Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • 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
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • 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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Bethany Burke of Taub Family Wine Selections
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Sal Marino of Marino Restaurant
Steeped in history, Italy’s rich tapestry of regional cuisine and intriguing wines weave a magical thread of sensory delights that is the beating heart of Italian culture.  La Dolce Vita, “the sweet life”, encapsulates this alchemy of food and wine, and how an incredible meal can transport you.  On a warm September day, the LA Wine Writers experienced Italy through a luncheon of discovery, with Italian wines from Taub Family Wine Selections and Palm Bay International, and food crafted by Marino Restaurant in Los Angeles.
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Montemarano Estate vineyard, dedicated to Taurasi Riserva, Courtesy of Mastroberardino
In ancient times, Italy was known as Enotria, the “land of wine”.   Greeks brought viticulture to Sicily and southern Italy over 3,000 years ago, and the rise of the Roman Empire expanded the art of winemaking throughout the sun-drenched, mountainous Italian peninsula and beyond.  Today, it is viticultural heaven, with over 3,000 grape varieties, from 20 different regions, with a rich legacy of wine that has been perfected through the millennia.
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Four different wine producers from four different regions were represented at the Taub Family Wine Selections luncheon:  Sardinia, Campania, Tuscany, and Piedmont.  These fine Italian wines are made by esteemed winemaking families, with a long history of crafting wines that define their region.  They are truly representative of the high quality of today’s Italian wine scene.
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Sella & Mosca vineyard, Courtesy of Sella & Mosca
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Sella & Mosca winery complex, Courtesy of Sella & Mosca
Sella & Mosca of Sardinia, an island off the western coast of central Italy, is one of the largest wine estates in Europe, with over 1,200 acres of organic vines nestled between the sea and the mountains.  Founded in 1899, Sella & Mosca is the largest and most acclaimed producer in Sardinia, and crafts premium wines from estate-grown grapes.  In addition to the native varietals of Vermentino, Torbato, and Cannonau, they also make a Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Mirabella Eclano Estate Aglianico vineyard, Courtesy of Mastroberardino
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Montefalcione Estate Fiano di Avellino vineyard, Courtesy of Mastroberardino
Mastroberardino of Campania is known for resurrecting the region’s indigenous grape varietals and winemaking traditions.  Established in 1878, the Mastroberadino family has invested in recovering Campania’s ancient viticultural history, bringing back the Fiano, Greco and Aglianico varietals from the brink of extinction.  Their world-class wines, from fourteen estates, channel the mountainous Irpinia area where the vineyards and winery are located
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Rocca delle Macìe vineyards, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
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Relais Riserva di Fizzano, among the vines, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
Rocca delle Macìe of Tuscany is a major proponent of the Chianti Classico, successfully producing distinctive expressions of the DOCG.  For almost 50 years, the Zingarelli family has worked to restore their estate, founded by the late film producer, Italo Zingarelli of spaghetti Western fame, and championed the quality of the Classico region.  Today, his son, Sergio, continues to advocate for Sangiovese and the Chianti Classico incarnations.
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Beni di Batasiola winery & vineyards, Courtesy of Beni di Batasiola
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Beni di Batasiola Briccolina Cru vineyard, Courtesy of Beni di Batasiolo
Beni di Batasiola of Piedmont is the largest family-owned wine producer in the region, owned by the Dogliani family.  In the past 40 years, Batasiolo has grown, increasing their size to nine estates, or “beni” in Italian, over 320 acres of vines.  Five Cru vineyards produce highly prized Barolos, of which Batasiolo is renowned for, earning them accolades over the years.
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We were greeted with a glass of sparkling Torbato, an ancient grape varietal of which Sella & Mosca makes the only sparkling version in the world, by the Charmat method.  Uniquely fascinating in its floral and saline bouquet, the Sella & Mosca Alghero Torbato Spumante Brut DOC (SRP $21) is refreshingly delicate, a mineral wine with white peach and yeasty notes.
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Three white wines were served with a raw fish appetizer.

​The Sella & Mosca Monteoro Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG 2020 (SRP $24) is fresh and vibrant, expressive in its complexity of citrus, pear and apple, herbs, saline and mineral, with floral notes.  Smooth on the palate, it gives way to a textured finish.  The Mastroberardino Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Bianco DOC 2019 (SRP $20) is made from 100% Coda di Volpe, an ancient varietal with a colorful past.  Legend tells that Christ cried when he found a corner of heaven, above the Gulf of Naples, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, that was stolen by Lucifer.  Where Christ’s divine tears fell, the vines of Lacryma Christi miraculously sprang from the earth, hence the name “Tears of Christ”.  This is a smooth, juicy, structured, and mineral wine, with fruity aromas of pear, apple and citrus and flavors of white peach and licorice.  The Mastroberardino Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2019 (SRP $22) opens with delicate aromas of pear and citrus fruit, hazelnuts, fresh herbs, and white flowers while the palate reveals a savory, medium-bodied wine with a smooth, mineral finish.
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Next up, the pasta course with three Tuscan Chianti Classico wines from Rocca delle Macìe.  The Rocca delle Macìe Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 (SRP $28) is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Colorino, the flagship wine of Rocca delle Macìe.   The best grapes from their vineyards in Castellina in Chianti showcase the different estates, revealing a smooth, characterful wine, with plum and sour cherry fruit, violets, tobacco, pepper and toasty vanilla from two years in French oak barrel.  The Rocca delle Macìe Tenuta Sant'Alfonso Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 (SRP $28), a 100% single vineyard Cru Sangiovese, is opulent and juicy, with plum and cherry, coffee and licorice notes.  The Rocca delle Macìe Riserva di Fizzano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 (SRP $41), a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, is elegant and high-toned, with ripe berry and plum fruit, violet floral notes, and spice, structured with fine tannins, mineral character, and lengthy finish.
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With the Osso Bucco and Polenta main course, three Piemontese Nebbiolo wines from Beni di Batasiolo were paired.  The Beni di Batasiolo Barbaresco DOCG 2017 (SRP $40) expressed raspberry, Asian spice, violet, berry and leather notes with firm tannins.  The Beni di Batasiolo Barolo DOCG 2016 (SRP $42) is a blend of their five Cru vineyards, with notes of red berry, cherry, violets, tobacco and damp earth swirling within a polished, tannic finish.  The Beni di Batasiolo Barolo Briccolina DOCG 2013 (SRP $115) is a beauty, with dark berries, spice, violets and earth, making for a savory, elegant wine.
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The finale, truffle pizza of course!  As Sal shaved truffles over the cheese pizza, the umami of aromas set the stage for the next wines.  Sella & Mosca Marchese di Villamarina Alghero DOC 2014 (SRP $55) is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with intense red fruit aromas, and classic flavors of black currant, highlighted by vanilla, fine grained tannins and a lingering finish.  The Mastroberardino “Naturalis Historia” Taurasi 2011 (SRP $74) is 100% Aglianico, a rich and fragrant wine with aromas of smoked meat, dried fruit and herbs, underbrush and leather, with layered flavors of blackberry, cherry, cocoa and spice.  The name “Naturalis Historia”, comes from Pliny the Elder’s magnum opus, detailing ancient knowledge that survived the Roman Empire, and in this case, an ancient grape varietal in Aglianico.
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Very different sensibilities, from north to south, this intriguing array of Italian wines compliment a kaleidoscope of food and wine, whose traditions are rooted in history, climate, and what the land provides.  For a high quality wine drinking experience, these wines offer value and a chance to travel to Italy, via the senses.