What made this 2021 vintage so special and unique was the unusual combination of weather patterns. Firstly, it was a cold spring, between the end of the first week and the second week of April temperatures dropped significantly reaching -7C in the valley, which caused widespread frost. This was a major game changer for this outstanding vintage. The frost was deep set, and broke records going back 20 plus years. The summer was the second driest for 30 years. Less than 100 mm o

Recently, I was graciously invited to a vertical tasting of Vigna Trecci Rosso Toscana IGT in Montepulciano followed by a lavish lunch at Osteria Porta di Bacco. Both the winery and the restaurant are under the ownership and meticulous management of my good friend Andrea Sorlini Bifolchi. Vigna Trecci Rosso Toscana IGT is a blend of red and white grapes, included within some: Prugnolo Gentile, Canaiolo Nero, Mammolo, Colorino, Trebbiano and Malvasia. The result is an elegant,

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