Here, I share my news, opinions and musings as I journey with you through the world of wine. These articles are inspired by courses I teach, publications I read and write for, events I attend, and Masterclasses I deliver. I hope that you will find them insightful and thought-provoking! Do not hesitate to contact me with your comments at: contact@grandepassione.com.
Study Guides for Major Italian Wine Grapes
For study purposes, I created various MindMaps (dropbox folder) showing essential information for 175 Italian grape varieties. Click on an icon below to see my study notes...
These are based on the book by Ian d'Agata, Native Wines Grapes of Italy and reinforced with added information (organoleptic properties only) from Wine Grapes by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and Jose Vouillamoz.
Amarone… The Boom Generation, a Masterclass & a Paradigm Shift
In the context of “Amarone Opera Prima” held last June in Verona, I had a chance to present my case for the Amarone of the future. Focusing on six emblematic producers, my aim was to convince an audience of more than 100 journalists from around the world that the region is going through a generational change and seek to produce an Amarone both as an expression of place and a symbol of excellence.
Sardinia, Italy's Best Kept Secret?
In this post, I publish my notes of a Webinar I presented to the members of the Wine Scholar Guild on Sardinia on 20 April 2022. You can join their membership here.
It was a fantastic opportunity for me to share my discoveries on a most fascinating territory. A place with a rich history and culture, another world altogether.
A Wine in Honor of a Goddess…
At a vertical tasting going back to 1997 hosted by the Hong Kong Wine Society, participants discovered not only the tremendous quality potential of this legendary wine but also how beautifully the grapes of Sardinia can age. The 12 wines tasted impressed most by how consistent their quality was throughout, especially since each vintage showed apparent stylistic differences. This last discovery was another finding we did not expect and we removed from our minds the long-lasting belief that Italian vintages do not mark wines as much as they do in more northern wine regions of Europe. We learned this lesson with wines from a Mediterranean island even more surprising. Overall, the wines showed a delightful freshness of acidity with exquisite balance and proportion. Each vintage intriguingly expressed a different personality and was equally enjoyed by all.
Nonino, 120 Years of Innovation…
The first thing you notice when meeting the Nonino family is its incredible energy. An energy so powerful that it feels like being drawn into a whirlwind. After a few minutes, you realize that it is not energy that animates them, it is ideas. Ideas so advanced that you cannot help feeling a step behind, always trying to catch up. People will tell you that meeting the Noninos changed their lives forever, that encountering this legendary family is a transformational experience.
Remaining true to artisanal methods of production, the family has fundamentally transformed Grappa and made it a symbol of the Italian art of living.
Ca del Bosco Goes to Japan…
That Maurizio Zanella is considered a visionary when it comes to Italy’s Franciacorta is conventional wisdom. That his vision also extends to Japan is fascinating.
Visionary and uncompromising, determined and focused, Maurizio Zanella, the founder of Ca’ del Bosco, created one of Italy's most respected wine brands today. Over two days of extensive tastings in Tokyo, Spirito diVino Asia had close contact with this Icon of Italian wine and an exclusive and personal look at the secret of his success.
ARPEPE, Finally, I fell in Love with Nebbiolo!
I am not shy to admit that, until last April, my love affair with Nebbiolo, the grape responsible for the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, was not on solid grounds. But, a meeting with ArPePe's Isabella Pelizzatti Perego at Vinitaly in Verona changed that forever...
I was struck by their elegance and restraint, purity, and finesse through a tasting of 9 of her wines, all made with 100% Nebbiolo. Everything about the feminine side of Nebbiolo I had so often heard about came alive in a magnificent way that I had never experienced before.
"Dino 2013”, a Beautiful Amphora Wine by Fontodi...
This wine's natural beauty is in its spirit; it is a wine about a family, land, and the circle of life. When he created “Dino”, Giovanni Manetti did not only create a new wine for Fontondi, he made a tribute. Named in honour of his father, who passed away in early 2000, it links the winery back to its roots, where it all began.
Bertani 1964 @ Vinitaly 2011…
The memories of a once in a lifetime tasting at Vinitaly 2011