Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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​In recent years, some of the most exciting wines from Italy have come out of Sicily.  Even before HBO’s White Lotus extolled the sensual beauty of Planeta’s Eruzione wines, Sicily has experienced what many have dubbed a “wine renaissance”, where vines from antiquity have been given new life.  There is a creative energy here, gaining steam like Mount Etna’s volcanic eruptions.  A new generation of winemakers are reinvigorating Sicily’s wine producing culture, resurrecting their previously overlooked native grapes that millennia of wine was made from.  Exploring new vineyard sites and improving winemaking methods, winemakers are advancing Sicily’s modern wine potential, morphing it into one of the most important wine producing regions in the world.
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Nocera vineyards, Courtesy of Casa Vinicola Cambria
For over three thousand years, waves of invaders and traders have left their indelible mark on this Mediterranean island, from the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans, and wine became the currency of connection for all these cultures.  Today, Sicily is the largest wine producing region in all of Italy, even more than Tuscany or Piedmont, and its hilly vineyards enjoy a Goldilocks moment, with near perfect weather, sunny island breezes, a mosaic of diverse soils, and higher elevations.  Over 70 native grape varietals in all colors offer fascinating tastes of future past, where the rich viticultural tapestry of wine emerges from the glass with a fresh elegance and characterful palate.  Farming for quality, and doing it sustainably, with over 30% of its vineyards certified organic, is propelling Sicilian wine to new heights.
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The Italian-American Chamber of Commerce West (IACCW), in an ongoing effort to spotlight the different regions of Italy, organized “A Night in Sicily” with Cantine Madaudo and Casa Vinicola Cambria.  Winemakers from Cambria and Madaudo wineries participated, starting with a wine seminar, conducted by Sommelier/Educator Matthew Kaner, followed by a four-course dinner, paired with their wines, for wine industry professionals at Tesse Restaurant.  It was a fascinating first look at small production wineries that are mining their viticultural heritage to achieve a modern expression of Sicilian wine.
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Casa Vinicola Cambria, established in 1864, embraces whole heartedly Sicily’s ancient wine history, reviving the Nocera grape in the 1960’s, which, according to legend, was made into “Mamertinum”, the favorite wine of Julius Caesar.  In the Furnari Hills of the Messina District in north-eastern Sicily, Cambria’s limestone-infused vineyards provide the perfect environment for Nocera to once again flourish, first harvested in 2009.  Only 74 acres are planted here, in total 50,000 bottles are produced at Cambria, of which only 2,300 are sparkling and 2,000 are passito.
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Nocera produces deeply colored wines with high acidity, balanced alcohol and soft round tannins, from which Cambria makes six different bottlings, three 100% Nocera and three blended with other varietals.  It was so fascinating to taste Nocera in three different incarnations, a sparkling, still and sweet wine.  The Cambria Fin Che Venga Nocera Brut Rosé 2017 is bright with citrus, currant, orange blossom and toasted bread aromas, a fine bubble stream leads to persistent citrus flavors, framed by mineral, bitter almond and lightly tannic notes, fresh and delicate.  The Cambria Mastronicola Nocera 2014, the “Gran Cru of the Furnari Hills”,  is a full-bodied round wine, soft with blackberry and blueberry fruit, earthy with nice acidity, and a long finish.  The Cambria KIO Nocera Passito 2017 is a rich dessert wine, complex with its deep cherry fruit, blackberry jam and prunes, accented with dark chocolate caramel, vanilla and balsamic notes, velvety and persistent on the finish.  This was an unusual opportunity to discover and taste a small production of an ancient grape, made with modern technology, that showcased the potential for Sicilian winemakers to resurrect the past while reinventing the future.  Definitely a hit, the wines are unique and intriguing.
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Cantine Madaudo, founded in 1945, has always focused on indigenous Sicilian grapes, seeking to produce the highest quality wines.  Madaudo produces several different collections of wine, averaging 8 million bottles annually of IGT, DOC, DOCG and sparkling wines.  In fact, Madaudo makes a wide array of sparkling wines, both traditional and charmat method.  Pouring wines from their Sicilia Illustrata lineup, this collection of eight wines embrace the native and international grape varietals that do so well in Sicily.  Colorful labels were designed by Lelio Bonaccorso, and three wines were explored, one from each quality category.  The Madaudo Etna Bianco DOC 2021, 70% Carricante and 30% Cataratto, a true study of Sicilian terroir, with both grapes grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna.  The wine is fruity and floral, yet mineral with a delicate bouquet of sea spray and lemon peel.  Madaudo Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2018, 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato, is a rich and intense wine.  Cerasuolo di Vittorio is Sicily’s only DOCG wine, the recipe for the blend can run from 50-70% Nero d’Avola, which gives it power and fullness, and 30-50% Frappato, that adds the lighter, easier to drink, fruitier aspect.  Aromas of plums and berries dance among the floral, chocolate, leather and tobacco notes.  Madaudo Syrah IGT 2021, 100% Syrah, is intensely aromatic with dark berry and licorice notes, a sturdy red wine that is persistent on the palate.
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In the break between the seminar and the dinner, two additional wines were poured.  The Madaudo Grillo Cuvée Spumante Extra Dry IGT, 100% Grillo, is a fragrant sparkler with fine bubbles, aromas of fresh fruit within a delicate structure.  The Cavifur Nero d’Avola DOC, produced by Cambria, is elegant and spicy, with soft tannins and good structure, aromas of black current and blueberries flesh out the palate.
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Alda Fantin & Rosario Madaudo of Cantine Madaudo
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Nino Pelleriti of Cambria Vini
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Fabian Rodriguez enjoying the wine and education of "A Night in Sicily"
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Then the delicious dinner was served, family-style, along with a couple of new wines and two from the seminar.  First course, the Madaudo Sicilia Illustrata Etna Bianco DOC was a fabulous companion to the Little Gem Salad, with Chickpea Mousseline, Pepitas, Sumac and Dried Tomato Vinaigrette and the Hamachi Crudo, with Crispy Wild Rice, Gooseberries, Sudachi, and Yuzu.  Second course, the flip side of the Etna coin, the Madaudo Sicilia Illustrata Etna Rosso DOC, with its red fruited aromas, spice and leather notes, served with the Beef Tartare “A L’Huile d’Olive”, with Caper berry, Shallots, Grana Padano, and Chive Aioli.  Third course, another new wine, the Cambria Giulio Cesare Mamertino Rosso DOC, 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Nocera, another wine that supposedly Julius Caesar was very fond of.  It’s a big but elegant wine, complex with ripe red berry fruit, and notes of tobacco, vanilla, leather and toasted wood, with a balanced structure and long lingering finish.  The Mamertino Rosso accompanied the Truffle Cavatelli, with Spinach Cavatelli, Wild Mushrooms and Velouté and the Aged Skirt Steak, with Duck fat Fries, Green Peppercorn, and Baby Gem Salad.  Fourth course, a Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert, paired with the Cambria KIO Nocera Passito IGP, a fabulous end to “A Night in Sicily”, living vicariously through food and wine.