Journal
Stories and reflections on wine, the people who make it, the places we gather, and the ideas that connect them. A journal of curiosity, discovery and the pleasures of the table.
On the Arele, a Memory of Silk: Appassimento as Valpolicella's Living Cultural Heritage
Across Valpolicella, the best grapes of the harvest now rest in the fruttai until December. Italy has put this rite forward to UNESCO, to protect a knowledge handed down through families rather than a method.
Sixteen degrees of alcohol, and the word I keep writing in the margin
Every year the Valpolicella consortium asks me to taste the new Amarone. On paper, these wines should be exhausting. Lately one word keeps appearing in my notes.
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.
Amarone 1997, The year that was
A one of a kind historical tasting of 1997 Amarone and Recioto wines from Italy’s Valpolicella gathered a group of erudite and passionate wine lovers to discover their aging potential.
Bertani 1964 @ Vinitaly 2011…
The memories of a once in a lifetime tasting at Vinitaly 2011