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
    • 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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Angela Velenosi of Velenosi Vini, Courtesy of Barbara Barrielle
Angela Velenosi is a self-made dynamo, establishing Velenosi Vini as a major Italian wine producer on the world stage in the span of just over thirty years.  With no experience and little capital, Velenosi used her innate business savvy and determination to build a winery from the ground up.  In the process, Velenosi has brought attention to the relatively unsung wine region of Marche and expanded a small production into a large winemaking business.  These critically acclaimed Italian wines are impressive, crafted with skill and balance, and have transformed the lesser known indigenous varietals of Passerina, Pecorino, Lacrima di Morro, Montepulciano and Vernaccia Nera into wines of elegance and beauty.
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Angela Velenosi explains how Marche's maritime climate and soils create her fine wines
Velenosi’s story started in 1984, when she and her husband, Ercole, founded Velenosi Vini, taking advantage of an Italian government agricultural project that motivated young people to move from cities to the countryside, to rebuild the local winemaking business.  Like the saying, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”, in Velenosi’s case, the preparation translated to hard work and determination, and a vision.  Only 20 years old, she dove in, starting with two wines from nine hectares (22 acres) in the Central Italian region of Marche, from the province of Ascoli Piceno.  In the thirty years since, Velenosi has expanded, producing 34 wines from 148 hectares of vineyards, with an annual production of 2.5 million bottles that circle the globe to 52 countries.  Recognized by Wine Spectator as one of Italy’s top wineries, Velenosi is harvesting the fruits of all her years of hard work.  Not resting on her laurels, which are many, she continues to broaden and refine the wines of Marche.  She consulted winemaker Attilio Pagli, whom Decanter Magazine named one of the 30 best winemakers in the world, and continues to push the boundaries of what is expected from Marche.  These hillside vineyards overlook the Adriatic Sea, at almost 1,000 feet above sea level, and their clay and limestone soils contribute to the finesse and structure of the wines.  And although the root of her last name “velen” translates to poison in Italian, the wine business has been very good to her.
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Angela Velenosi and Laura Donadoni present Velenosi wines
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Angela Velenosi brought seven wines to a LA Wine Writers lunch at Cafe del Rey earlier this year, assisted by local Italian wine journalist Laura Donadoni.  Through six courses, designed by Executive Chef David Vilchez, the depth of flavors and balance of structure was reinforced again and again.  There were lots of oohs and aahs, in appreciation of these well-made wines.  A sparkling Velenosi Passerina Brut ($16) was poured to start, it’s floral and citrus notes swirled within the fine bubbles, with a whiff of brioche at the end.  This very delicate sparkler was a perfect aperitif.
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The Velenosi Pecorino Villa Angela DOCG 2016 ($17) is vibrant and medium bodied, ripe citrus accented with herbal notes.  Fermented with wild yeast in stainless steel tanks, it rests on its lees for about 3 months, which gives the wines a creaminess and texture.  And yes, if you’re wondering, the grape is named for sheep, “pecora" translates to sheep in Italian.  The story has it that shepherds moved their flocks back and forth through the areas where these grapes grew, and the sheep loved eating the grapes.  So Pecorino has become the name of the grape and of course, the cheese made from sheep milk.  In honor of that, the first course was an Herbed Goat Cheese on Marble Rye Toast, highlighting the creamy and herbal characteristics of the wine.
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Verdicchi is the most famous white wine of the region.  Velenosi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2017 ($17) is mineral, briny, and vibrant, with citrus flavors and lemon-lime zest on the finish.  Using the same production method as Pecorino, Verdicchio distinguishes itself with its aging potential.  As Donadoni explained, “ In a recent vertical tasting, Verdicchio showed ethereal flavors which resemble old Riesling wines to me.”  Although perfect with seafood, our second course was a great pair, a Spinach & Stone Fruit Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, which Donadoni found a good match, “the acidity of the orange vinaigrette matches the wine”.
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Laura Donadoni explores aromas and flavors of Velenosi Lacrima
Lacrima translates to “tear” in Italian, which either refers to the grape’s teardrop shape or the teardrops of juice that easily bleed from its thin skin when ripe.  This rare red winegrape is grown mostly in the Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC of Marche.  Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba Querciantica DOC 2017 ($17) is velvety and full-bodied, floral with dark fruit, herbs and a touch of spice, the rich flavors with soft tannins are superbly balanced.  Paired with a Butternut Squash and Chocolate Bread Pudding with a Dried Plum Sauce, the wine, slightly chilled, really excelled with this third course.
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Velenosi Ludi Offida Rosso DOCG 2014 ($65) is a blend of 85% Montepulciano, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Merlot.  Hand-picked, fermented in steel vats, macerated on the lees for 25 days, and aged in new French oak barriques for 18 months, it’s a classic blend that shines with Velenosi’s touch.  Elegant with ripe plum and cherry fruit, balanced and juicy, its textured mouthfeel finishes with silky tannins, a beautiful wine.  It excelled with the Roasted Peppered Venison with Shaved Fennel & Cranberry Slaw with Pernod Dressing.
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Velenosi Roggio del Filare Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC 2013 ($65), a blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese, is a standout.  The top-rated wine in the region, having won many awards, its plum and blackberry flavors, with a touch of spice, is lush and structured, balanced with fresh acidity and refined tannins, with a polished and sophisticated finish.  Made from 45-year-old vines from a single vineyard, it was served with a 48 Day Dry Aged Beef in a Mushroom Sauce, truly heaven! ​
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Vernaccia di Serrapetrona is an unusual triple fermented wine.  Made with 50% fresh crushed grapes, which are processed as a dry wine (first fermentation), and the other 50% of the grapes are dried for 3 months, then fermented (second fermentation), finally both are blended for a third fermentation as a sparkling wine in an autoclave for 9-10 months.  This is a dry version of this style of wine, it’s also made as a sweet sparkler.  Velenosi Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG Secco 2016 ($30) is intriguing, succulent red fruit with a spritz!  A great way to end a meal, so delicious, and was served with Almond Flour Cookies.
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Angela Velenosi is a force of nature, ambitious for her own brand and the Le Marche region, shining the spotlight on its progress and potential for even finer wines in the future.  Velenosi is President of the area’s wine consortium, Consorzio di Tutela Vini Piceni, and is a great ambassador for Marche wines.  The wines are widely available in the US, and well-priced for their considerable quality.