Here are 7 of my most recent favorite inexpensive but good wines.
J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
This Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California is made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 1% Malbec- quite an intense mix, but it works. Stainless steel fermentation, then 14-16 months in oak casks. Bright reddish purple in color with strong fruity fragrance of cherries cedar and blackberries, and cherry soda, chocolate and vanilla on the mouth. Enjoyed this with a cheeseburger at a new restaurant in Forest Hills by the glass, and it can be found retail at the $20 range. 13.8% alcohol.
Cantina Di Casteggio Oltrepo Pavese Barbera 2005 DOC
This medium weight ruby colored 100% Barbera is unoaked, so there's no wood influence, allowing a nose of pure mild red fruits, a palate of sour cherries, spice, white pepper, and a mix of fragrant herbs. After an hour of decanting the finish was smooth and fleeting, but after 4 hours the finish stretched out nicely. The mild tannins would hold up well to a pork or veal dish, or even barbecue. We are in the $12 range.
Rocca Delle Macie Campomaccione Morellino Di Scansano DOC 2006
Blend is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot. Rocca Delle Macie Campomaccione Morellino Di Scansano DOC 2006 is a ruby red, dry, full-bodied wine from Tuscany with ripe red fruit and chocolate on the nose, and a fresh smooth palate with a good finish. 13% alcohol and $7.99.
Santa Carolina Reserva Carmenere 2006 Chile
This Carmenere from Chile is aged for 8 months in small oak barrels, is a deep purple red, has mild floral aromas and complex fruit flavors including cherry, with spice and vanilla. This is an interesting pick... the flavor profile is unique (it's my first 100% Carmenere)... I haven't seen many around. Found this in the $10 range.
Chateau Grand Moulin 2005 France
This red wine from France is a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes. Color is clear dark garnet red with cherries, ripe fruit and tar on the nose. Palate has black cherry and white pepper undertones and moderate tannin. It is paired well with warm gruyere gougeres. Not bad by the glass for $9.
Straccali Sangiovese Di Toscana 2004 IGT
This is a 100% Sangiovese red wine made from grapes from various locations in Tuscany, Italy. There's barnyard on the nose with black cherry and oak with cinnamon, and mild flavors of fruit and good balance. This is an inexpensive, but decent everyday wine, I believe it was $6.
Fattoria Del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2004 DOCG
This DOCG from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy is made from 80% Prugnolo Gentile (a Sangiovese clone) and a 20% blend of Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo. 80% of the grapes are aged for two years in Slavonian oak and 20% in French oak. On the nose is cherry, oak, rose and vanilla and on the palate black cherries with moderate tannins and a smooth medium finish. In the $20 neighborhood, this is a good vintage to drink now but you can also cellar it for a few years.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Tuscany. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Tuscany. Sort by date Show all posts
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Friday, March 13, 2009
Message in a bottle: Sting's vineyard to sell 'rock star wine'
From Times Online
The rock star Sting – whose best known songs include Message in a Bottle – is to produce 30,000 bottles of Chianti a year from his 300-hectare estate in Tuscany.
The singer, 57, whose real name is Gordon Sumner, made the announcement at a public meeting called at Figline Valdarno, south of Florence, to "defend Tuscan agriculture and bio-diversity". "Since January I have been round the world one and a half times," he told the meeting. "When I get back here I take a deep breath and say to myself – I'm home".
The singer, dressed in a grey jacket and T-shirt and sporting a full beard, said that from the terrace of his 16th-century villa, Il Palagio, which he bought in 1997, he could see the sun setting behind the Appenines – "a masterpiece" of nature. He said that he would market two kinds of wine: a Chianti DOC and a Tuscan red based on the Sangiovese grape.
The brand names remain a closely guarded secret. However Paolo Rossi, the estate manager, said that the "Sting wine" had been made two years ago, and the first bottles of the 2007 vintage would be on the market in September. It would amount to "rock music wine" with "a bit of swing and a bit of international pop thanks to the addition of Cabernet and Merlot grapes".
Riccardo Nocentini, the mayor of Figline Valdarno, which is close to Sting's estate and villa, said that the singer was not just a "welcome guest" in the region but also a serious farmer. Together with his wife, Trudie Styler, Sting markets "Il Palagio Sumner Family" honey and olive oil from his estate through Harrods in London and on the internet.
Sting said that his concern for the environment, which initially took the form of a campaign to save the Amazon rainforest, had spread to the defence of rural Tuscany. "I always use traditional methods – no pesticides," he said. He bought the vineyards and woods adjoining his villa grounds in 2002, and employs 15 estate workers as well as seasonal labour.
A percentage of all profits from the sales goes to the environmental causes the couple support, such as the Soil Association, which promotes organic food and farming in Britain, and the Rainforest Foundation, which they helped to found in 1989.
Italian fans who attended the meeting said that they would buy the new wine the moment it appeared. "We have always bought Sting's honey and oil," Giovanni Pollastri and Lidia Di Corato told Corriere della Sera. "In fact with all the money we have spent supporting his agricultural produce we deserve a free bottle."
Sting spends much of his time in Tuscany when he is not touring, and recorded the album All This Time at Il Palagio after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The villa grounds, which he tours on a mountain bike, contain a circular swimming pool and a giant chess board. The nickname Sting derives from the bee-striped jersey he wore early in his music career with a band called the Phoenix Jazzmen.
Four years ago Mick Hucknall, the lead singer of Simply Red, introduced a wine called Il Cantante (The Singer), at his estate on the slopes of Mount Etna in in Sicily. He said that he had bought the vineyard after turning to wine to curb the wild drinking of his youth. He said: "My logic was I would drink less if the drink was better. So I became obsessed with fine wines."
Gerard Depardieu, the French actor, owns a vineyard on the island of Pantelleria, where he produces "passito", the celebrated local dessert wine.
The rock star Sting – whose best known songs include Message in a Bottle – is to produce 30,000 bottles of Chianti a year from his 300-hectare estate in Tuscany.
The singer, 57, whose real name is Gordon Sumner, made the announcement at a public meeting called at Figline Valdarno, south of Florence, to "defend Tuscan agriculture and bio-diversity". "Since January I have been round the world one and a half times," he told the meeting. "When I get back here I take a deep breath and say to myself – I'm home".
The singer, dressed in a grey jacket and T-shirt and sporting a full beard, said that from the terrace of his 16th-century villa, Il Palagio, which he bought in 1997, he could see the sun setting behind the Appenines – "a masterpiece" of nature. He said that he would market two kinds of wine: a Chianti DOC and a Tuscan red based on the Sangiovese grape.
The brand names remain a closely guarded secret. However Paolo Rossi, the estate manager, said that the "Sting wine" had been made two years ago, and the first bottles of the 2007 vintage would be on the market in September. It would amount to "rock music wine" with "a bit of swing and a bit of international pop thanks to the addition of Cabernet and Merlot grapes".
Riccardo Nocentini, the mayor of Figline Valdarno, which is close to Sting's estate and villa, said that the singer was not just a "welcome guest" in the region but also a serious farmer. Together with his wife, Trudie Styler, Sting markets "Il Palagio Sumner Family" honey and olive oil from his estate through Harrods in London and on the internet.
Sting said that his concern for the environment, which initially took the form of a campaign to save the Amazon rainforest, had spread to the defence of rural Tuscany. "I always use traditional methods – no pesticides," he said. He bought the vineyards and woods adjoining his villa grounds in 2002, and employs 15 estate workers as well as seasonal labour.
A percentage of all profits from the sales goes to the environmental causes the couple support, such as the Soil Association, which promotes organic food and farming in Britain, and the Rainforest Foundation, which they helped to found in 1989.
Italian fans who attended the meeting said that they would buy the new wine the moment it appeared. "We have always bought Sting's honey and oil," Giovanni Pollastri and Lidia Di Corato told Corriere della Sera. "In fact with all the money we have spent supporting his agricultural produce we deserve a free bottle."
Sting spends much of his time in Tuscany when he is not touring, and recorded the album All This Time at Il Palagio after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The villa grounds, which he tours on a mountain bike, contain a circular swimming pool and a giant chess board. The nickname Sting derives from the bee-striped jersey he wore early in his music career with a band called the Phoenix Jazzmen.
Four years ago Mick Hucknall, the lead singer of Simply Red, introduced a wine called Il Cantante (The Singer), at his estate on the slopes of Mount Etna in in Sicily. He said that he had bought the vineyard after turning to wine to curb the wild drinking of his youth. He said: "My logic was I would drink less if the drink was better. So I became obsessed with fine wines."
Gerard Depardieu, the French actor, owns a vineyard on the island of Pantelleria, where he produces "passito", the celebrated local dessert wine.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Cycling thru Tuscany
Late grapes on the vine
©2006 photo by dave trieger
This photo of a vineyard in San Leonino in Chianti was taken while on a cycling trip thru Tuscany in October, 2006. It was a great way to see the countryside because I could stop whenever I wanted... and when I did stop it was so still and quiet. Actually, there were so many lookout points to choose from, that eventually I had to pick the best of the best... otherwise I'd be late for dinner, and I wouldn't want that to happen. So, I ate and drank my way thru wine country without having to worry about gaining weight... biking 35-40 miles a day was enough to burn away enough calories so it was a wash in the end.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Cecchi Chianti Classico 2014 DOCG
Made from 90% Sangiovese grapes, aged in wooden casks for 12 months, then 2 months in bottle before release. Ruby red colors with a nose of intense red fruit, forest floor and tobacco. The weight is of medium body with smooth tannins while strawberry, raspberry and white pepper are displayed on the palate. The finish is long and playful reflecting fruit and earth... in a glass.
A perfect food wine, I paired it with pasta and red sauce, but will work well with roast turkey, chicken or red meat.
It's worth a try, so take a virtual trip to Tuscany... for $22.
It's worth a try, so take a virtual trip to Tuscany... for $22.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Map of route we took on Day 5 of bike trip thru Tuscany 2006
It's been three years since the trip I took to Tuscany (deep sigh). I just found a shot of the map we used to navigate around Castelnuovo Berardenga, Asciano and Rapolano. That was such a fun trip. I feel like I need to put out there my intention to get back there.... SOON. And to make it happen!
There, it's DONE.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
2007 La Mozza I Perazzi Morellino di Scansano DOC
Mario Batali, Joe and Lidia Bastianich have partnered to create this wonderful Morellino di Scansano. The La Mozza Vineyard is near Scansano, a village in southern Tuscany, southwest of Montalcino.
Morellino, being very similar to Sangiovese, reflects intense resinous and spicy aromas, namely raisins and white pepper, with flavors of cocoa, sour cherries, hints of licorice, sawdust, and malt.
85% Morellino (Sangiovese), 4% Syrah, 4% Alicante, 4% Ciliegiolo, 3% Colorino, 75% of the wine is aged in French barrique (1 & 2 year-old) for 10 months.
Winemaker notes:
I Perazzi is named after the fruit trees that grow on the estate and bear a pear-like fruit, which is depicted on the label. In Tuscany, the Sangiovese grape is known by several names, from Chianti to Brunello to Morellino, depending on where it is grown. Morellino means "little blackish one" because of the dark color of the grape. In the hot Maremma zone, the grapes are exposed to a more Mediterranean climate with enough heat to tone down Sangiovese's signature acidity, producing juicier fruit and a jammy flavor. I Perazzi was created to be unlike most other Morellinos, which see little or no time in oak. The blend of this wine is more expressive and better demonstrates the potential of the terroir. In the Morellino di Scansano, rich, ripe black cherry and berry flavors blend into pleasant tartness. Tannins are soft at first, then firm up in the lengthy, balanced finish.
Had this by the glass at The Spotted Pig in the West Village (also partially owned by Batali).
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Castello di Gabbiano Alleanza 2008 IGT Tuscany
In 1124 the seeds of a house of wine were planted. According to legend a Knight on horseback, or Cavaliere, was charged with the protection of The Castello Gabbiano in 12th century Tuscany. The Cavaliere graphic on the label today represents the Tuscan region combining age old traditions of Chianti with modern winemaking techniques led by winemaker Giancarlo Roman.
The handpicked fruit from the excellent 2008 vintage (warm days, cool nights) are from estate vineyards and consist of 83% Merlot, 12% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Crushed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, next pumpover techniques are used to maximize color and flavor extraction, then the juice transferred into French oak barriques and left on the lees for two months. This also adds richness and texture. The wine is then racked (lees removed), and it's into new French oak barriques for 18 months before bottling.
Thick ruby purple color in the glass along with verdant aromas of licorice, clove, spice and black pepper, complemented by flavors of ripe cassis and mild vegetal notes. Provides a very near perfect balance of tannins and acidity and pleasantly long finish. 14% Alcohol and $35 SRP.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Il Nero Di Casanova Della Spinetta 2005 IGT
Italy • This 95% Sangiovese with 5% Colorino from Terricola, Tuscany is a medium to full bodied, deep burgundy color, has cherries on the nose and fruity bubble gum, palate is luscious apple cherry on back of tongue.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Advertising on this Wine Blog
Advertising on Vigna Uva Vino
ABOUT vignauvavino.blogspot.com
In 2006 I took a cycling tour thru Tuscany where I discovered a passion for wines. From that experience I began writing in a journal about the wines I liked. In January 2008 I started this wineblog: vigna uva vino.
All writing, reviews, photography and artwork by Dave Trieger unless otherwise indicated. Vigna Uva Vino is a blog about reviewing wines, interviewing wine personalities, finding winebars, shops and restaurants, great buys and wine tips. It is usually updated at least four days per week and is filled with the opinions of Dave Trieger.
Vigna Uva Vino
READERSHIP
33% of readers earn $60-100k
35% of readers earn $100k+
46% College Educated
23% Grad School
37% Age 35-49
34% Age 50+
As of March 2010, the number of unique visitors coming to the site on a monthly basis is 2,400. It is upon this number that we base our advertising costs. This figure is roughly 300% higher than in November 2009 and growing steadily.
A link to vigna uva vino’s
demographics
and
traffic.
Ad specs:
SIZE OF ADS: 167x167 pxl
ADVERTISING COSTS
Top spot on top of right sidebar: $50 per month . Any spot below the top on the right sidebar: $25 per month,
CONTACT: To inquire about advertising on vignauvavino e-mail Dave Trieger (dave@vignauvavino.com) or call 917 991-8192
ABOUT vignauvavino.blogspot.com
In 2006 I took a cycling tour thru Tuscany where I discovered a passion for wines. From that experience I began writing in a journal about the wines I liked. In January 2008 I started this wineblog: vigna uva vino.
All writing, reviews, photography and artwork by Dave Trieger unless otherwise indicated. Vigna Uva Vino is a blog about reviewing wines, interviewing wine personalities, finding winebars, shops and restaurants, great buys and wine tips. It is usually updated at least four days per week and is filled with the opinions of Dave Trieger.
Vigna Uva Vino
READERSHIP
33% of readers earn $60-100k
35% of readers earn $100k+
46% College Educated
23% Grad School
37% Age 35-49
34% Age 50+
As of March 2010, the number of unique visitors coming to the site on a monthly basis is 2,400. It is upon this number that we base our advertising costs. This figure is roughly 300% higher than in November 2009 and growing steadily.
A link to vigna uva vino’s
demographics
and
traffic.
Ad specs:
SIZE OF ADS: 167x167 pxl
ADVERTISING COSTS
Top spot on top of right sidebar: $50 per month . Any spot below the top on the right sidebar: $25 per month,
CONTACT: To inquire about advertising on vignauvavino e-mail Dave Trieger (dave@vignauvavino.com) or call 917 991-8192
Thursday, February 5, 2009
3rd Flight of Sangiovese/Chianti Blind Tasting
2004 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 14% $20
From the Monsanto - Barberino Val d’Elsa area near Florence, and from grapes of Sangiovese, 90%; Canaiolo and Colorino, 10%, maturation: 18 months in French oak barriques used once, and bottle aging for 3 months.
Barnyard, violets and herbs, dark fruits, ripe black cherries, cedar, smoked meats, prosciutto, with nice balance of acidity and tannins. Midpalate of white pepper and medium to long finish. A beautiful wine with a luscious mouthfeel.
2004 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 13.5% $30
Resinous with cinnamon, root beer, cola, coffee bean, cherries, fresh on the midpalate, with long cherry finish. From Castelnuovo Berardenga in Tuscany.
2004 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 13.5% $35
First impression outhouse, but opens to very dark expressive fruits, stylish flavors, bright and warm with nice fresh midpalate and long perfumed finish.
From the Monsanto - Barberino Val d’Elsa area near Florence, and from grapes of Sangiovese, 90%; Canaiolo and Colorino, 10%, maturation: 18 months in French oak barriques used once, and bottle aging for 3 months.
Barnyard, violets and herbs, dark fruits, ripe black cherries, cedar, smoked meats, prosciutto, with nice balance of acidity and tannins. Midpalate of white pepper and medium to long finish. A beautiful wine with a luscious mouthfeel.
2004 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 13.5% $30
Resinous with cinnamon, root beer, cola, coffee bean, cherries, fresh on the midpalate, with long cherry finish. From Castelnuovo Berardenga in Tuscany.
2004 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 13.5% $35
First impression outhouse, but opens to very dark expressive fruits, stylish flavors, bright and warm with nice fresh midpalate and long perfumed finish.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Cecchi La Mora Vermentino 2014
This luscious white wine from Tuscany is made with 90% Vermentino and 10% various varietals fermented in small and medium stainless steel tanks for over 2 months.Pale colors of hay in the glass surrounded by aromas of summertime honeysuckle and freshly cut ripe nectarines.
Fresh bright and juicy on the palate with flavors of white flower petals and hints of banana, tropical fruit and lemon rind.
Pairs very well with shrimp scampi, scallops and especially sushi. This is a treat for $19.99.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Italian Wine Series: The regions of Italy
Over the next three weeks I'll be doing a series about the wines of each of Italy's 20 regions.
Each entry will have a list of wines typical to the specific area along with info about the region. I'll also choose a local wine that is a good value.
The regions to be covered:
Abruzzo
Basilicata
Calabria
Campania
Emilia-Romagna
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Lazio
Liguria
Lombardy
Marche
Molise
Piedmont
Puglia
Sardinia
Sicily
Tuscany
Trentino
Umbria
Valle d'Aosta
Veneto
I'll also be attending the NYC Food & Wine Festival this week and will be seeking out as much info on the subject as possible. If you have any reference material to contribute either in advance or as comments I would greatly appreciate it.
Each entry will have a list of wines typical to the specific area along with info about the region. I'll also choose a local wine that is a good value.
The regions to be covered:
Abruzzo
Basilicata
Calabria
Campania
Emilia-Romagna
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Lazio
Liguria
Lombardy
Marche
Molise
Piedmont
Puglia
Sardinia
Sicily
Tuscany
Trentino
Umbria
Valle d'Aosta
Veneto
I'll also be attending the NYC Food & Wine Festival this week and will be seeking out as much info on the subject as possible. If you have any reference material to contribute either in advance or as comments I would greatly appreciate it.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Rocca Delle Macie Campomaccione Morellino Di Scansano DOC 2006
©2008 photo by Dave Trieger
Blend is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot. Rocca Delle Macie Campomaccione Morellino Di Scansano DOC 2006 is a ruby red, dry, full-bodied wine from Tuscany with ripe red fruit and chocolate on the nose, and a fresh smooth palate with a good finish. 13% alcohol and $7.99.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio 2007 DOCG
Recently selected by Wine Spectator as one of the five best wines in the world, made with grapes grown in the area of Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, this blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is matured in new barrels and casks for 18 months.
Violets with spicy aromas, plump ripe fruits, and nuances of chocolate and cherry echo a wafting of smoke, while complex flavors of caramel, tar and mineral mingle in an elegant expression of this historic vineyard.
Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bicchieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Fontissimo (Papa's Best) Le Fonti 2003 IGT Alta Valle Della Greve
The Schmitt-Vitali family owns and operates the Fattoria Le Fonti, In the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, in the village of Panzano where this delicious red wine is made from 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. It is followed by 18-20 months maturing in new French oak barriques (upon further research it may also contain a bit of Merlot).
Juicy and fruity, with colors of deep, ruby red and aromas of blackberries, licorice, and chocolate; that evolve into intensely smooth flavors of ripe cherries, chocolate, dark fruits, and a finale as fresh and bright as a clear summer's afternoon.
Juicy and fruity, with colors of deep, ruby red and aromas of blackberries, licorice, and chocolate; that evolve into intensely smooth flavors of ripe cherries, chocolate, dark fruits, and a finale as fresh and bright as a clear summer's afternoon.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Isole e Olena Vin Santo Del Chianti Classico 1994 DOC
After another delicious Sunday dinner my good friend Eric opened this amazing bottle of Vin Santo. This wine is like a birthday cake, a celebration of the senses, in hibernation for 16 years with the soul purpose of singing a birthday song. It made me very, very happy. And it's not even my birthday... but it might as well have been... fresh warm caramel jumps out at you, followed by vanilla and marzipan and hints of coconut. Full bodied and extravagant on the palate, showing ripe apricots as the finish wraps smooth and perfect like a silk ribbon around a present... "Happy Birthday tooooo youuuuuu!"
"Tuscany's traditional wine of commeroration and meditation, Vin Santo is made from white grapes (Malvasia and Trebbbiano) that are harvested early, allowed to wither into raisins, pressed in January, and then barrel fermented and aged for four years before bottling. Paolo De Marchi's production is ridiculously small, and his Vin Santo is considered one of the top Italian dessert wines." -Importer
Friday, April 13, 2012
Novel Travel Ideas for Wine Lovers
As mentioned many times on this blog, one of my most memorable vacations was a cycling trip through Tuscany. There were so many sights to see and on a bike I had the choice of stopping whenever I wanted if one caught my eye, and naturally what caught my eye related to wine. So... I'd usually stop at a winery, enoteca, or even a vineyard. I think an interesting trip sometimes can be a life changer, I know it was for me. So here are a few novel travel ideas for a wine lover.
Biking, walking, running, & multisport vacations through wine country
BACKROADS
For over 34 years Backroads has delivered a rich sense of journey that connects you to a region, with an appreciation for every minute of your time, so that events happen in a natural manner that makes sense, giving you maximum flexibility over how you spend each day. They operate their our own trips everywhere in the world, controlling quality each step of the way.
Multiple daily routes give you the freedom to access the best of a region at your own pace. Every day of every trip they provide a variety of well-researched options which are displayed on the Web and include mileage and elevation change. Every option comes with directions and is fully supported.
Two vans, three leaders, thoughtful trip design, multiple route options with directions and a choice of riding companions—each and every person is supported equally, regardless of ability.
River Barge through wine country
EUROPEAN WATERWAYS
Gourmet dining while savoring a glass of wine on a luxury hotel barge, visiting local vineyards in the Burgundy region of France or the Po River Valley of Italy.
Fully crewed, all inclusive luxury hotel barges cruise the inland waterways of nine European countries, along canals, rivers, lakes, lagoons and lochs, giving you the opportunity to experience life there from a truly unique perspective.
Hotel barges are ideal for people looking for either an individual cruise with other like-minded people, or for those choosing a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.
On your all-inclusive cruise, your intimate ‘floating hotel’ glides gently along while you relax and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company of fellow passengers. There will be guided tours to castles, chateaux, vineyards, markets and when you return to the barge a professional crew will be there to look after you once more.
They have special theme cruises for those who enjoy a specific sport or hobby. You can choose a theme cruise from their cruise guide or view their cruise maps from several locations around the site.
Food & Wine
LA DOLCE VITA WINE TOURS is a boutique tour operator founded in 1999 that offers educational wine vacations in Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
Their tours aren’t simply about stellar wine and gourmet food. They’re an entry point to Italian culture. Wine is a magnificent portal. It’s a door that leads to the world of the winemaker: equal parts farmer and artist, scientist and alchemist. It opens onto the Italian kitchen, being a soul mate to both rustic cucina povera and the most elegant haute cuisine. Wine opens the way to history, to stories of ancient Romans, Renaissance dukes, and Savoy royalty who shaped what we eat and drink. And it’s a conduit to modern-day Italy, with its lively wine bars and sidewalk cafés, bucolic landscapes and art-filled cities. These are the worlds La Dolce Vita Wine Tours explores.
Small groups (2 to 14 max) allow for dialog with winemakers. For dedicated wine enthusiasts and wine educators, they have wine-intensive tours. For the active traveler, they offer walking tours and custom bike trips. Accommodations are charming countryside inns or family-run hotels in medieval wine towns.
On all their tours, you'll enjoy Italian-style hospitality, user-friendly wine education, thoughtful food and wine pairings, and cultural sights. Plus, you'll discover places you’d never find on your own.
Biking, walking, running, & multisport vacations through wine country
BACKROADS
For over 34 years Backroads has delivered a rich sense of journey that connects you to a region, with an appreciation for every minute of your time, so that events happen in a natural manner that makes sense, giving you maximum flexibility over how you spend each day. They operate their our own trips everywhere in the world, controlling quality each step of the way.
Multiple daily routes give you the freedom to access the best of a region at your own pace. Every day of every trip they provide a variety of well-researched options which are displayed on the Web and include mileage and elevation change. Every option comes with directions and is fully supported.
Two vans, three leaders, thoughtful trip design, multiple route options with directions and a choice of riding companions—each and every person is supported equally, regardless of ability.
River Barge through wine country
EUROPEAN WATERWAYS
Gourmet dining while savoring a glass of wine on a luxury hotel barge, visiting local vineyards in the Burgundy region of France or the Po River Valley of Italy.
Fully crewed, all inclusive luxury hotel barges cruise the inland waterways of nine European countries, along canals, rivers, lakes, lagoons and lochs, giving you the opportunity to experience life there from a truly unique perspective.
Hotel barges are ideal for people looking for either an individual cruise with other like-minded people, or for those choosing a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.
On your all-inclusive cruise, your intimate ‘floating hotel’ glides gently along while you relax and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company of fellow passengers. There will be guided tours to castles, chateaux, vineyards, markets and when you return to the barge a professional crew will be there to look after you once more.
They have special theme cruises for those who enjoy a specific sport or hobby. You can choose a theme cruise from their cruise guide or view their cruise maps from several locations around the site.
Food & Wine
LA DOLCE VITA WINE TOURS is a boutique tour operator founded in 1999 that offers educational wine vacations in Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
Their tours aren’t simply about stellar wine and gourmet food. They’re an entry point to Italian culture. Wine is a magnificent portal. It’s a door that leads to the world of the winemaker: equal parts farmer and artist, scientist and alchemist. It opens onto the Italian kitchen, being a soul mate to both rustic cucina povera and the most elegant haute cuisine. Wine opens the way to history, to stories of ancient Romans, Renaissance dukes, and Savoy royalty who shaped what we eat and drink. And it’s a conduit to modern-day Italy, with its lively wine bars and sidewalk cafés, bucolic landscapes and art-filled cities. These are the worlds La Dolce Vita Wine Tours explores.
Small groups (2 to 14 max) allow for dialog with winemakers. For dedicated wine enthusiasts and wine educators, they have wine-intensive tours. For the active traveler, they offer walking tours and custom bike trips. Accommodations are charming countryside inns or family-run hotels in medieval wine towns.
On all their tours, you'll enjoy Italian-style hospitality, user-friendly wine education, thoughtful food and wine pairings, and cultural sights. Plus, you'll discover places you’d never find on your own.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Another BYOB one83
Here's another BYOB to add to your list... I found it this week on the upper east side of NYC and it's called one83 at 1608 First Avenue, between 83rd and 84th street.
With a contemporary Italian decor and Northern Italian cuisine, it was the perfect place to meet up with visiting friends with whom I cycled through Tuscany.
I brought a bottle of 2004 Antinori Chianti and ordered a whole wheat penne pasta with cubes of chicken and mixed assorted vegetables in a white sauce. We ate and drank at the bar, prices were reasonable, and the corkage fee was $15. Overall it was a good experience, I would like to go back and try their outdoor garden.
Full listing of BYOB's.
With a contemporary Italian decor and Northern Italian cuisine, it was the perfect place to meet up with visiting friends with whom I cycled through Tuscany.
I brought a bottle of 2004 Antinori Chianti and ordered a whole wheat penne pasta with cubes of chicken and mixed assorted vegetables in a white sauce. We ate and drank at the bar, prices were reasonable, and the corkage fee was $15. Overall it was a good experience, I would like to go back and try their outdoor garden.
Full listing of BYOB's.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
San Felice Deja Vu
One of the most memorable parts of my cycling trip through Tuscany was a visit to Tenuta San Felice at Relais Borgo San Felice. I remember tasting their delicious Il Grigio Chianti Classico Reserva which I believe was a 1999 or even a 1997. So it was with extreme surprise and excitement that while attending the Vino 2009 Italian Wine Week at New York's Hilton Hotel, I found myself standing at a table with the wines from San Felice.
Pouring that day was the Diretorre Comerciale, Fabrizio Nencioni who smoothly guided me through an amazingly rich selection of reds from the regions in and around San Felice. Out of the five that I sampled three were from Tenuta San Felice in Chianti Classico, one was from Tenuta Campogiovanni in Montalcino and one from Tenuta Perolla in Maremma.
1st: 2006 San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG (Tenuta San Felice)
100% Sangiovese, 12 months in Slavonian oak casks, with ruby red coloring, aromas of cherries, raspberries and violets, smooth tannins and crisp acidity. $17
2nd: 2005 Il Grigio Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG (Tenuta San Felice)
24 months in oak, 12 months in bottle, this is one I remember best, on the label was a medeival knight painted by Titian. Deep ruby red colors, aromas of red berries and violets. $23.
3rd: 2003 Vigorelli - Toscana IGT (Tenuta San Felice)
This one is a fine Supertuscan blended with 45% Sangiovese, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, 20 months in French oak, 10 months in bottle, garnet colors, aromas of red currant and earth, thick in texture with yummy silky tannins and hints of vanilla. $60.
4th: Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG (Tenuta Perolla)
3 years in Slavonian oak casks and 12 months in bottle, deep red colors, black fruits, blueberries, even some strawberries, smoke, leather and tobacco with a beautiful long finish.
5th: Poggibano Maremma Toscana IGT (Tenuta Perolla)
Mostly Merlot blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 months in barriques followed by 6 months in bottles, deep garnet coloring, blackberries, blueberries and ripe cherries and a nice balance.
All photos by Dave Trieger © 2006
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2003
Owned by the Ferragamo family, Castiglion del Bosco produces this Brunello di Montalcino which is aged in oak for 2 years.
It is a traditional 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, has ruby coloring and intense inviting aromas of vanilla with flavors of plum, orange peel and a sweet campfire smokiness. Initially slightly tight, I decanted and waited an hour before it opened to a very good balance of fruit and tannins, still it's a powerful red with 13.5% alcohol content.
24 hours later: Tried this wine again today, tannins way softer and overall feel was more velvety. A very nice wine.
photo ©2008 by Dave Trieger
It is a traditional 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, has ruby coloring and intense inviting aromas of vanilla with flavors of plum, orange peel and a sweet campfire smokiness. Initially slightly tight, I decanted and waited an hour before it opened to a very good balance of fruit and tannins, still it's a powerful red with 13.5% alcohol content.
24 hours later: Tried this wine again today, tannins way softer and overall feel was more velvety. A very nice wine.
photo ©2008 by Dave Trieger
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