The first wine bar to exclusively feature wine from Pennsylvania is about to open in a few days. This is a significant moment for local viticulture: PA wineries have never been accorded this level of economic support and visibility in a major city. It would not be overstating that this is a...

Philly boy goes to wine school, moves to New Zealand, and becomes a winemaker. Great little pick-me-up story from the Burlington Country Times. Good read for all of those folks out there who want to just say “fuck it” and get out of the rat race… or step out of the...

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...

Mastroberardino Aglianico Passito “Antheres”, NV, Irpinia IGT, Campania With the holidays upon us thoughts turn to sumptuous meals and the bounty of late autumn as it folds into winter..and wines to enjoy as an accompaniment to antipasti, entrees, and, of course,...

Ascevi 2005 Sauvignon Blanc “Ronco die Sassi”, Collio DOC, Friuli French varietals have a long history in Italy, most notably in Friuli. Commitment to producing monovarietal white wines has put a uniquely Italian stamp on those grapes and reflects the cross cultural influences that...

1. Morgex et De La Salle “Vini  Estremi,” 2005, Valle D’Aosta  2. Cascina Chicco Roero Arneis 2005, Piemonte 3. Caldora Pecorino, 2005, Abruzzo 4. Cormons Pignolo, 2004, Colli Orientali, Friuli 5. Frecciarossa Oltrepo Pavese Uva Rara, 2004, Piemonte 6. Santa...

Tomas and Giesen “Munir Bianco” 2006, IGT, Sicilia Cataratto is one of the most widely planted grapes in Italy. It accounts for over half of Sicily’s vineyard acres and is known primarily for use as a bulk wine grape or as part of the blend for Marsala. The Lucido variety...

Down in the wine cellar for the first time this week. Looks like the condensation tank overflowed over the weekend, damn. Looking at our wine class calendar, this week is fairly slow. Two classes (Italy and 101) and a VIP event for some of the people at the Convention Center. There is a large...

Mastroberardino 2005 Greco di Tufa “Nova Serra” Campania Attems 2004 Tocai Friulano Collio Friuli Massolino 2006 Barbera d’Alba Piemonte Allegrini 2004 “Palazzo delle Torre” Veronese Rosso Veneto Sella & Mosca 2004 Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva ...

Recently, our Advanced Class students finished a seven week viaggio through the oftimes bewildering, but nonetheles fascinating, demimonde of Italian wine. Along the way they tasted, analyzed, and discussed dozens of wines representing eighteen of Italy’s twenty regions, from the obvious...

Abbazia di Novacella 2007 Kerner, Alto Adige DOC The Alto Adige may be politically and geographically part of Italy, but its wines exhibit an attitude born of altitude that is decidedly continental. Nestled in the visually stunning Valle Isarco is the 900 year old Augustinian monastery of...

“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...