accompany each listing note that more premium Italian wine is...

Benini 2006 “Sassotondo”, Maremma Toscana IGT The Tuscan Maremma is becoming the place to go for lighter, softer reds, a contrast to earthy Chianti Classico and brooding Brunellos. In the airy hills of Grosseto province Sangiovese is known as Morellino, which has become a popular...

                  Brunello appellation remains unchanged!  Montalcino Report has posted the results on yesterday’s vote at the Assembly of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di...

As a follow-up to our trip to Tuscany, here are the best among scores of wines tasted, whether at the winery, an enoteca, with meals, or sitting around the campfire: 10. Coltarenzio Muller- Thurgau, 2005…aromatic and spicy, balanced by crisp minerality and an off-dry mouthfeel. 9....

Wine writer Franco Ziliani, co-editor of VinoWire, will debate Ezio Rivella, ex-director of Banfi, on the future of the Brunello appellation.  Airing at 3:00 today, the debate will be streamed live at www.intoscana.it and www.vinarius.it.  Ziliani will argue that Brunello di Montalcino...

Gaudio Grignolino “Brico Mandolino”, 2005, DOC, Piemonte One of the fascinating aspects of Italian wine is the number of varietals that are under the radar, especially in areas of renown such as Tuscany and the Piedmont. It’s hard to acquire cachet when you’re up...

“Buon vino fa buon sangue” An old Italian phrase that translates loosely as “..good wine makes for good cheer.” Which aptly describes the other night’s Cru Club dinner at neighborhood fave L’Oca, where chef Luca Garruti’s four course menu was enhanced...

Masciarello Freisa “Toetto”, 2001 Piemonte Paitin Barbera d’Alba “Serra Boella”, 2003 Piemonte Selvapiana Chianti Rufina Riserva “Vigna Bucerchiale”, 2003 Toscana Antinori Chianti Classico, 1999 Toscana Orlando Abrigo Barbaesco “Vigna...

In a man bites dog moment topped only by our local nine winning a World Series, common sense and tradition won the day when the regulatory standards to which Brunello has been held were upheld last week by an overwhelming majority of those powers-that-be who vote on such matters. The aromatic...

Was Gallo Duped? We’ll Know in a Few Days: Another day, another scandal: It’s all about the Red Bicyclet.. http://bit.ly/daxhmy # Are the Times A-Changin’?: A New Jersey bill would allow direct shipping of wine to consumers.  Will this decis.. http://bit.ly/aCktEj # The Weekly Wine...

Authentic Brunello di Montalcino: The scandal is in the past, but not the too-far past; thus,  many questions s.. http://bit.ly/9nl9yu # Wine Criticism a Thing of the Past?: Well, I don’t see that happening.  Not anytime soon.  But Oliver Thr.. http://bit.ly/bsyteS # L’Angolo di...