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
    • 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
Picture
Italy, renowned for food, wine, culture, art, and fashion, is the complete package.  A model of excellence, Italy sets the standard, inspiring Americans to recreate the essence of the Italian lifestyle here in the US.  The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West (IACCW) in Los Angeles promotes business between Italy and the US, in particular, the food and wine industry, through a series of monthly events that spotlight the authentic products of Italy.  The Taste of Italy, Extraordinary Italian Taste, and Vino California are a few of the annual events that bring the real Italy to our shores.  The LA Wine Writers, over a delicious tasting lunch created by Executive Chef David Vilchez of Cafe del Rey, experienced the alchemy of food and wine, assisted by the wines of Veneto Hills and Vino Direct.  ​
Picture
Picture
Italians have perfected the art of food and wine pairing, with each region’s signature dishes geared to what’s grown locally.  Today, their unique food products are defined and guaranteed by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), a set of regulations that keep foodstuffs and wines true to their regional roots.  Quality is protected through traditional methods of production.  What we often experience here in the US is an American version of classic Italian products, best illustrated with the world-famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.  Genny Nevoso, Executive Director for the IACCW, pointed out that many American versions of grated Parmesan cheese contain cellulose to keep it from sticking together.  Traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is made from all-natural ingredients, and so strictly supervised, it’s journey from cow to wheel is documented and guaranteed.  This dedication to authenticity is what propels Italy’s cuisine to the highest level.


Steeped in history, Italy’s rich tapestry of regional cuisine and intriguing wines form a magical bond of sensory delights that is the beating heart of Italian culture.  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, and US wine consumers are just beginning to explore these wines.
Picture
Tenuta 2Castelli Conegliano Valdobbiadene Extra Dry Prosecco Superiore
Picture
Tenuta 2Castelli Conegliano Valdobbiadene Brut Prosecco Superiore
The IACCW introduced the wines of Veneto Hills and Vino Direct at the luncheon.  Veneto Hills is a family-owned winery, situated in the hills above Venice, that excels in the production of high quality Prosecco.  Sustainably farmed and produced by the Zago-Gasparini family, their label, Tenuta 2Castelli, offers four Prosecco Superiore wines from the highest quality region, Conegliano Valdobbiadene.  Nicola Serragiotto of Veneto Hills brought two examples, an Extra Dry and a Brut Prosecco.  The Tenuta 2Castelli Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Extra Dry DOC, contrary to what you might think from extra dry on the label, had a perception of sweetness, yet still was a dry wine.  Golden in color, its tiny bubbles delivered refreshing acidity with a bit of heft from the fuller body.  Even though it started a bit sweeter, it finished delightfully dry.  The Tenuta 2Castelli Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut DOCG was dry and fresh, but richer in taste and texture than many other Prosecco wines.  These are some of the best Prosecco I’ve tasted recently, capturing the essence of the Veneto, redolent of golden apple and pear, fragrant with white flowers and notes of citrus.
Picture
La Montina Franciacorta Satèn
Picture
As the tasting menu began, Franciacorta, an Italian sparkling wine made in the style of Champagne, was poured.  Paolo Cressi of Vino Direct represents La Montina, a winery located in the lake country of Lombardia.  They specialize in Franciacorta, whose different incarnations are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, imparting an elegance to the wines.  The La Montina Franciacorta Satèn is 100% Chardonnay, with extended lees aging (35 months) that gives character and texture to this silky smooth wine.  Paired with the first course, a Salmon and Albacore Tartare with dried cranberries, on a bed of mashed avocado, dressed with a pomegranate-mustard vinaigrette, the Satèn’s bubbles really set off the freshness of the dish.  
Picture
Picture
Paolo Cressi explains how La Montina Franciacorta Rosé is made
Picture
Picture
La Montina Franciacorta Rosé Millesimato 2009 Extra Brut
Picture
The La Montina Franciacorta Rosé Millesimato 2009 Extra Brut, 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, was stunning.  The winemaking included two days of skin contact and 40 months of lees aging, yielding an elegant, copper-colored wine.  Paired with a Winter Green Flatbread, a base of Burrata topped with Endive, Spinach, Frisée, and dressed with a basil vinaigrette, the soft, wild berry notes of the wine pulled together the bitterness of the greens atop the lusciousness of the cheese.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Paolo of Vino Direct also brought red wines from another producer, Ugo Lequio of Piemonte.  The Ugo Lequio Barbera D’Alba Vigna Gallina DOC 2013 was smooth and ripe, balanced in its red fruit and cocoa notes, particularly good with food.  Paired with Lamb Lollies atop Pepperjack Polenta topped with Brussels Sprouts, both the food and the wine increased in their flavor and fragrance, so delicious!
Picture
Picture
Picture
The outstanding Ugo Lequio Barbaresco Gallina DOCG 2011, 100% Nebbiolo, was dense and rich, complex in its raspberry fruit, rose petal, tar, leather, woodsmoke and forest floor profile, truly beautiful for such a young Nebbiolo wine.  Barbaresco is considered the feminine style of Nebbiolo, known as the “Queen”, compared to Barolo, which is the masculine “King” of Piemonte Nebbiolo.  This was paired with Oxtail Bucatini with Braised Fennel, Arugula, and Parmigiano, the oxtails were braised for seven hours, a depth of flavor that matched the wine.  This combination revealed the beauty of winter food and wine, so aptly embraced by the Italians, bewitching in its aromatics and depth of flavor.  Bravo Chef David and Ugo Lequio!
Picture
Picture
Fabian Rodriguez revels in the art of Italian living, la dolce vita!
A different twist on the dessert course, Limoncello was served alongside a Lemon Tart with Toasted Meringue, Shortbread Crumble and Raspberry Coulis, intensifying the very lemony finale to a fabulous luncheon, thanks to Cafe del Rey and their staff.
Picture
(L-R) Nicola Serragiotto of Veneto Hills, Patricia Decker, Paolo Cressi of Vino Direct
While everyone loves Italian food and wine, Italians have perfected the art of living well, La Dolce Vita!  The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West strives to bring authenticity to Southern California’s Italian experiences.  Through its many events and monthly wine tastings, the IACCW provides a great opportunity for Angelenos to embrace the art of Italian living!