Sicilia En Primeur; The Grand Tasting and Speed “Dating”

Sicilia En Primeur; The Grand Tasting and Speed “Dating”

If you missed part one of my Sicilia En Primeur please click here.  After the individual group explorations and the wonderful welcome party, we returned to our hotel to rest up for the long day ahead. Bright and early we boarded a bus to Modica, a charming town known for its baroque architecture and rich…

En Primeur Sicilia – The First Three Days

En Primeur Sicilia – The First Three Days

Earlier this month, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 21st Sicilia En Primeur,  a press event sponsored by Assovini that allowed me to explore not only the terroir of the region, but the opportunity to taste over 300 wines. Over the course of the week, I was immersed in the rich culture, history,…

vineyard of Grandes Pago

Introducing the Grandes Pagos de Espana

I recently attended a virtual workshop that introduced me to the association consisting of thirty-six single estate vineyards that are recognized as the “Grands Crus of Spain.” The members of the Crus require a minimum of five years track record of quality in the vineyard and glass, as well as pass an annual blind tasting…

image of the Rhône River

The Lone Ranger Had Tonto; The Rhone Rangers Have GSM

The Lone Ranger was a fictional Old West good guy who wore a mask to protect his identity. He was the lone survivor after he and five other rangers were ambushed.  His horse-riding sidekick, Tonto, saved his life when he found him barely alive after the grisly attack and together they rode looking to right…

Between a Theatre of Mountains and the Seduction of the Sea Lies Abruzzo

Between a Theatre of Mountains and the Seduction of the Sea Lies Abruzzo

Imagine yourself landing in Rome, you are instantly seduced by the beauty of the ancient city. You spend a few days walking around taking in the sites. The beauty of the Colosseum aroused your senses and the sheer magnitude of the Vatican took your breath away. Wandering the Roman ruins and Palantine Hill allows you…

Stepping Outside the Box in Navarra with Chardonnay

Stepping Outside the Box in Navarra with Chardonnay

Located in the northern portion of Spain, situated just below France lies the autonomous wine region, Navarra. The region, home of a single DO with the same name, is divided into five sub-regions; Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Ribera Alta, Ribera Baja, and Baja Montaña. These regions are extremely diverse thanks to the proximity to the Atlantic…