Category Archives: Italy

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line.  Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Falesco Vitiano 2005

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Falesco, Umbria IGT, Vitiano 2005 This wine is showing nicely at a point in its evolution over 6 years since the grapes were harvested. It is light-bodied as expected, as it was in bottles tasted early on. Yet what we have … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Sangiovese, Umbria | Tagged | 2 Comments

Pellegrino Marsala

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Ray Johnson

During my visit to Pellegrino I had the opportunity to learn first-hand about one of Europe’s most famous fortified wines, Marsala. While the market has faded and consumer interest in these wines has waned, a few producers soldier on making … Continue reading →

Posted in Grillo, Italy, Marsala, Sicilia | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Wines of Donnafugata

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Ray Johnson

During our recent trip to Sicily I had the opportunity to visit with the team at Donnafugata both on the main island in Marsala and on the small and windswept island of Pantelleria. The wines run the spectrum from fresh, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ansonica, Cabernet Sauvignon, Catarratto, Italy, Moscato di Pantelleria, Muscat, Nero d'Avola, Pantelleria, Sicilia | Tagged | Leave a comment

Red wines from France and Italy

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Louis Latour, Marsannay, Rouge 2007 The nose displays earthiness and meatiness upon first opening with a bit of black fruit in the background. In the mouth it is quite hard at this point in time. Mis en bouteille a Beaune … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chianti, Chianti Classico, France, Italy, Marsannay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dry white wines from Europe

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Caves Allianca, Vinho Verde DOC, Branco Unfortunately this bottle is showing some volatility. What is true to type about this wine is the petillance, light body and high acidity. This purchase was bottled in 2010 in Anadia 9% $5.49 at … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, Alto Adige, France, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Portugal, Vinho Verde | Tagged | Leave a comment

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2007

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Allegrini, Veronese IGT, Palazzo Della Torre 2007 This vintage, as some in the past, features a bit more leather that adds a great complexity to the nose. In the mouth the ripeness of the wine comes through, with complexity and … Continue reading →

Posted in Corvina, Italy, Veneto Red | Tagged | Leave a comment

Villa Sandi Prosecco Il Fresco

Posted on December 18, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Villa Sandi, Treviso, Prosecco, Il Fresco, Brut, nv This bubbly is redolent of fresh pears,  making for a fruit-driven Prosecco. While labeled brut, this wine is not austere, with a soft approach and moderate acidity – nice. As in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Prosecco, Sparkling Dry, Treviso, Veneto | Tagged | Leave a comment

Vietti Barbarera d’Asti 2008

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Vietti, Barbera d’Asti, Tre Vigne 2008 In the nose you’ll find black fruit, green herbs, earth and chocolate. In the mouth there is Barbera’s acidic trademark, with density of flavor and a fair amount of tannin very long. The grapes … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Italy, Piemonte | Tagged | Leave a comment

Cascina Castle’t Moscato d’Asti 2008

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Cascina Castle’t, Moscato d’Asti 2008 This wine is delightful in its expression of orange blossoms with an added complexity from the extra year in the bottle – creamy and delicious. Estate bottled by Maria Borio in Costigliole d’Asti 5.5% purchased … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet | Tagged | 2 Comments