Tag Archives: Italy

Camerano Grappa di Barolo

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Hugo

We don’t get through many spirits at our house. The odd single malt whisky or fine bourbon, the occasional Cognac or Armagnac, or maybe even a nip of well aged Calvados. But just a tiny tipple once a month or … Continue reading →

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The Wonders of Italian Passitos

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Hugo

I’m currently running an Italian wine course that tours the country over six weeks.  Sourcing the wines for the course is a fun task, but for some wines an extremely tricky one.  For things like Chianti and Barolo you’re fairly … Continue reading →

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Calabrian Rarity

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Hugo

Anyone been to Calabria?  It’s just about the most remote region of Italy, being the toe of the boot, as my simple but charming hand-designed map shows.  The Apennines run right down the middle of the region, leaving just a … Continue reading →

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Exploring the Wines of the Veneto

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Hugo

In my current Italian wine course we’ve been taking a tour of the whole boot, starting at the North and slowly working our way down to the South and the Islands over six weeks.  Last week we were looking at … Continue reading →

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Visellio Primitivo Salento 2001

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Hugo

Whilst we’re on the subject of where varieties emanate from, how about California’s own Zinfandel?  Well, a few years ago DNA evidence showed it to be the same variety as Primitivo, which comes from Puglia, the heel of Italy.  That … Continue reading →

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Chronicon 2006

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Hugo

What kind of place do you normally end up at if you fancy a simple meal when out in town?  If you’d like a basic but decent bottle of wine that’s very food friendly and also good value, it’s still … Continue reading →

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Chianti Classico 2006 Taste-off

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Hugo

I love Chianti Classico.  It’s made from the most quintessential of all Italian grapes, Sangiovese, normally with a dash of the local grape Canaiolo blended in.  Basically though, it’s all about Sangiovese.  It’s quite a lean variety, with slightly bitter … Continue reading →

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Negroamaro from the Salento Peninsular

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Hugo

The other day I was praising the excellent 2001 Felline Primativo di Manduria that comes from the Salento Peninsular.  That wine is 100% Primativo, which is a great variety, but not responsible for most wines from those parts.  So whilst on … Continue reading →

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A Primitivo Delight

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Hugo

Last weekend we had a bottle of Felline Primitivo di Manduria 2001, which is a tre bicchieri wine (the top accolade from Gambero Rosso, the definitive Italian wine guide).  I bought it when on a six month tour of Italy … Continue reading →

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Morellino di Scansano

Posted on August 5, 2010 by Hugo

Ah, Sangiovese. What a wonderful grape.  With its high acidity, gripping tannins and rasping red cherry fruit it produces wines that positively demand to be drunk with food. For decent quality Chianti coming in at about a tenner, pasta with tomato sauce or … Continue reading →

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