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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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Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Piedmont, US Wines Jacqueline Mitchell Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Piedmont, US Wines Jacqueline Mitchell

The Versatile (and Yummy) Eggplant

Straight from an authentic Italian restaurant is this delicious eggplant recipe. It is a baked eggplant parmesan that woman winemaker and chef, Jacqueline Mitchell of Ojai Pacific View has wowed her family and friends with while taking vacations back home in the US from her “real job” as chef at a local favorite trattoria in the Langhe Italy. Not suprisingly, the wine and food pairing with her own California Dolcetto is out of this world.

Make your own parmigiana con melanzane with this eggplant recipe baked inside.

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Wine, Women Wine Makers Jacqueline Mitchell Wine, Women Wine Makers Jacqueline Mitchell

Women in Wine Marching to a Different Beat

The world of wine is being revolutionized by a surge of talented women winemakers. These passionate innovators are crafting unique and delicious wines using sustainable practices and minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process. From meticulous vineyard management to exploring new fermentation techniques, they're bringing a fresh perspective that's pushing the boundaries of what natural wine can be. This rise of women in natural wine is not only exciting the industry, but also offering wine lovers a diverse and ever-evolving selection of delicious wines to discover.

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Piedmont, Wine, Wine stories, Women Wine Makers Jacqueline Mitchell Piedmont, Wine, Wine stories, Women Wine Makers Jacqueline Mitchell

First Woman to Share the Helm Of a Historic Winery

We sat down with Luisa Corino, the first woman to take the helm with her brother Guido as the sixth generation of historic natural winery estate, Case Corini in Piedmont Italy. Get to know what makes her “tick,” what she does behind the scenes, her family and her hopes for the future of Case Corini. Check out this exclusive interview with this woman of wine in this article.

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

Orange You Ready To Discover Orange Wine?

Dive into the world of orange wine, a unique style crafted using an ancient technique. These intriguing wines, also known as skin-contact whites, are made from white grapes left in contact with their skins during fermentation, resulting in surprising orange hues and bold, complex flavors. Often classified as natural wines, they offer a fascinating alternative to traditional white and red styles, attracting curious palates with their unique character.

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Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell

Twists on Burgundy

Saint Laurent is not just in the fashion world: do you know that it is a wine grape too?

Learn fun facts about this grape which could become your next go-to red wine, like:

  • Saint Laurent is the number one most planted red wine grape variety in the Czech Republic;

  • its closest relative is one of the most famous red wine grapes in the world.

Plus, as a bonus in this article, we have a recipe for Beef Bourguignon, or Beef Burgundy, with a twist. What is it? Find out inside!

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Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell

Who’s Hungry for Polpette?

Let's spill the beans on the whole spaghetti and meatballs gig – turns out, it's more Italian American than straight up Italian. Say hello to authentic meatballs, or polpette, the real deal in Italy, where meatballs is the main character, and pasta isn't their sidekick. Learn many ways to serve and make homemade meatballs, and the secret to making a really good polpetta. Get an authentic recipe, that is both easy and versatile for meatballs, spice it up with some traditional Italian wine and food pairings. Get ready to cook, crunch, and sip your way through authentic Italian vibes.

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Natural Wine, Piedmont, Wine, Wine stories Jacqueline Mitchell Natural Wine, Piedmont, Wine, Wine stories Jacqueline Mitchell

This Family's Wine Prepares Our Souls for Passion

Venture beyond Barolo in the enchanting Langhe of Northern Italy and discover the hidden gem of Bastia Mondovi, home to the Piovano family winery. With a rich history rooted in the heart of this picturesque region, the Piovanos craft authentic Italian wines. Embracing a philosophy that wine is more than a drink, Piovano’s foundation for love and passion in wine reflect their commitment to thoughtful, low-touch winemaking. Their 00 natural Piemonte Barbera defies expectations: aged for five years, delivering a full-bodied red wine with character, intensity, and a velvety richness that captivates the senses. Experience the magic of the Piovano family's winemaking and savor the complexities of this exceptional Piemonte Barbera.

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Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell

Not Your Boar-ing Pasta Sauce

It may be a discounted animal… but in many parts of the world the Wild Boar is an important part of life and the kitchen! Explore the world of wild boars, recipes, wine pairings and more traveling through Italy, the Czech Republic, and even the Americas. Stick around to the end for an authentic recipe for Pappardelle con Cinghiale or Pappardelle Pasta with a Wild Boar Ragu sauce including pairing foods of wild wines with wild boar.

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Wine Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Jacqueline Mitchell

Wines that are 'Just Right'

Are you planning a party ? Are you going to one?  Needing a gift but not sure what wine to select?

Hosting a  party or finding a great gift for a wine lover just got easier with our tips on finding crowd-pleasing, drinkable wine that caters to diverse tastes, while also finding wines that are unique and stand out.

We have an approach to finding crowd pleaser wines in our latest blog article. We liken it to Goldilocks - remember her? But now we've moved up, from porridge to wine.

Read on for expert tips and find your own Goldilocks wine!

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Wine and food pairing, Wine, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell Wine and food pairing, Wine, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell

Learn the Art & Science of Wine and Food Pairing

Wine and food pairing can seem like a daunting task, yet, once you get down the basic principles, there is almost no right or wrong. It can turn into a life long skill that you can practice all the time, while alone or in groups, while at home or out and about. Start with this article which lays out an easy to follow approach to pairing foods. Then you’ll be on your way to doing fun and tasty food and wine pairings with others.

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Wine, Piedmont, Natural Wine Jacqueline Mitchell Wine, Piedmont, Natural Wine Jacqueline Mitchell

No Wine Before Its Time

Case Corini, a biodynamic winery in Piedmont, Italy, stands out for its unconventional approach to winemaking and the unique philosophy. How does this philosophy extends to their vintages? Learn how the sixth generation, siblings Guido and Luisa, handle vintage variations and get the low down on their prestigious Barla wine, in an exclusive year by year tasting that you can even recreate yourself. Learn about how the weather impacted Case Corini wines vintage by vintage in this article.

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Wine Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Jacqueline Mitchell

Mother Nature + Math = Wine Vintage

In the captivating world of wine, there's an age-old secret that lies within each bottle—the vintage. It's a timestamp of history, a testament to the unique interplay of climate, terroir, and winemaking expertise. As we delve into the climatic nuances of wine vintages, we unlock a trove of stories, each sip an invitation to a specific moment in time. From the warmth of a sun-soaked harvest to the cool feeling of a late autumn rain, wine vintages encapsulate the essence of the year they were born. Find out how you too can assess a wine vintage in this article.

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Piedmont, Wine Jacqueline Mitchell Piedmont, Wine Jacqueline Mitchell

The Corino Family's Lay of the Land

In the heart of the Corino family's vineyards lies a beautiful union of natural wine craftsmanship and regenerative agriculture practices. Discover how their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity not only produces exquisite, vibrant wines but also regenerates the earth, ensuring the longevity of the vineyards for generations to come. Explore with us today vineyard by vineyard what the differences are, and why only certain vineyards make certain wines.

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Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell

Make a Quiche Just Like an Italian Nonna

It is a simple dish found throughout Italy, a staple of family gatherings and the ultimate svuota frigo or pantry meal: the torta salata, aka an Italian version of quiche. With endless possibilities for ingredients, they can be both an exercise in culinary creativity and a way to finish up bits and bobs of food in the fridge. No wonder that the Italian nonna is often behind the makings. Straight from nonna Petrussa of 3 generations of women at Vigna Petrussa, we have this breakfast recipe casserole to share. Grab a pie crust and let your imagination run wild.

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Natural Wine, Piedmont, Wine, Wine stories Jacqueline Mitchell Natural Wine, Piedmont, Wine, Wine stories Jacqueline Mitchell

Carrying on a Family Legacy of 6 Generations

In the world of wines, few stories are as captivating as the one that unfolds across six generations of natural winemakers in the Corino Family. From Nebbiolo wines to the rustic charm of Barbera wines, the Corinos have embraced the art of crafting exceptional, vegan, biodynamic, and organic wines. Their biodynamic winery stands as a testament to their commitment to farming sustainably, practicing regenerative agriculture that nurtures the land. Their dedication to nature wines and the ethos of natural winemaking showcases the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, making them true pioneers in the realm of biodynamic farming.

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Autumn, Piedmont, Wine, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell Autumn, Piedmont, Wine, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell

'Tis the Season for Mushroom Hunting

In the heart of Piedmont, where vineyards and truffle scented air reign supreme, there's a hidden treasure waiting to be uncovered – wild mushrooms. In the forests different kinds of mushrooms are just waiting to be foraged, and not just the famous white truffle. even though truffle hunting season is just starting. Conveniently, mushrooms native to Piedmont go well with the rich and complex flavors of Barolo and nebbiolo wine and other red wine from the Langhe and Piemonte. With the start of truffle hunting season upon us, ‘tis the season for a bit of mushroom foraging and red wine pairing. Follow us on our journey into the world of natural wine and wild mushrooms in Piedmont.

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Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell Recipe, Wine, Wine and food pairing, Food Stories Jacqueline Mitchell

A Spanish Take on Brunch & Breakfast

Who doesn’t love home brunch ideas? Why not for your next brunch, choose a brunch recipe that is steeped in tradition. So much so that its name Duelos y Quebrantos could possibly have influenced the origin of the word “breakfast”.

Try a delicious and easy eggs and chorizo recipe, direct from the windmills in Spain and a Spanish amporae winery. Inside find out what Duelos y Quebrantos is, its historical importance in Spain and even influencing our culture. Then make this breakfast recipe casserole and try pairing it with a natural wine.

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