Tag Archives: italia

Pietradolce, Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso DOC, Sicilia, Italia, 2012, 14.5% abv.

Here is a stunner straight from the north facing slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna. Grown on bush trained vines at 600m above sea level, the name of the winery is a direct acknowledgment of the volcanic soil the vines are rooted in – … Continue reading

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Rabaja, Cascina Luisin, Barbaresco DOCG, Italia, 1996, 13.5% abv, US$50 (rarewineco.com)

This Barbaresco is 100% Nebbiolo and comes from a (still) family-owned Piedmonte winery established in 1913.  The Rabaja vineyard is close to the central village of Barbaresco and the famous River Tanaro runs below the property and moderates the vineyard’s climate. Today … Continue reading

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Fontanavigna, Pallagrello Bianco, Terre del Principe, Terre del Volturno, Castel Campagnano, Campania, IGT, Italy, 2011, 13.5% abv.

Italy has hundreds of indigenous grapes, many of which go by several names that depend on where they’re grown. This fact alone can terrorize even the most capable wine geek, let alone the average consumer thinking about buying something at the … Continue reading

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Il Fauno Di Arcanum, IGT, Toscana, Italia, 2008, 14% abv.

Oh happy day – a Supertuscan wine from the Castelnuovo Beradenga region of Chianti Classico that has been declassified to IGT status because it’s a blend of 62 Merlot, 23 Cab Sauvignon, 8 Cab Franc, 6 Sangiovese and 1% Petit … Continue reading

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Emotivo, Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italia, 11% abv.

When it burst onto the international scene post WW2, Prosecco was called the ‘poor man’s champagne’.  There’s nothing poor about this Prosecco. Produced from Glera grapes, the Emotivo is clear and bright, pale lemon with a delicate and long lasting … Continue reading

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Villa Teresa Prosecco DOC, Vino Frizzante, Vino Biologico, Friuli, Veneto, Italia, 11% abv, C$17

The Italian sparkling wine Prosecco is so popular in North America and throughout Europe, it has risen to the number one market share spot for sparkling wines in many markets and even bumped out Champagne. In 2010 alone, sales of … Continue reading

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Lambrusco di Sorbara, Emilia-Romagna, Tenuta Casolari, Vino Frizzante Secco, Italy, 11% abv, C$15

Kelowna is the centre of the BC wine universe, but I brought something just a little different to Allan’s this weekend. Lambrusco is both the name of the grape and the wine – and it comes from Italy’s north central Emilia-Romagna region. … Continue reading

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Cretico, Chardonnay, Cantina Tollo, Terre Di Chieti IGT, Abruzzo, Italia, 2008, 14.5% abv, C$39

Well, this one falls under the heading of This-is-why-you-always-go-into-a-wine-store-knowing-more-than-the-kid-professing-to-being-able-to-assist-you. I’d wanted to buy a Sicilian Chardonnay and thought I was doing so – not knowing where Terre di Chieti was exactly. I believed the guy at Legacy who was quite … Continue reading

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Torre del Falasco, Ripasso, Cantina Valpentena, Valpolicella DOC, Italia, 2010, 13.5% abv, C$20

I must drink more Italian wines to prepare the parental units for their upcoming trip.  It’s such an onerous duty. This time we’re visiting Veneto and trying a Valpolicella made in the ripasso style.  To improve the depth and complexity … Continue reading

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