Basilicata Aglianico Eruption #ItalianFWT

Basilicata Who? If there’s ever an under-the-radar Italian region, Basilicata is it. Located in the instep of the boot of Italy, it’s not a big tourism area, or an area of commerce. No big cities. Very little access to the coast.  With one exception, wines from Basilicata are not heard of or seen outside the … Continue reading

A16 Braised Pork with Taurasi and Falanghina

A16 in San Francisco or Campania? Whenever I visit San Francisco, I make it a point to visit A16. Named after the highway that runs from Naples inland all the way through Campania, the restaurant features cuisine inspired by the region, and of course, wines as well. Our #ItalianFWT group was studying Campania this month, … Continue reading

Is Taurasi the Barolo of the South?

Taurasi Who? Have you ever heard of Taurasi?  How about Aglianico? I thought so. When you’re trying to get some recognition for a little known wine, it’s helpful to compare it to a known reference. Anyone who drinks Italian wine has at least heard of Barolo, so why not? Taurasi Like many Italian wines, Taurasi … Continue reading

Ahhh… The Sweet Life of a Wine Importer

Protocol Wine Studio, Justin Gallen and Rinascimento Wine Company One of my favorite wine books is Kermit Lynch’s account of his early days as an importer.  Wouldn’t it be exciting to travel all over Europe, searching out great wineries, meeting the winegrowers and soaking in all that wine culture? Thanks to Protocol Wine Studio , … Continue reading