There is a lot to say about this small producer. It is the definition of eclectic and out of the ordinary; the wines are usually hard to find, and, in fact, they are regularly kind of smuggled into the U.S. The winery doesn’t have a ordinary distribution network like the rest of the producers that you see on the shelves in the U.S. Rather, Flavio Roddolo avoids trends and stays isolated in his dedication to vine cultivation in his homeland of Monforte D’Alba. He farms, he ferments, he bottles—he does everything himself. The production is tiny, tiny—they are even hard to find if you ever go in the Langhe. No marketing, no consultants, no shortcuts. His approach involves time along with traditional methods—that is it.
Read MoreFew vineyards in the world hold the status of Vigna Francia, a vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba that has become synonymous with Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo and Barbera. Bought by the Conterno family in 1974, it represents one of the most essential and unique terroirs in Barolo, yielding wines of profound structure, beauty, and longevity. I mean, this is the vineyard of Monfortino after all, the most important Italian wine ever made.
Read MoreTuscany holds so many well-known wines and wineries that it is always more of a challenge to bring you something new; but if I cannot do that, then you can’t go wrong with the tried and true! The 2022 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Rosso di Montalcino $22.99 is the perfect introduction to Sangiovese for folks who have not had much of it before. Wines that are 100% Sangiovese can be a bit acidic, but this wine is full of richly textured, sweet, ripe fruit that still shows balance but has a super easy drinkability to it. Priced as a no brainer, grab a couple for the in-laws, they will love it.
Read MoreCall me silly but I always find staying in castles a bit exciting—not that I’m into hanging out over the ramparts, but there’s just something about it. It’s no different at the Castello di Perno except this small castle is poised on a ridge above the village of Monforte d’Alba, one of my favorites in Barolo. It’s an old castle, but the thing that is really interesting is that Giulio Einaudi, one of Italy’s most famous publishers, owned this up until 2012 when Giorgio Gitti purchased it and the estate. They still have Einaudi’s library, and it gave me goosebumps when I visited and walked over the creaking wooden floor and smelled the dusty old manuscripts—it made me feel like I was in a castle!
Read MoreItalian wine is known for its food-friendliness, but the Barbera grape from Piedmont might very well be the most versatile for the dinner table. Its high acidity and friendly tannins make it a great pair for many a meal. With subtle differences in style based on where it’s grown, the best way to really get to know this grape is to open up a bottle from each of its hometowns. Hard work, but someone’s gotta do it…
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