Vino

Tuscan Merlot
Merlot is rapidly gaining in popularity in Tuscany, and while I don't approve of its inclusion in traditional wines, it can be spectacular. Notes on 6 Merlot-based wines, including Fonterutoli's Le Siepi and Frescobaldi's Lamaione.

Also, a recipe for Schiacciata Con L'Uva, a sinfully tasty pastry made with wine grapes.

Vermentino dei Colli di Luni
An exciting Tosco-Ligurian white wine, and recipes to serve with it.

Tipicitá
There are two major currents in Italian wine making today -- Innovators and Traditionalists. While the innovators make wonderful wine, I tend to side with the traditionalists. Here's why.

Also, tasting notes on a couple of wines from Castello di Brolio.

Valpolicella:
Though it doesn't get the respect of Tuscan or Piemontese wines, this wine from the Veneto can be spectacular.

Lambrusco:
Spring is upon us -- what could possibly go better with a picnic?

Il Vino Nobile:
Montepulciano has some extraordinary wines...
And it's beautiful, too.

DOC, VdT, DOCG... What does it mean?
Reading an Italian wine label.

Croce e Delizia:
The Chianti Classico region produces some of the greatest wines in the world, but also vast quantities of plonk. How this situation developed.

Isole e Olena's Paolo De Marchi:
Paolo De Marchi has won the James Beard Award and a host of other prizes; his wines consistently garner top honors. It's worth undertaking a journey to meet him.

Tasting in Piemonte:
Just got back from a wine-tasting trip to Piemonte; some thoughts about this kind of trip, and a few words on vintages.

Sergio Manetti and Montevertine:
Sergio Manetti is one of the most highly respected Italian vintners. Though he withdrew from the Consorzio del Chianti Classico many years ago, his wines are among the best produced in the region, and never fail to dazzle.

Le Cinque Terre:
Le Cinque Terre are both a region in Liguria and the wine that comes from it: A monument (successful, I might add) to people's determination to eke something from the soil.

Also, a recipe for Buridda, a Ligurian fish stew.

Lambrusco
Times are changing and there are now some spectacular examples of a former spritzmaster. Also, Tortellini.

Ciró:
Things are looking up for a little-known Calabrian wine. Also, things to serve with it.

For a more detailed overview of the recipes and other information on the site check the General Recipe Index.