The story of David and Goliath is well known and has been used to describe all sorts of comparisons between the smaller guy and an overwhelming larger force.  David was victorious because he had the courage to take the battle to Goliath and used his advantage of a slingshot to keep his distance and keep the battle on his own terms.  In the end, it was all about using his differences to keep an advantage.  There is a small area of Italy called Alto Adige that is the proverbial David when it comes to wine making.  This little region of around 12,000 acres of vineyards is producing some excellent wine that is taking on the rest of Italy.  Nearly 100% of its vineyards are registered for DOC wines.  This means that there are very few grapes that are not meeting the highest standards and being used to create quality wines.

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Popularity: 48% [?]

The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate.   I enjoy the traditional aspects of holiday picnics, carnivals, and fireworks.  However, when I have a glass of wine in hand and begin to muse, the word “tradition” takes on a different connotation.  I know that every tradition began as an innovation that may not have been initially appreciated.  Yet as time passes, this rebellious idea becomes acceptable based upon merit and subsequent achievements. 

The vineyards of Toscana Rosso have been the epiphany of rebellion in Italian winemaking.  For those of you who speak Italian, I do apologize, and I know that it should be Rossa di Toscana.  As so often happens, marketing speak defeats correct language usage.

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Popularity: 50% [?]

Piedmont is often revered as one of the noblest wine making regions in the world.   Piedmont produces one of our favorite whites and also has some excellent value reds.  We’re going to introduce you to a few of our favorites from this region.

The Barolo (made from the Nebbiolo grape) has been known as the king of wines and wine of kings.  The current global market is demanding a king’s ransom to garner a bottle.  The price of the Nebbiolo grape is influenced by its sensitivity to climate and soils and the fact that very few clones have been exported to other countries.  These factors combine to increase the demand on the grapes from this region.  Some winemakers have even said that the Nebbiolo grape is more sensitive than Pinot Noir which means great care must be taken to produce consistent quality wines.

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Popularity: 71% [?]