Understanding Italy: Abruzzo

Residing due south of Marche along the Adriatic Sea on the east coast of Italy is the wine region of Abruzzo.  Home to possibly the most fun grape name to pronounce: Montepulciano.  One more time, Mon-te-pul-ciano!  Just makes you want to talk with your hands as it rolls…

Understanding Italy: Marche

Le Marche, Italy.  Located on the central eastern coast of Italy, and home to Cesare Mondavi (Father of Robert and Peter), this is a region sadly somewhat overshadowed on a global stage by its neighbors Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Abruzzo, and Umbria, yet in no short supply of exceptional wines…

Understanding Italy: Alto Adige

Residing in the northernmost reaches of Italy, sitting just due east of the center, and producing a whopping <1% of the country’s wine production is the small, yet world-renowned wine producing region of Alto Adige.  The region is known for its Austrian influences not only on the grapes,…

Understanding Italy: Piemonte

Beautiful Piemonte, home to Barolo and Barbaresco.  Well, home to Nebbiolo more correctly.  Take it a step further, home to Barbera, Dolcetto, Moscato, Cortese, and Arneis in addition to other local and international varietals. In addition to a plethora of grape varietals grown in Piemonte, the region produces…