April 2021

Great Italian Wines [Master Class] Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties – Montepulciano & Aglianico

I attended the online Masterclass Series “Great Italian Wines – Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties” – Montepulciano & Aglianico on Thursday, April 15^th, Part 3 in the series, and here is what I found out.

Montepulciano
Vines in Montepulciano have been cultivated since the late 1700s. Currently, Montepulciano is the second most widely planted varietal in Italy, just after Sangiovese, and is planted mainly in central Italy, predominantly in Abruzzo, as well as the regions of Marche, Molise. and Puglia.

The most famous Montepulciano wines come from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC. It is a high-yielding grape that thrives in the area of Abruzzo. Winemaking traditions in Abruzzo date back to the 6th century BC. Montepulciano is produced in each of Abruzzo’s provinces – L’Aquila (Capital), Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo – and over half of the 32,000 hectares of vines are planted to this varietal. This variety has a blue-purple skin colour; is late-ripening and thick-skinned yet produces wines with softer tannins and lower acidity.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo was designated a DOC in 1968 and requires at least 85% of the wine to be made with Montepulciano varietal and no more than 15% of Sangiovese.

Important to note – This is Montepulciano “The Indigenous Variety” NOT Vino Nobile di Montepulciano MONTEPULCIANO

Aglianico
Aglianico is considered to be the “Barolo of the South”, with the finest examples found in Basilicata and Campania. Basilicata is a region located in the instep of the “boot of Italy” which borders Campania, Puglia, and Calabria between the Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts.

Aglianico del Vulture DOC was established in 1971; 2,400 hectares are cultivated on volcanic soils from Mount Vulture. Aglianico is the only permitted grape within this DOC. The best examples of Aglianico del Vulture DOC wines are grown between 350 to 500 metres above sea level.

The Aglianico varietal has a dark blue-black colour and is thick-skinned; is a late-ripening variety that can be harvested into November and is also low-yielding. This varietal also requires abundant sunshine and dry weather; thrives on steep slopes, high altitudes, and volcanic soils. These wines tend to be full-bodied, have good structure, firm tannins, and are age-worthy.

Wines Tasted

Torre Dei Beati Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018
Varietal: 100% Montepulciano (organic)

Deep, violet-ruby red in colour; elegant nose with complex blackberry fruit, hints of spice and mint; on the palate ripe red berries and earthy notes; well-structured with refined tannins through to a long finish. This is an elegant interpretation of Montepulciano.
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Score: 90 points

Grifalco Aglianico Del Vulture 2018
Varietal: 100% Aglianico

Ruby red in colour; the nose is generous and elegant; fresh and preserved red berries, enriched with balsamic note and mineral notes; the palate is bold and full-bodied with lovely red and black cherry and earthy flavours; structured tannins; good acidity lengthens the deep defined finish.
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Score: 91 points

@italchambers @trueitaliantaste @cavinonawine #trueitaliantaste #extraordinaryitaliantaste #iffoodcouldtalk #indigenousgrapevarieties #greatitalianwines #aglianico #BarolooftheSouth #Montepulciano #winetasting #instawine #winelovers #Italianwinelovers

Nebbiolo, a milestone for exploring the magnificent wines of Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero wine destinations [Part 1] – Filippo Magnani

Nebbiolo Prima 2021 is an important tasting that embraces the wine areas of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero, the champions of Piedmont. Considering this particular period, I have been very fortunate to participate in the 25th edition, by Albeisa, end of March.

Albeisa, Unione Produttori Vini Albesi, is a consortium, founded to promote the great wines of the Alba area to the world. The history of this consortium is linked in a twofold way to the same-named and unmistakable Albeisa bottle. For Nebbiolo Prima this year, they have majestically organized a limited tasting, setting restricted policies to be able us to review the wines in total security.

Four days of intensive work, all dedicated to one of the protagonists of the Italian wine scene and a milestone to discover Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero territories: Nebbiolo grape, the noble of Italian native grape varieties. The name Nebbiolo derives from the Italian word “Nebbia” which translates to fog or mist. A challenging and sensitive grape that, in the right hillside spot (south-facing), expresses itself in a unique and beautiful complexity. It prefers rich calcareous tufa-based soil – such as the ones in Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero.

At the tasting, all the Nebbiolos were presented blind, in five glasses at a time. We reviewed 336 wine of different denominations: DOCG Roero 2018 and Riserva 2017, DOCG Barbaresco 2018 and Riserva 2016, DOCG Barolo 2017 and Riserva 2015.

Tasting report of Nebbiolo Prima 2021

Roero
Roero is that section of land located to the north of Alba town, in the province of Cuneo, on the left bank of the river Tanaro, between the plain of Carmagnola and the low hills of Asti.

Wine denomination DOCG

(controlled and guaranteed designation of origin)

Grape

Minimum aging

Released on the market

Roero Docg

95% Nebbiolo

5% other

non-aromatic red grape

20 months, of which 6 in wood

from the 1st July of second year after the harvest

Roero Docg Reserve

95% Nebbiolo

5% other

non-aromatic red grape

32 months, of which in 6 wood

from the 1st July of third year after the harvest

Tastings Roero DOCG 2018 (15 wines reviewed)

Most of the Roero 2018 that I tasted were fresh, harmonious with good fruit and quite long finish.

On my radar:

Winery: Bric Castelvej – Canale
Wine: Roero Docg 2018

Pale ruby core with light purple hue towards the edge. The nose is fruity and dynamic with a hint of pepper. Well structured body with medium alcohol and soft tannins, a bit light at the end. Good wine.

Winery: Lorenzo Negro – Monteu Roero
Wine: Roero Docg 2018 Prachiosso

Medium ruby-red. Intense flavour of red plum and notes of violet. Medium acidity with discreet alcohol level. Fruity and spicy. Quite a long aftertaste. I like it.

My pick:

Winery: Deltetto – Santo Stefano Roero
Wine: Roero Docg 2018 Gorrini

Brilliant red ruby colour. Distinctly rose floral nose mixed with hints of dark cherry and fresh coffee. Full-bodied with pleasant red notes developing on the palate. Medium tannic structure. Light toasty finish. Charming wine.

Tastings Roero DOCG 2017 Riserva (16 wines reviewed)

Across the tasting of the riservas, I noted some wines with slight dominant alcohol content although in general, the wines preserved ripe fruit and good acidity.

On my radar:

Winery: Malvirà – Canale
Wine: Roero Docg Riserva 2017 S.S. Trinità 2017

Colour ranging from ruby core to light garnet rim. Intense flavour of ripe plum with balsamic notes of mint. Hint of vanilla. Fresh with lively red cherry. Good structured with quite delicate tannins. Lovely wine.

Winery: Cascina Chicco – Vezza d’Alba
Wine: Roero Docg Riserva Valmaggiore 2017

Deep ruby colour. Rich bouquet of blackcherry with hints of violet. Round, full body and warm. Quite powerful tannins and long length. Lovely nebbiolo.

My pick:

Winery: Cascina Ca’ Rossa – Canale
Wine: Roero Docg Riserva Mompissano 2017

The colour is medium ruby with a compact rim. Pronounced intensity of ripe red fruit mixed with notes of chocolate and tobacco. Full body wine with good freshness. Present delicate tannins and quite long aftertaste. Great wine.

Filippo Magnani
Wine Writer, DipWset, Wine travel expert in Italy

I want to thank Liz Palmer, who
kindly proposed for me to participate and report on the
Nebbiolo Prima 2021, to represent her website
See you in Piedmont !

#Nebbiolo #winewriter #winetravel #Italy #italianwine #Barolo, #Barbaresco #Roero #FilippoMagnani #NebbioloPrima2021 #Piedmont #Italianwinelovers #winelovers #instawine #winetasting #NebbioloPrima @filippomagnaniwine @albeisawines

50 BEST UNVEILS 50 NEXT, A GLOBAL LIST OF YOUNG PEOPLE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GASTRONOMY

The organization behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars has today unveiled the first edition of 50 Next, a list of young people shaping the future of gastronomy. Designed to inspire, empower and connect the next generation of leaders, 50 Next celebrates people aged 35 and under from across the wider food and drink scene, from producers and educators to tech creators and activists. This year’s virtual announcement will be followed in 2022 with a live event in the region of Biscay, in the Basque Country of Spain, the official Host Destination Partner to 50 Next, once travel restrictions are eased.

A list but not a ranking, 50 Next specifically celebrates people, complementing the annual rankings of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars. It was formed through robust research and analysis by 50 Next and the internationally renowned Basque Culinary Center, following an overwhelming response to open calls for applications and nominations and a proactive scouting for candidates.

The inaugural list aims to represent the diversity of the global gastronomic scene, featuring people from 34 different countries across six continents. Delving into the wider meaning of gastronomy, 50 Next is divided into seven industry-led categories: Gamechanging Producers; Tech Disruptors; Empowering Educators; Entrepreneurial Creatives; Science Innovators; Hospitality Pioneers (supported by S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy) and Trailblazing Activists. Each category is unranked and comprises a broad spectrum of professions, with those on the list recognized for their overall contribution to the gastronomic ecosystem, as well as their ongoing potential to drive significant positive change.

The class of 2021 includes ground-breaking Australian fish butcher Josh Niland, progressive agriculture advocate Cherrie Atilano from the Philippines, Ghanaian tech innovator Isaac Sesi, Mexican indigenous pioneer Claudia Albertina Ruiz and Jhannel Tomlinson, a Jamaican climate change champion who empowers women through coffee. The youngest on the list is 20-year-old Basque medical student Maitane Alonso Monasterio, who has invented a machine to preserve food.

William Drew, Director of Content for 50 Best, says: “As the world of gastronomy strives to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic, it is more important than ever for us to support, empower and celebrate those at every level of the food and drink chain. By bringing together this truly diverse list of young people with the support of the Basque Culinary Center, the Biscay region and the wider 50 Best family, we pledge to nurture, uplift and provide a platform for those fighting for a brighter future for gastronomy. 50 Next allows us to connect today’s leaders with the next generation.”

Highlights from the list include:

Inaugural 50 Next list features people from 34 countries across six continents, identified as next-generation leaders in food and drink;
Seven categories recognize those working across gastronomy in production, tech, education, creative industries, science, hospitality and activism;
Unranked list includes 24 women, 19 men and seven groups, with individuals ranging in age from 20 to 35;
700 candidates were considered from a pool of applications, nominations and talent directly scouted by the Basque Culinary Center, 50 Next’s Academic Partner;
Live 50 Next event to follow in Bilbao in the region of Biscay, in the Basque Country of Spain, in early 2022.

As the first global list of its kind, 50 Next includes five people based in Africa, six in Asia, one in the Caribbean, 18 in Europe, seven in Latin America, two in the Middle East, three in Australasia and eight in the USA. While there are 29 countries of residence featured, there are 34 countries of origin, owing to the fact that many young innovators have left their home countries to settle in tech, business or educational hubs such as the UK and US.

Full information about the list and selection process can be found on the 50 Next website http://www.theworlds50best.com/50next/

@theworlds50best @TheWorlds50Best

#50Next #IAm50Next #Worlds50Best #Asias50Best #LatAm50Best #50BestBars #Worlds50BestBars #Asias50BestBars #BreakingNews #TodaysNews #FoodNews #Hospitality #Gastronomy #Foodies #Drinks #Bartenders #Chefs #Announcement #biscay #bizkaia #50bestbizkaia #VisitBiscay #bilbao #EuskadiBasqueCountry #CulinaryNation #bculinary #mybculinary #gastronomia #BCCtalent @bculinary @visitbisca #50BestTalks #foodtech #culinary

Happy Malbec World Day – Here are Some Fun Facts to Help you Celebrate

Wines of Argentina has been paying tribute to Malbec on April 17^th since 2011.

This date was chosen because on the same day in 1853 the first agricultural school in Argentina was founded, becoming a symbol of the transformation of Argentina’s wine industry.

Malbec in Argentina

There are 112,823 acres of Malbec planted in Argentina;
There were 129 million litres of Malbec exported by Argentina in 2020; and
Argentinian Malbec is grown at some of the highest altitudes in the world. In Mendoza, the average height of vineyards is 900 meters above sea level, but some of the highest vineyards in the world are found in the north of Argentina, in Salta, Catamarca, and Tucumán – the Calchaquí Valleys – In Salta some vineyards are as high as 3,000 meters above sea level.

Fun Facts

Did you know that Malbec was originally associated with South-West France?

A grape variety Magdeleine Noire des Charentes (which is also a parent to Merlot) was once the most commonly planted grape variety in South-West France. It was then known as Côt?

Did you know that that Malbec was grown in Bordeaux until the harsh winter in 1956 which killed off most of the vineyards?
Did you know that Malbec is a challenging grape to grow? It has a poor resistance to bad weather, frost and pests and requires substantial sunlight and heat to become fully mature. It is particularly prone to coulure and mildew?
Did you know that Argentina reinvigorated Malbec?

Argentina is the biggest Malbec exporter in the world, but it is also the fifth biggest major wine producer in the world with 14.5mhl of wine produced in 2018 alone. Exporting 128,828,560 litres of Malbec in 2020, and exporting wine to 119 countries, Argentina has seen a 52% increase in production of wines made from the grape since 2010.

Malbec is also produced around the world in the USA, Chile, South Africa and Australia.

#malbecworldday # malbec #winesofargentina #redwine #winelovers #instawine #MalbecArgentino #Malbecnosgusta #argentina

The Consejo Regulador DOCa of Rioja unveils strategic five-year plan

The Consejo Regulador DOCa of Rioja has unveiled a five-year strategic plan aimed at boosting the region’s sustainability credentials, driving wine tourism and increasing exports.

The aim is to boost total sales from 230 million litres in 2020 to 312 million litres by 2025, with export to account for 44% at 137 million litres, in addition to increased turnover of the Rioja brand by 23%, said the regional body.

White Rioja is set to grow to a total of 12% of volume and rosado to 5% of volume, a projection which aligns with current trends in the UK – still the most important export market for Rioja, the DOCa added.

Referred to as “a blueprint” for Rioja to establish itself as a global leader in wine production, the new strategy was developed following a year-long review carried out in collaboration with all key regional stakeholders, and in consultation with experts from each of the region’s 12 key export markets.

Central to the DOCa’s plans will be a focus on establishing Rioja as a leader in sustainability to help safeguard the future of the region, with key metrics having been developed to measure progress in this area, including the reduction of pesticide use by 50% and carbon footprint by 10%.

Another key pillar of the new strategy will be a focus on increasing wine tourism, with a target of reaching 1.3 million visitors by 2025, compared to the 343,000 visitors counted in 2020. The DOCa said it expected the number of wineries able to offer visitor experiences to rise to 250, just over a third of the region’s total.

Moreover, it said that digitalization would also play a prominent role in driving sales from the region with a target to quadruple online sales.

“The new strategic plan exemplifies Rioja’s pioneering character and aims to increase the value of the region and raise awareness of our wines, particularly in key export markets,” said President Fernando Salamero.

#RiojaWine #Rioja #WineLovers #Wine #winetasting #Vineyard #tempranillo #instawine #redwine #vinotinto #winetime #winestagram #spain #spanishwine #winery #enoturismo #vinos #vinho #winenews #winetourism