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Wine, Wine Grapes, Wine Education Jacqueline Mitchell Wine, Wine Grapes, Wine Education Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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Wine Grapes, Wine Education, Wine Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Grapes, Wine Education, Wine Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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Wine, Wine Grapes Sheila Donohue Wine, Wine Grapes Sheila Donohue

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.

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Natural Wine, Wine, Wine stories, Wine Grapes Sheila Donohue Natural Wine, Wine, Wine stories, Wine Grapes Sheila Donohue

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.

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Piedmont, Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Piedmont, Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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Natural Wine, Wine, Wine Grapes Sheila Donohue Natural Wine, Wine, Wine Grapes Sheila Donohue

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.

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Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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Wine, Wine stories, Women Wine Makers, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Wine, Wine stories, Women Wine Makers, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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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.

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Exploring Wine Countries, Piedmont, Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Exploring Wine Countries, Piedmont, Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Wine, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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Wine, Autumn, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Wine, Autumn, Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

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.

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