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
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    • 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
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Courtesy Allison Levine of Please The Palate
The Veneto is a virtual cornucopia of wine grapes and diverse winemaking, spanning the spectrum of delicate sparklers to hearty reds.  As the largest DOC producer in Italy, the vineyards populate the areas surrounding Venice and Verona, butting up against Lombardia.  Here, Lugana and Valpolicella, opposite yet complementary, offer wine drinkers something different and delicious, white and red, yin and yang.
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Lugana, the luminous, high-acid white wine with a floral, citrus bouquet, may not be familiar to many wine lovers.  Relatively unknown until recently, this gem from the southern shores of Lake Garda in Northern Italy is seeking its time in the sun.  Lugana exports more than 70% of its production to Europe, the US, China, and Japan, but it’s the Germans who demand the biggest share of these exports.  Lugana is made from Turbiana, the local name for a wine grape that is genetically identical to Trebbiano di Lugana and Verdicchio Bianco.  It’s thick-skinned and late ripening, luxuriating in the mild climate surrounding Lake Garda, where the vineyards lie at the division of the northern continental climate and the southern Mediterranean one, belonging to two wine regions, Lombardia and the Veneto.  Constrained by geography and economics, Lugana’s charms are reminiscent of Chenin Blanc, it can be vinified in many different incarnations, from sparkling to late harvest, and is capable of evolving and aging into a complex wine, assisted by a combination of sur lie and mixed vessel aging of steel and wood.  Within the past 20 years, producers have discovered the aging potential of Turbiana, the Superiore, Riserva, and late harvest classifications have been introduced, expanding the charms of this little known wine grape.  As Lugana ages and gains complexity, it develops an intense yellow color with gold highlights, and a stronger profile of yellow fruit, lemongrass, and an almond note.  The higher quality wines are more lush, with notes of pineapple and mandarin orange, and a green almond note that becomes more hazelnut as the wine ages.
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Carlo Veronese, Director of the Consorzio Tutela Lugana DOC
Celebrating 50 years of the Lugana DOC, the Consorzio Tutela Lugana DOC recently came to Los Angeles, to get out the word.  Over a media luncheon at Drago Centro, the wines were explored, along with food, which, according to Director Carlo Veronese, is essential.  He stated, “Wine is part of our tradition of food, and the approach is of food and wine pairing.”  He likens Lugana to Gruner Veltliner and Riesling, because of its acidity, and also because of its versatility, a great food wine that can pair well with most cuisines.  Veronese is enthusiastic about the wines, and the progress that the region has made in recent years.  He observed, “Three years ago, nobody wanted to drink this wine in Italy.  We went outside, to Germany, and found popularity.  Today, we sell all the wine before the next harvest, and have the advantage of being able to choose our clients, because of this small production.  But we continue to pursue new markets, to keep a steady number of consumers, even if wine trends change.”
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Five different incarnations of Lugana reveal its versatility.  Lugana’s character lends itself well to the Spumante process, a limited production of both Charmat and Classic Method techniques, which yields a fresh, fragrant, yet savory sparkler.  Basic Lugana, in its youth, is a pale yellow wine with green highlights, with a fresh floral bouquet and hint of almond.  The next step up is Lugana Superiore, aged for at least one year, it displays more complexity, with apple, citrus, white flowers, herbs, almond and spice, a mineral character, structure, and a touch of salinity, an elegant wine.  The Lugana Riserva, aged for 24 months, is more evolved, with notes of flint and mineral.  Vendemmia Tardiva, a late harvest rendition, is a good balance of sweet and acidity.
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Courtesy Allison Levine of Please The Palate
The Cà Maiol Brut Lugana DOP Spumante Metodo Classico is delicate, with a fine mousse, aromas and flavors of pear, apple, almond and biscuit from the 3 years lees aging, and a clean, slightly tart finish, a perfect wine to beat the summer heat.
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Courtesy Allison Levine of Please The Palate
The Zeni Marogne Lugana DOC is a “Cru” wine, made from older vineyards, and is more full-bodied due to spending a short time in barrel.  Aromas of flowers and exotic fruit accompany a savory palate, whose structure and balance linger on the finish.
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Courtesy Allison Levine of Please The Palate
The Le Morette Lugana DOC Riserva 2013 is at the top level of Lugana still white wines, a prime example of how wonderful Turbiana can age.  New winemaking techniques allow for longer aging, a mix of tank, barrel, and bottle, increasing its body, texture, and mouthfeel, and offering a counterpoint to the high acidity.  Still young at almost four years old, the Le Morette is a full-bodied, balanced wine, with lemon and grapefruit, and a streak of salinity that is intriguing.  Just like a work of art, this is a limited edition, with numbered bottles.
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Valpolicella and its flagship Amarone represent a unique twist on the region’s wines, a blend of indigenous grapes and historical winemaking processes.  Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone are the main grape varietals grown, along with a little Molinara, and Valpolicella (Basic, Superiore, and Ripasso DOC) makes up over 75% of the production, with the Amarone and Reciota DOCG versions comprising the balance.  Mostly exported, 75% to 85 countries, these robust red wines channel a depth of flavor and a velvety roundness.   Steeped in history and tradition, the “Classico” and “Valpantena” are the oldest areas of production, with viticulture going back to Roman times.  The unique “Ripasso” winemaking method is, in essence, a secondary fermentation. which involves adding, or “repassing” fermented Valpolicella wine over the skins and lees of recently fermented Amarone wine.  Originally done to strengthen the wines’ structure in bad harvest years, it’s now a style of wine and a consumer choice.  This technique produces a bigger wine, more complex and flavorful, with deeper color and texture, while still keeping the vibrant fruit in the mix.  This is different from the Amarone process, known as “appassimento”, which makes the wines with partially dried grapes, and aged in large wooden casks for at least two years.  This winemaking technique makes even bigger wines than Ripasso, more full-bodied, flavorful, and higher alcohol, although they share many of the same aromas and flavors.  Both wines are destined to pair with food, although they are very pleasant to drink on their own.
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Five different classifications of wine are offered under the Valpolicella umbrella.  The basic Valpolicella is a fresh, young wine, with aromas of cherry and rose, and a soft palate with a pleasant, bitter note.  Valpolicella Superiore is made from the best grapes, and aged for at least one year, adding a vanilla note and velvet texture to the wine.  Valpolicella Ripasso is big and round, with more structure and alcohol, and an evolved profile of red fruit, but even more velvety.  Amarone della Valpolicella is intense and full-bodied, with dry fruit, tobacco and spice notes, very deep flavors that just get better with time.  Recioto della Valpolicella is designed to be a dessert wine, but although its bouquet is strong and jammy, there is quite a bit of acidity that moderates the sweetness.
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The Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella joined their neighbor Lugana on this promotional tour, looking to forge their identities and court new consumers.  Embracing the trend towards sustainable viticulture, their “RRR - Reduce, Respect, Retrench” program seeks to align vineyard techniques to conserve the surrounding environment, for example, reducing the use of pesticides and nurturing biodiversity in their vineyards.  Starting with the 2016 vintage, the wines, which are produced in accordance with these guidelines, will carry the “RRR” mark on their label.  In addition, the Consorzio is encouraging tourism to the region, touting art, history, and wine as a lure to foreign tourists.
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Courtesy Allison Levine of Please The Palate
The Sartori di Verona Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC 2013 is a superb wine, silky and smooth, with rich red fruit flavors and herbal notes, concentration without the Ripasso method.  It finishes deep and persistent, compelling one sip after another.
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Courtesy Allison Levine of Please The Palate
The Cantina Valpolicella Negrar Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC 2012 "Domini Veneti Verjago"  is a top wine of the region, made from grapes from the best vineyard sites, by a co-operative of over two hundred farmers.  A rich nose of plum, fig, mocha, and spice gives way to a lively and concentrated palate, with herbal and menthol notes, a structured wine that will continue to get better with age.
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Courtesy Allison Levine of Please The Palate
The Scriani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2012 is an intense wine, with aromas of red fruits, berries, and cherry jam, and flavors of licorice, spice, bitter almond, and vanilla.  It glides across the palate, smooth, velvety and dense, with a finish that goes on and on.
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Courtesy Allison Levine of Please The Palate
The Cantina di Valpantena Torre del Falasco Tesauro Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG is fragrant and intense, with aromas of blackberry jam and spice.  This is an elegant wine with good structure, which initially has a perception of sweetness but it’s acidity keeps the balance.  Made by one of the best co-operatives in Italy, this is considered a dessert wine, but it’s not too cloying.
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If you’re not acquainted with either Valpolicella or Lugana wines, they are certainly worthy of your attention.  Classic food wines, their distinctive personalities bring something different to the table, and in all their incarnations, you can drink a young, fresh version or indulge in an older, more complex wine.  Salute, Lugana and Valpolicella! ​