Recently I had the pleasure of visiting a dear friend Pier Foschi and his talented architect wife Emanuela Venturini, who in 2018 have embarked on a venture to create a new winery in Varano dei Marchesi, Medesano, Emilia Romagna. My dear friend Pier, a Knight of the Italian Republic, would be the first to admit that his passion for the world of winemaking was born from his life long appreciation of excellent wines and a deep rooted love for the stunning countryside in his reg

On a recent visit to Trieste and the surrounding region including Manzano, Udine and the valley of Isonzo River, it would have been remiss of me not to enquire of recommended wineries to visit. Loggia del Lionello in Piazza della Libertà, Udine As good fortune would have it, a new friend and proprietor of a business in Trieste, just happened to be a font of wise information about the wines of the region, suggested I visit Le Vigne di Zamò. Not only did he suggest it, but phon

There seems to be a tangible crossroad at present with Amarone that goes beyond the "modern" versus the "traditional" encampments in Valpolicella, or even the oak barriques or larger botti formats: The main bone of contention is "appassimento," many regions are producing fine wines at lower cost, and the market for high alcohol fruit bombs is declining. There are varying degrees of action; from a few adjustments here and there to an “abandon ship” scenario, and leaving the hi