VeroBlog
You Can’t Put a Label on This Wine
Moscato has become quite the trending wine in the US over the past 10 years. Many people are drawn to it because they like sweet wine. Moscato is an aromatic grape, giving Moscato wine more facets to appreciate, yet, the popularity of the wine has made it a victim of its own success, with a plethora of just average (or below average) picks which are neither balanced or expressive.
But, did you know that there are tricks to make a really good Moscato wine? Whether it’s the traditional Moscato d’Asti or an orange wine made from moscato grapes, many Moscato wines should not be shunned or looked down upon. It’s like finding a pearl in the rough. And we make it easier for you. Beware: your opinion of Moscato wine is about to change.
A Wine That Wakes Up Your Taste Buds
Hear the story of the Ukrainian woman turned winemaker in the Modena province of Italy who was on a mission to make a monovarietal wine from a rare grape that thrives only in high altitudes. She made several attempts and then Sgarbato was born. This Pet Nat sparkling wine made from 100% Uva Tosca, an ancient grape whose wine was described as "really healthy" by a 17th century Italian agronomist, is like drinking cranberry juice as a sparkling wine. Uva Tosca was abandoned after phylloxera, and thanks to Irene of Frignano, it is making a comeback in Italy's Emilia Romagna region. Read on to learn about this "underdog grape" and to explore the rich cultural heritage in the land where this grape was born.
New World Old World Dolcetto
Dolcetto, a grape native to Italy's Piedmont region, ripens early and produces fresh, lively red wines. Unlike the area's famed Barolos, Dolcetto shines young, making it a beloved everyday red. We'll explore Dolcetto's journey, from sun-soaked vineyards in Italy to California, where a passion for Italian wines inspires a new chapter for this unique grape.
The Fascinating, Multi-Faceted Sangiovese
What is the common denominator of some of the best Italian red wine?
Hint: think Brunello and Chianti red wine…. it’s Sangiovese!
It’s an old world wine grape that is often shrouded behind the name of a wine name or appellation, which changes depending on where it is planted and the conditions it undergoes… And despite what Wikipedia says, you find it in many wine regions beyond Tuscany. In fact, it is a grape that has been, and still is, the source of many debates, in Italy and around the world. Learn about this key, behind the scenes player in some of the Italian red wine best.
Wild & Rare At Its Finest
Embark on a journey through the hills of the historic part of the Valdobbiadene wine region, where the enchanting and rare Boschera grape vineyards are hidden amidst an area where the Prosecco grape, glera, takes center stage. In the heart of Italian white wine growing, a story unfolds; one of tradition, sustainability, and the effervescent charm of Pet Nat natural wine. Join us on this odyssey, where craftsmanship and tradition intertwine, giving birth to an Italian sparkling Pet Nat that captivates the senses. Explore the nuances of the rare Boschera grape which makes a wine that not only tantalizes the palate but also reflects a commitment to the land and the timeless beauty of Valdobbiadene.
The Difficult Child of Winegrowers in Piedmont
Did you know that winegrowers have their preferences when it comes to grapes? But it’s not based necessarily on the sensation when tasting the wine. Instead it’s based on the work and attention involved to cultivate the grape and make a good wine out of it. Barbera is one of those grapes. Think of it as the grape that’s a difficult child: needing extra rearing and care as it ‘grows up and becomes a wine.’ But, boy, can that extra effort yield great results!
And there is another silver lining: it weathers climate change quite well.
Find out more in this article.
This Trebbiano Ain't Got No Curse
Looking for a new italian white wine to sip this summer? Try Trebbiano Abruzzese, what the New York Times calls one of the “10 Grapes Worth Knowing Better”. Learn about why this trebbiano wine from Abruzzo Italy is unique and special. Get to know the young newcomer to the Abruzzo wine scene, after Emidio Pepe started the trend of making high-quality trebbiano. Explore this up and coming white grape variety in this article.
Broaden Your White Wine Horizons with Albana
Discover a new, yet old, Italian white wine grape, Albana. It was the first white wine to get the highest quality designation in Italy, DOCG, yet many people have yet to hear of this Italian white wine. We’ve uncovered the history, tradition, taste, and versatility of the Albana grape from Romagna, including perspectives from a local winery owner, in this article.
Meet Schioppettino: An Outlaw Grape
It was forbidden to grow the Schioppettino grape only until recently.
Then Hilde Petrussa, 2nd generation owner of estate winery Vigna Petrussa, in Friuli, northeastern Italy, stepped in.
And thank goodness for that. With wine critics, like Ian d’Agata, calling Schioppettino “one of Italy’s most noble grapes” making “ unforgettable wines.” What are you waiting for?
Learn about this up-and-coming grape in this article.
Real Lives of Women Winemakers
We sat down with Francesca Mecchia, the daughter of second generation woman winemaker Hilde Petrussa, owner of Vigna Petrussa estate winery in Friuli northern Italy. She recently decided to change careers, and her life, by going from architect to joining her mom in the wine business. Find out what it’s like to grow up in a lineage of women making wine and the role it plays in her life.
Beyond the Bubbles: Getting to Know Prosecco
Learn all about Prosecco, its history, how it’s made, and where to find the best prosecco in this artlcle. Cin cin!
An Insider’s Guide to Barolo and the Langhe
Written as a personal perspective by in-house Vero Chef Jacqueline Mitchell, an American living and working in the Langhe, Italy for almost 10 years. Explore through the eyes of a local the hills of Barolo and vineyards of Barolo producer Aldo Clerico as we learn more in-depth about not only the rules and regulations of Barolo, but the spirit and passion behind the wine that is one of the best in the world.
To the Heart of Tuscan Wine Country: Montalcino
Explore Montalcino and their famous Brunello wine which is considered a King of red wines. Why is this so? Find it in this artlcle and get some tips on finding some delicious, value-driven Brunellos and other Sangiovese red wines from Montalcino.
An American Wine with Italian Roots
Taking inspiration from her chef-daughter working and living in Piedmont, Italy, Patti Mitchell and her family set forth to export a Dolcetto vine from Italy to create a Dolcetto vineyard in upper Ojai, California. Then was ’born’ Ojai Pacific View Vineyard and Winery.
Don't Say No to Lambrusco - The Fizzy Red Wine
Lambrusco is a historic, underrated sparkling red wine, with 17 grape varieties and many ways it’s wide, from dry to sweet, from charmat to champenois method. There is so much to know… and learn to enjoy! Read more to find out why you should be sipping on Lambrusco today.
The Famous Italian Wine Grape that is Not (Yet) Famous
Nearly extinct, the white grape Famoso was rediscovered and is now having a renaissance thanks to local Romagna winemakers. Let’s delve into this rare grape and its unique story about resurgence and new found popularity!
Explore the Windmill & Wine Country of Spain
Be transported to the romantic and breathtaking land of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. Home to the legend of Don Quixote, it a region rich in history, culture, and of course, amazing foods and wines! Read on to discover the amazing sights and flavors of this beautiful Spanish region.
The Buzz About Bubbles: A Delve into Sparkling Wine Methods
Is all sparkling wine created equal? Most definitely not! Read more about the history of sparkling wine, crucial differences in the wine-making processes, and what makes champagne, well champagne.
Not your ordinary white wine grape
Organic grower-winery Tomisa is situated in the hills around Bologna which, besides being know for food, also has some delicious wines. The go-to wine for the Bolognese is Pignoletto frizzante, or sem-sparkling, made with 100% Grechetto Gentile white wine grape, like Tomisa’s Ciparisso semi-sparkling wine. Join us in this blog as we explore the origins of this complex and unique grape.