This Grand Cru Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s iconic producer

_rangi is simply sublime. It’s the result of the legendary gumboot clone, a single Pinot Noir cutting taken from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy, smuggled into New Zealand in the mid-1970’s. This legend provides both pedigree and a degree of mystery to the wine.⁣

Distinctly pinot noir on the nose with lifted florals, red roses, delicious cherries, spices and savouriness all in one. You could sit and smell this for days... To taste, it’s a dream pinot. Refined, medium bodied, very long, encompassing power and finesse all at once. It’s a complex wine for sure as the dark cherry, dried fruit and herby almost stalky flavours unite and seductive your tastebuds. There’s a real energy about this wine which the flavours, acidity and tannins express from the moment you smell right through to the long, long, finish. Simply stunning!⁣

Let me know what you think of this New Zealand gem! And if you believe the legend...⁣

 This Grand Cru Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s iconic

_pott of Pott Wines who makes wines across Napa Valley and lives on Mount Veeder·

 Interview with Aaron Pott @aaron _pott of Pott Wines who

1st evening of 3ic wine school in Cugnoli, Abruzzo with a symphony of specialties of the region, from the vibrant trebbiano d’abruzzo and pecorino whites paired with the rich, comfort dishes of  sagne(fresh pasta and beans), chickpeas and saffron, cheese and egg pallotte, 3 types of pecorino with honey, everything locally sourced 😍

 1st evening of 3ic wine school in Cugnoli, Abruzzo with a

Study time 📖 📓🍷 Pale gold in colour with aromas of lemon, green apple, white flowers and chalky minerals.

Lemon, pear, lime zest, trace of herbs with a streak of minerality and good acidity. Lemon, honey and bitter almond linger on the dry crisp finish.

Sunny, delicate and refined, a textbook Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

98% Vernaccia di San Gimignano, 2% Trebbiano

La Lastra Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG 2017

 Study time 📖 📓🍷 Pale gold in colour with aromas of lemon

Delicate white flowers and citrus aromas. Fresh acidity glosses supple orange, apricot and a nutty streak, candied ginger and orange blossom linger between each sip. Straightforward, friendly, with a satisfying depth.

5 days skin contact, aged in steel tanks, unfined, unfiltered

Cascina San Michele ‘Eteronimo’ Vino Bianco 2016

 A ray of Piemonte sun into rainy Alba Delicate white

“Eccentric, organic and natural to an obsession in the vineyard”, Natale Baricchi breaks the tradition of the Barbaresco area with his passionately crafted, unique, sparkling wines.

Spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts in the tank and bottle. 2600 bottles produced.

Gold in color, with aromas of fresh herbs, mandarin orange and stone fruits.

Small consistent fizz whirls around pear, orange, cinnamon, lemon, orange rind and green pepper.

Snappy acidity fuses with gooseberry and stone fruits on the finish.

70% Pinot Nero, 30% blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Chenin Blanc

Cascina Baricchi ‘Jonny Gambato’ Vino Bianco Frizzante NV

 “Eccentric, organic and natural to an obsession in the

Elisa Dilavanzo is a pioneering force in the Euganean Hills, in the heart of Veneto.

She is dedicated to bringing the rare Moscato Giallo grape to the spotlight.

Organically farmed vines are 7-15 years in age in trachyte-laden [volcanic porphyry] clay and white chalk soil at 180 meters (590 feet) above sea level.

Cold maceration on the skins, from a few hours up to 3 days.

Fermented with indigenous yeasts at 16°C for about 18 days.

Aged in steel tanks for 12 months, followed by 6 months in the bottle.

Gold in colour, deeply aromatic, with lemon, peach, tomato leaf, mint and wild marigold. Creamy lemon, apricot, chalky minerality, orange blossom and lemongrass are glossed by racy acidity.

Peach, wild marigold and candied lemon peel linger on the lush finish.

A vibrant fusion of juicy fruit and savoury, floral elements.

Maeli Bianco Fior d’Arancio Colli Euganei DOCG 2015

 Elisa Dilavanzo is a pioneering force in the Euganean

Decompressing with a robust spicy sip, 70’s Springsteen and rationalizing that I’m studying too 🇮🇹🍷📚

Transparent garnet in colour with aromas of wild berries, spice and cedar.

Dark berries are wrapped in spice, leather, accented by a trace of smoky earth, fresh acidity and moderate tannins.

Baked berries, vanilla, spice, tobacco, and cedar linger between each sip.

Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva DOC 2015

 Decompressing with a robust spicy sip, 70’s Springsteen and

Franco Terpin is considered one of the top winemakers in Friuli Venezia-Giulia.

His 12 hectares of vineyards stretch across the hills of Collio Goriziano, and Colline di San Floriano del Collio in eastern Friuli, on the Slovenian border [his vineyards are in both countries]. Vineyards are farmed using biodynamic, organic and low intervention methods.

All wines are spontaneously fermented with indigenous yeasts, no fining or filtration.

Gold in colour, with aromas of yellow apple, apricot, lemon, honey, chamomile, citrus blossom, herbs and flinty minerality.

Quince, lemon, pink grapefruit, wildflowers and a drizzle of honey are glazed by tangy acidity.

Lemon drop, flinty minerals and a nutty streak linger between each sip. Sunny and alluring.

 Franco Terpin is considered one of the top winemakers in

Sabina Cantarelli passionately carries on her mother’s 50 year work of crafting organic wines from traditional Umbrian grapes.

Located in the northern hills above Lake Trasimeno, in Tuoro, Umbria, the estate is farmed organically and sustainably. Vineyards have alluvial soils mixed with clay and limestone, located at around 300 meters above sea level.

Light coral in colour, with delicate aromas of red berries, wildflowers, earth, herbs, grapefruit and a wisp of spice.

Light and airy, with flavours mirroring the aromas.

Fresh acidity fuses with tart fruit on the dry finish.

Blend of Ciliegiolo and Trasimeno Gamay [Cannonau/Grenache]

 Sabina Cantarelli passionately carries on her mother’s 50

Marche: From the Sea to the Mountains, a Stronghold for Native Grapes & Organic Viticulture 📷 Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela Vini

Famed for its Verdicchio, the Marche region is also known for its dedication to indigenous and traditional grapes such as Lacrima, Vernaccia Nera, Pecorino, Passerina and Biancame.

Additionally, Marche is known for its emphasis on organic viticulture and sense of place; believing in the connection between the land, people and wine.

Relatively tiny [it produces about 2% of Italy’s entire wine production], there is a vast range of microclimates and wines.

From the powerful, dark fruit/tannic/high alcohol Montepulciano reds from Rosso Cònero to the sleek/mineral driven/high elevation Verdicchio from Matelica to the intensely aromatic Lacrima di Morro, this land of hills and mountains on the Adriatic coast possesses a full spectrum of diversity. ➡️ Link in bio for my conversation with Alberto Mazzoni, the Director of Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela Vini 🙏🏼

 Marche: From the Sea to the Mountains, a Stronghold for

Founded by pioneering winemaker Giorgio Tendola, Il Torchio is located in Castelnuovo Magra, in the province of La Spezia, in Liguria.

The 12 hectare, organically farmed estate [9 of which are vineyards] is prominent in the region as it is one contiguous parcel, unlike other vineyards, which are comprised of many small plots.

Upon Giorgio’s sudden death in 2011, his grandchildren, Gilda and Edoardo are continuing his work.

Grapes are from vines about 35 years old, in stony clay soil rich in minerals. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in steel, aged in stainless steel for 6 months.

_Transparent dark red violet in colour, with aromas of tangy red fruit, raspberry, soft spice, earth and mocha.

Blackberry, raspberry, black cherry along with a meaty/savory streak are supported by bright acidity and good tannins.

Spice and earth accent tangy red fruit on the ample finish.

 Founded by pioneering winemaker Giorgio Tendola, Il Torchio

Morning view of Mount Maiella from Cugnoli in Abruzzo. A tremendous representation of ‘sense of place’ in the Cococciolo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzese and Pecorino wines we studied

 Morning view of Mount Maiella from Cugnoli in Abruzzo. A

Marco Arlunno and Carlo Cambieri grow only native grapes, their vineyards stretch across both Gattinara and Ghemme DOCGs. Integrated farming without the use of chemicals and low intervention methods are used.

The vineyard is 918-1017 feet in elevation, with glacial moraine soil comprised of granite, gravel, shale, and porphyry miascisti.

Fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts, aged in large oak barrels for 24 months, followed by an additional 12 months in the bottle.

Dark garnet with brick edges, with aromas of black cherry, cedar, eucalyptus, raisin, carnation and forest floor.

Racy acidity and firm tannins frame black cherry, sour cherry, blackberry liqueur, forest floor and crushed black peppercorn.

Cedar, red currant, spice a trace of pine and a hint of tarry minerality linger on the lengthy, dry finish. Muscular, lean and streamlined, a fantastic value.

 Marco Arlunno and Carlo Cambieri grow only native grapes

 for sharing bottles that blow my mind 🚀

Located in Ravenna, on the Romagnola Plain in Emilia-Romagna, headed by Massimo Randi, the estate is one of only a few to cultivate the rare, native Famoso grape. [Rambela is the ancient, local name for Famosa.] The 40 hectares of vineyards are farmed using eco-friendly and sustainable methods, very little intervention is used in the cellar.

Pale gold in colour, very aromatic with vivid aromas of bergamot, lime, orange blossom and minerals.

With flavours similar to the engaging aromas; bracing acidity underscores bright bergamot, lime, grapefruit, clean minerality and a trace of jasmine.

A streak of bitterness compliments the fruity, crisp finish.

Unique, distinctive and refreshing, well worth seeking out.

Randi 'Rambëla' Bianca Ravenna Famoso IGT 2017

 As always, ❤️ to @eabt7  for sharing bottles that blow my

The noble Tasca family is committed to organic farming and sustainability; they are behind the ‘SOStain’ programme, an organization that guides companies towards increasing their sustainability.

Grapes are from young vineyards in the Tascante estate on the north side of Mt. Etna in the Sciaranova and Piano Dario contradas [or area, similar to a cru]. The 63 hectare estate has 99 terraced vineyards surrounded by 9.8 hectares of chestnut trees and 410 olive trees.

Aged in large 600-liter Slavonian oak barrels for 18 months, in bottle for 4 months.

Transparent garnet in colour, with black cherry, dried strawberry, a drop of caramel, white pepper and floral aromas.

Morello cherry, black cherry, pomegranate, earth and a shake of white pepper are framed by fresh acidity and dry silky tannins.

Red fruits, orange zest and spice linger on the dry finish.

Nice structure and balance, super versatile at the table.

Tasca d’Almerita Tascante ‘Ghiaia Nera’ Sicilia DOC 2015

 The noble Tasca family is committed to organic farming and

Cantina Giardino’s goal was to save indigenous, old vineyards in Irpinia that were at risk of being abandoned or uprooted.

Vineyards are in 16 distinct parcels, totally nearly 6 hectares.

Seeking to let the grape and terroir express itself, Antonio and Daniela di Gruttola farm using low intervention and organic methods.

Grapes are from a 70 year old vineyard located 450 meters in elevation.

Spontaneous fermentation on the skins with wild yeasts for 1 week, followed by 1 year in chestnut casks. Unfined, unfiltered, no added sulphur.

Sunset orange in color with aromas of wildflowers, orange, nectarine, citrus zest, roasted nuts, and geranium. Mandarin orange, nectarine and apricot, candied ginger, wildflowers and tarragon are framed by salty minerality, tangy acidity and light, Darjeeling tea tannins.

Orange, campfire smoke and ash minerals linger on the lively finish. Compelling and mercurial.

Cantina Giardino ‘Paski’ Coda di Volpe Campania IGP 2017

 Cantina Giardino’s goal was to save indigenous, old

“Grapes cultivated and vinified with passion, always respecting nature, environment and animals.” Matteo Furlani is the 4th generation of his family to farm the tiny plots of vines, 700+ meters in altitude, in the Dolomites of Trentino.

Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel.

Frozen must added before re-fermentation in bottle during Spring.

Cherry red in colour, with delicate aromas of clean minerality, spice, earth and wild berries.

Candied apple, pear, wild strawberry, crushed white peppercorn and an herbaceous streak are buoyed by tiny, tight fizz and glossed by fresh acidity.

A bitter vein compliments red fruit on the mineral driven, dry finish.

Blend of Teroldego, Marzemino, Turca, Negrara

Cantina Furlani ‘Rosso’ Vino Spumante 2017

 “Grapes cultivated and vinified with passion, always

Frizzante Freisa to start the weekend🥂

Gianni Voerzio has been making wine for more than 30 years at his family estate in La Morra, Piemonte.

Grapes are organically farmed, from the ‘Lamorrina’ vineyard.

Vines are 50 years old, with soils of tufo and small amounts of sand.

Dark garnet in colour with aromas of dark fruit, herbs, black olive, wildflowers and a drizzle of caramel.

Blackberry, red currant, cherry, chalky minerality, peppery spice, balsamic are buoyed by light fizz.

Good acidity and soft tannins glide over a savoury backbone.

Black cherry along with an herbaceous streak span the pleasantly bitter finish.

Voerzio Martini ‘Lamorrina’ Freisa Frizzante Langhe DOC 2015

 Frizzante Freisa to start the weekend🥂 Gianni Voerzio has

Located in the heart of the Soave Classico region, the 3rd generation of the Inama family passionately produces classic Veneto wines from their 30 hectares of organic & low intervention farmed vineyards.

Grapes were hand harvested from 30 year old vines in basaltic lava soil.

Fermented in stainless steel vats, followed by malolactic fermentation, then aged for 8 months in stainless steel. ‘Vin Soave’ is the estate’s entry-level wine, they describe it as “a little luxury for everyday”. _

Light gold in colour with subtle aromas of pear, melon, orange blossom, lemon and a trace of herbs.

Flavours compliment the aroma, with delicate pear, white flowers, melon yellow apple lemon draping lightly over a mineral core.

A lively play between the softly creamy texture and fresh acidity merges into citrus, minerals and a trace of almond on the zesty finish.

Refreshing on its own or with a wide variety of summery dishes.

Inama ‘Vin Soave’ Soave Classico DOC 2017

 Located in the heart of the Soave Classico region, the 3rd

Husband and wife team Alberto and Claudia Carretti passionately craft wines using ancient techniques, low intervention and organic methods in the Parma hills, in the commune of Varano de’ Melegari, in Emilia.

Only 5 hectares of the estate’s 60 are vineyards.

Soil is clay-like, subalkaline with 12% active limestone.

A long maceration of 210 days, with native yeasts in stainless steel and concrete containers.

Amber gold in colour, very aromatic, with mandarin orange, apricot, nectarine, ginger, jasmine, hay and spice.

Citrus acidity glosses apricot, nectarine, lemon, mandarin orange, chamomile and thyme.

Green tea tannins merge with a bitter streak that frames lemon, orange blossom, ginger and saline minerality on the clean finish.

Podere Pradarolo ‘Vej Bianco Antico 210’ Emilia IGT 2018

 Husband and wife team Alberto and Claudia Carretti

Last of the snow paired with the last day of study 📚🍷

Vito Lauria restored his grandfathers estate with the philosophy “Vino Lauria is the result of an enamored gaze upon one’s homeland and the desire to explore and reinterpret it’s richness and uniqueness”. He farms with low intervention, organic, and biodynamic methods.

Transparent garnet in colour with aromas of berry pie filling, grilled herbs, summer earth, wild flowers and a trace of sea spray. Concentrated, tangy cherry, strawberry, black cherry, cranberry and a trace of orange zest are accented by bright acidity and easy tannins.

Tart fruit and smoky minerality linger between each plush sip.

Lovely on its own, easy to pair with a wide variety of dishes.

Vino Lauria 'Scoglitti' Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT 2016

 Last of the snow paired with the last day of study 📚🍷 Vito

The reason why I’ve been MIA 📚🍷🎓

 The reason why I’ve been MIA 📚🍷🎓 il motivo della mia

Ayunta is a small family estate [2.8 hectares] located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna.

Open air fermentation with wild yeasts, aged in big cherry and oak barrels (5-10 hectoliters) for 14 months.

Transparent garnet in colour with aromas of spice, smoky earth, raspberry, strawberry, cherry and candied violet.

Low-key orange, clove, strawberry, cranberry and cherry are wrapped in peppery spice and accented by lively acidity and firm tannins.

Smoky earth minerality, red fruit and spice linger on the lengthy, dry finish.

Engaging and versatile, tasty on its own or with a wide variety of dishes.

90% Nerello Mascalese, 10% Nerello Cappuccio

Ayunta ‘Navigabile’ Etna Rosso DOC 2016

 Ayunta is a small family estate [2.8 hectares] located on

Beginning a study filled weekend 📚🍷 The Malacari family has been making wine in the Rosso Conero area of the Marche region since 1600.

Vineyards are farmed organically. Hand harvested grapes are from the estate vineyard in Offagna, with clay and sandy silt soil.

Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, followed by 6 months of aging in stainless steel.

Dark red violet in colour with aromas of sour cherry, wild berries, plum and peppery spice.

Cherry, pomegranate, red currant, black cherry, plum and crushed black peppercorn are supported by silky yet firm tannins and fresh acidity.

Well balanced and inviting, fantastic on its own and super versatile at the table.

Conti Malacari ‘Rocca’ Marche IGT 2015

 Beginning a study filled weekend 📚🍷 The Malacari family has

Francesco Cirelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018

Amphora aged for 9 months, a plush synthesis of chocolate, raisin, umami and  black cherry, with fine tannins. Engaging and very gluggable.

Cataldi Madonna ‘Malandrino’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018

The estate’s lightest Montepulciano, with grapes 15-50 years old in clay/limestone soil. Vivid grape, black cherry, black pepper and velvety tannins. Round and powerful.

Tenuta Terraviva ‘Lui’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOC 2015

18 months ageing, half in in used French barriques, the other in stainless steel. Complex and structured, with velveteen layers of dark fruit and spice.

 A trio of expressions of Montepulciano Francesco Cirelli

Compelling native whites of Abruzzo: rising star Pecorino and super rare Cococciolo. (Day 1 in Abruzzo)

With its super racy acidity highlighting fresh lemon, gardenia and jasmine flowers and a nutty undercurrent

Cingilia Cococciolo Colline Pescaresi IGT 2018

Native yeast fermentation, aged on the lees in stainless steel for 6-8 months

Powerful, funky spicy lemon fuses with sage, rosemary, lemon tart, nutmeg coriander, red apple and cinnamon

De Fermo ‘Don Carlino’ Pecorino  Colline Pescaresi IGT 2018

From the father of Pecorino, in honor of his daughter Giulia, is this gem of lemon, minerals, pink grapefruit, honeysuckle and a nutty streak

Cataldi Madonna ‘Giulia’ Pecorino Terre Aquilane IGT 2018

Aged on the lees for 8 months in stainless steel

 Compelling native whites of Abruzzo: rising star Pecorino

Southern/central Italian wine exam one week away, a few of my study materials 🇮🇹

Esame del vino del centro/sud italiano a una settimana di distanza, allcuni dei miei materiali di studio

 Southern/central Italian wine exam one week away, a few of

One of the oldest wineries in Barbaresco, the Pasquero-Elia family has been making wine for over 200 years in Piemonte.

The 17 hectares of vineyards are farmed organically [certified 2019] and with biodynamic methods.

Today, 3 generations of the family are working side by side, Secondo in the cellar, with his sons Giovanni and Silvano, along with Giovanni’s son Luca.

From younger vines in the Starda parcel/vineyard in the Bricco di Neive cru in Barbaresco, with silty/loam soil over a layered calcareous marl substrate. Fermented in stainless steel using the submerged cap (cappello sommerso) method for 30- 35 days, aged in big Slavonian oak "botti" for 12 months.

Transparent ruby in colour, with aromas of cherry, black cherry peppery spice, licorice, wildflowers and a trace of eucalyptus. Grippy tannins and fresh acidity provide the backbone to silky layers of cherry, raspberry, white pepper, earth and woods. Tobacco, black cherry and spice diffuse across the lengthy finish.

Paitin ‘Starda’ Langhe Nebbiolo DOP 2017

 One of the oldest wineries in Barbaresco, the Pasquero-Elia

historic, legendary Nervi estate in Gattinara, northern Piemonte.

Founded in in 1906 by Italo Nervi, it is the oldest winemaking estate in Gattinara, the family’s vineyards date back to 1679.

It is now in the very capable hands of renowned Barolo producer, Roberto Conterno.

Vineyards are farmed organically. Grapes are from the Molsino, Valferana, Garavoglie, and Casacce vineyards, 290-420 meters in elevation.