Damilano Barolo Riserva Cannubi “1752”, the essence of a single vineyard wine, aged seven years

Tasting a Barolo is always a great experience because this red nectar is one of the greatest wines in Italy (and in the world). But this Barolo is something outstanding. I love talking about a Riserva, a real Cru (single vineyard) from the hill Cannubi, one of the best places for growing the grape Nebbiolo, that, in this place, shows incredible elegance and depth. In this area, the soil is made up of chalks and clay, with high percentage of limestone and sand.

Altemasi Graal Riserva. From the region Trentino, a winning example of cooperation!

There are several example of cooperation in Italy, in agriculture, but above all in the wine business. More than ever “there is strength in numbers”. And the wine, I am talking about, that amused me is a sparkling one, produced by a cooperative, Cavit Trento, i.e. Cantina Viticoltori del Trentino, a really big one, involving about 4500 vinegrowers, from 10 cooperatives in Trentino, in the North East of Italy.

Lungarotti, the Heart of Umbria lives in a glass of Rubesco Vigna Monticchio

I met Chiara Lungarotti during some interviews, when she was the national president of the Italian Wine Tourism Movement. She isn’t even that appointment but – actually – that role has sure got under her skin. The Lungarotti wineries (of which Chiara is the CEO) are a shining sample of how the hospitality of wine tourists and of all types of visitors should be managed. How do you do it? Proving availability, professionalism, passion, ability to tell their own story. 

Folle Conero La Calcinara, the cool Marche wine from “Red Brothers”

That’s the liking company in the Marche region (Centre of Italy). No more schematic, ingested, formal, rigid presentations. La Calcinara is a smart, young and jaunty company, as a modern “start-up” (as it would be said today) that breathes through the image of its owners: Paolo and Eleonora Berluti brothers. They are a tangible example of the enthusiasm and liveliness with which the Conero area offers, for some time, so many excellent red wines that deserve to be known more and better.

Lisini Ugolaia Riserva 2011, journey into the heart of Brunello’s noblest

The love for Brunello di Montalcino is unyielding: for us Italians is an unshakable certainty, considering it is our most famous and appreciated red wine (along with Barolo) all over the world. This type of wine has today reached full maturity of style thanks to its unquestionable quality, which reaches the highest levels. Among the many Brunello wines I have tasted, there is, however, one that I could define my “heart’s Brunello” simply because it was one of the first tastings of my sommelier course. It really was “love at first sip”, believe me!

Dei Bossona Riserva 2010, the musical Nobile di Montepulciano born from tuff

Maria Caterina has an innate gift for singing: she possesses an intense and melodious voice, her heart beating for the seven notes. But it is far from her only passion: she also feels a strong love for her land, her wine, and the nature she breathes in from her vineyards and olive groves surrounding the villa and the family estate in the surroundings of Montepulciano. A love for the land inherited from her father Glauco, a man of great vitality and lucidity. But how did the family business of the Dei family come about?

Fattoria Le Terrazze – Sassi Neri 2013: from Conero, spelled “red” but pronounced “happiness”

Among many excellent Italian red wines, the Rosso Conero variety is certainly one of the most deserving of being discovered and appreciated. They are made from Montepulciano grapes, and considered to be the most delicious and important red wines of the Marche region, made in two different denominations: Rosso Conero DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) and the Conero Riserva DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin). If you have already read the article in the TWR Lands section you already know what I mean.