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

The Makings of a Great Woman Winemaker

Hilde Petrussa, inheriting a generations-long legacy of winemaking in Friuli, Italy, carries the torch with passion and respect. From her grandfather's farm to her mother's pioneering spirit, Hilde honors tradition while embracing sustainability. Witness her meticulous care for the vines, her dedication to Schioppettino, and her innovative use of air-dried grapes. Discover her love for Richenza and Schioppettino di Prepotto, and get a glimpse into the future of Vigna Petrussa – a commitment to green practices and crafting wines that express the unique terroir. Dive deeper and savor the taste of her story.

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

Alba Through the Eyes of a Local

A double threat, the Italian city of Alba has got a little bit of everything for both food and wine lovers. But what’s it like to live there? Are you ready for an insider's scoop on Alba? Our local guide spills the beans on all the nooks and crannies in this charming city. From hidden cafes with stories as rich as the coffee to secret spots that only the locals know about, we're peeling back the layers to show you Alba's true colors. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned explorer, join us as we take you off the beaten path, sharing tips, tales, and the kind of inside info that turns a trip into an adventure. Alba's waiting – check it out through the eyes of a local.

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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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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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Piedmont, Wine Jacqueline Mitchell Piedmont, Wine Jacqueline Mitchell

Master Barolo Vintages

The Langhe region in Piemonte, Northern Italy, is renowned for its exceptional red wines, but the story of each vintage is written by Mother Nature herself. Barolo winery owner Aldo Clerico wisely notes that winemakers don't make the same wine every year; it all depends on nature's whims. In this article we explore the Langhe's most recent vintages as we've witnessed first hand the impact of climate shifts on this terroir with extreme weather, such as devastating hailstorms, altering the winemaking landscape. Learn how Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo grapes adapt to vintage variations from 2016 to 2021. Join us in understanding how the weather's ever-changing story shapes Langhe's timeless wines.

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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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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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Wine Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Jacqueline Mitchell

The Art of Mindful Drinking with Thoughtful Wines

In this article, we explore the practice of Mindful Drinking. As with many wine related “trends” that propagate in the US, they may be new to us Americans, yet have deep roots somewhere else. In this case, European culture embraces mindfulness both in wine and food, as its culture is about sipping and savoring, with long and deep traditions that are hardwired into their culture. To explore what mindfulness drinking entails, we’ve called on a wine and wellness expert to share with us her personal journey and how we could all benefit from following some of her tips.

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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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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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