When Marco de Grazia first arrived on the north slope of Mount Etna in the early 2000s, he wasn't just looking to make wine, he was looking to prove a point. As a long-time exporter who had spent decades tasting the finest Burgundies and Barolos, Marco saw something in the "black lands" of the volcano that others had overlooked: a map of individual Contrade (crus) that could produce wines of world-class elegance.
Read MoreItaly never stops inspiring us. From mountain-grown Nebbiolo to the volcanic slopes of Sicily and the storied hills of Montalcino, each bottle tells a story of land, family, and tradition carried forward with passion. This month’s newsletter brings you everything from the unbeatable value of our new K&L Discovery Series arrivals to the unforgettable personality of Natalino Crognaletti and the reborn legacy of Giovinco. We're also featuring the soulful community of San Polino and a rare lineup of world-class collectibles like Masseto, Valdicava, and Castello di Ama.
Read MoreThere's a magic to wines born by the sea—a saline freshness that seems to carry the coastal breeze in every glass. With this selection I want to dive into some of my favorite whites for summer. From the sun-drenched shores of Sardinia to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the dramatic cliffs of Liguria, Vermentino and its close cousin, Pigato, reign supreme. V
Read MoreFor millennia the Mediterranean and Aegean islands were way-stations for traders and conquerors, each wave planting vines in their wake. Today those same outposts are buzzing with fresh energy. From Santorini’s volcano to Sicily’s lava soils, wind-lashed Corsica, and sun-soaked Sardinia, a new generation is pairing ancient bush vines with precision farming and low-intervention cellars—yielding mineral-charged whites, perfumed reds, and inventive blends that rival Europe’s mainland classics while staying refreshingly affordable and true to place.
Inside: Assyrtiko’s meteoric rise, under-the-radar Greek whites, high-altitude Xinomavro, Etna’s fiery reds, and Sardinia & Corsica’s boundary-breaking blends. Stock up and taste how brightly these island stars shine.
Read MoreSome winemakers create wines that seem to have a life of their own. The wines tell stories. The wines alter your perception about a location. Arianna Occhipinti is one of those winemakers.
Read MoreYou have not really lived until you have tasted Barolo at 9 AM, had six espressos before noon, rushed through Vinitaly meetings as if speed-dating while forging new friendships at every stop. That was my last week. And yes, it was worth it.
Read MoreAs we begin to bunker down and try to stay healthy, what’s better than a giant pot of soup? Not much—unless you pair it with the lively Cerasuola di Vittoria from Gulfi. The perfect comfort food for rainy, weird times!
Read MoreGiven the impressive range and diversity of Italian wine, it is easy to forget that it’s less than three-quarters the size of the state of California. That Italy is able to pack so much into such a small area is a testament to both the country’s natural diversity and a culture that embraces that diversity.
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