There are two growing regions for Verdicchio (Vair-dee-kee-oh) along Marche's Adriatic coast, Castelli di Jesi and Matelica. The former is produced right along the water, and the latter is in a smaller area located farther... Read More
This Prosecco is more like Pet-Net than the usual mass-production sparkler that made Veneto famous. Starting with the old-vine vineyards, Glera and other varietals are grown on less than 20 acres of family-owned, chemical-free... Read More
Named for the vespa (wasps) who love this grape as much as we do, Vespaiolo (ves-pie-olo) is famous for its late-harvest wines, but the dry version is pretty remarkable too. One sniff and taste, and it's no wonder bees and... Read More
The two most widely planted red grapes in Italy are Montepliucinao and Sangiovese, so it's no wonder they end up together. The Marche region on the Adriatic coast is home to two such blends made in the DOCs of Rosso Conero... Read More
Did your high school Italian help you recognize the word truffle? Tartufaia refers to a truffle forest in La Morra that borders Giulia's (aka Barologirl's) vineyards. Barolo is renowned for its tar and roses flavors, but... Read More
Despite the whimsical label, Tenuta Giol in the Veneto is very serious about the environment and winemaking. That means there are no chemicals sprayed on the crops and land. Instead, organic farming produces Merlot for this vegan,... Read More
It's always exciting to try an obscure grape. Fabrizio Iuli saved Baratuciat from extinction and now grows it in a tiny village in Piedmont's northern edge of the Monferrato subregion. Meaning cat testicles in the local... Read More
You've probably had Ciliegiolo (chee-le-jee-oh-lo) without knowing it. Seldom vinified as a single varietal in Tuscany, Ciliegiolo is blended with its relative Sangiovese in Chianti for added lightness. In Umbria, however,... Read More