Wine Along The 101
  • Home
  • Articles
    • 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
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​There is no singular, simple vision of Italian wine, but rather a fascinating mosaic of twenty wine regions with thousands of varietals and wineries, producing wines many have never heard of, unique to their local areas.  Wine drinkers are enchanted with the fabled pillars of Italian wine, Amarone, Barolo, Chianti, and Etna to name a few, but what is really exciting is to discover another facet to the brilliant gem of Italian wine.  Superb white wines are emerging, savory rosés redefine the concept, and red wines electrify with their exceptional aromas and flavors.  Simply Italian is anything but simple, there is so much to discover and fall in love with, spanning viticultural lands from the Alps to Mount Etna.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
The Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022 returned to Los Angeles this past fall, with a full day of master classes and a walk around tasting for wine professionals, held at the Sofitel Hotel.  The highlights included stunning white wines from the Collio, the gorgeous Sangiovese wines of Montepulciano, and a surprising dedication to “green” measures in farming and wine production across the board, with organic and sustainable the buzz words among wineries.  The seminars painted a picture of quality and innovation, while still remaining true to their heritage.
Picture
Riccardo Ricci Curbastro of Ricci Curbastro
Picture
​First seminar of the day, a look at the sparkling wine of Franciacorta, as an example of quality controls and sustainability goals, was led by Riccardo Ricci Curbastro of Azienda Agricola Ricci Curbastro, in the “Federdoc - Traceability & Regulation of Italian DOC Wines: Focus on Franciacorta DOCG (Franciacorta Heritage).  While it is a complex and very broad subject, Curbastro detailed the many initiatives that Italians have taken to not only improve their carbon footprint and sustainable wine production, but also to give consumers a guarantee of the wines’ quality and origins, assurances that what you pay for is what you get.  Programs like The Green Deal 2030, Farm to Fork, SOPD Equalitas, MIPAAF, and Valoritalia work hand in hand to provide a system of checks and balances for the consumer.
Picture
Riccardo Ricci Curbastro of Ricci Curbastro
Picture
Picture
Picture
For Curbastro, he’s very proud of his family business, farmers since the 13th Century, and their role in producing the finest Franciacorta in an environmentally conscious way.  Certified sustainable since 2017, Ricci Curbastro embraces the lighter footprint in many ways, such as planting a new grape, Erbamat, that contributes acidity to riper grapes in a warmer world.  This was so well illustrated in the Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta DOCG Brut NV, a very nice aperitif style sparkler, structured yet smooth.  They also produce still wines from the Curtefranco DOC, a fascinating pour of a blend of the best vineyards, the Ricci Curbastro Curtefranca DOC Rosso Vigna Santella del Gröm 2015 is so delicious, a blend of five grape varietals that wowed with it’s silky, flavorful character.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Next, Master Sommelier and Educator Tim Gaiser spun the tale of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the elegant red wine from the Renaissance hilltop town of Montepulciano in the “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: The History-Teller” seminar.  Produced by small family-owned estates, this Sangiovese-dominant wine is carefully crafted and aged longer to showcase its complex palate of floral, fruit, herbs, spice, and savory notes.  Six wines were compared side by side, enchanting in their profile in different ways.  The La Spinosa Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2018 casts a spell with its characteristic aromas and flavors of sour cherry, plum, tomato leaf, sandalwood, spice, toast and dried rose petal potpourri character, with hints of oregano, star anise and bay leaf.  The Contucci Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2017 is so yummy, ripe yet somehow slightly tart, lots of herbal and mineral notes, which elevated the wine.  The Poggio Stella Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2017 is a Consorzio wine produced by a cooperative, which Gaiser liked best, feeling it occupied the “sweet spot”, light on its feet with lower alcohol and more acidity.
Picture
Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser
Picture
Then, transitioning from red to white, Gaiser conducted a virtual trip to the best white wine terroir in the “Collio: A Small Territory for Great Wines” seminar.  Because of their unique Ponca soils, consisting of layers of marl and sandstone, peppered with tiny fossils that facilitates salinity and minerality, the hilly Collio region of northeast Italy yields elegant and structured white wines of many different grape varietals.  Six wines were poured, complex, structured and full-bodied, each varietally different, so diverse!  From Ribolla Gialla to Friulano, Pinot Bianco to Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio to a fabulous blend, these wines represent the bounty of the Collio, and fulfill its promise, remaining fresh while ageing into a complex and elegant wine.  Collio Bianco is the “true essence and soul” of the region, with each individual producer offering an unique expression of their piece of the terroir, and these wines are usually blends.  The bottles proudly proclaim “Collio” on the labels.
Picture
Picture
The Tenuta Villanova Ribolla Giallo DOC Collio 2021 is succulent, with pretty floral notes and bitter almond on the finish.  The Toros Pinot Bianco DOC Collio 2021 is delicious with its pear and citrus fruit alongside the mineral notes and great acidity.  The Marco Felluga-Russiz Superiore Friulano Amani DOC Collio 2021 is floral, round and textured, just so yummy with it’s key lime, white peach and floral notes.  The Renato Keber Pinot Grigio Riserva DOC Collio 2017 is not just any Pinot Grigio, its preserved lemon, quince paste, pear and apple compote fruit, accented by mineral and saline notes, finishes long and persistent.  The Due Del Monte Sauvignon DOC Collio 2019 is a pure expression of fruit, with its lemongrass, verbena and citrus blossom character.  The Picech Bianco Jelka DOC Collio 2017, a blend of Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, and Malvasia Istriana, is so fascinating, focused and concentrated yet weightless on the palate, with its viscous, evolved notes of preserved lemon, quince paste, dried flowers, mineral and crystallized honey, truly special.
Picture
Regine Rousseau conducted the Pinot Grigio seminar
Picture
Picture
​Finally, a look at the familiar world of Pinot Grigio by Regine Rousseau in the “Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC: the Seal of Wonderful Experiences” seminar.  Three areas contribute to Pinot Grigio, the Veneto, Trentino and Friuli, producing 233 million bottles to slake the world’s thirst for this popular Italian white wine.  Four types of Pinot Grigio are crafted in the Delle Venezie DOC, a Ramato/Rosato in still and sparkling, either frizzante or spumante, and the Bianco still wine.  Today’s Pinot Grigio was created as a style of wine, easy-drinking and versatile.  And living up to its mission, eight wines were poured, offering a variety of stonefruit, citrus, and almond character, all designed for easy drinking and food.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Afterwards, a walk around tasting was enjoyed by wine professionals, who were on a treasure hunt for Italian wine gems.  Some of these producers were looking for representation here, and are not currently available for purchase, but well-deserved kudos to all the producers who travelled to the US to share their passion for wine and their personal stories.  It was a delight to taste the different regions side by side, and experience new trends and great wines, a reminder that the mosaic of Italian wine is complex, and not simple at all.