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Abruzzo Weathers the Storm: Surviving the 2023 and 2024 Vintages
featured, Italy: Center & South
, May 2025
Being a winemaker in Abruzzo these days is a challenge. While the area undergoes massive changes to reform its DOC, reorganize its subregions, keep bottling of Montepulciano within the region and work out a system to add place names to its labels, Abruzzo has also endured two of the most difficult vintages imaginable. Somehow, the best winemakers persevere and continue to keep spirits high.
The Brutal Beauty of Sardinia: The 2022 and 2023 Vintages
featured, Sardinia, Italy
, Apr 2025
Sardinia continues to thrive despite a climate that is searingly hot and incredibly dry. Navigating the region isn’t easy, as the island can seem like a continent due to its size, but the effort is certainly rewarding. Between its compelling native varieties, diverse terroir and high concentration of skilled winemakers, Sardinia is positioned for greatness.
Southern Italy: Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria & Molise
featured, Italy: Center & South
, Mar 2025
The wines of southern Italy present many challenges for the discerning consumer. While the potential for excellence exists, winemakers often focus on making forward, easy-drinking wines. A number of cultural factors may contribute to this trend, including wineries prioritizing local sales and a general reluctance to embrace innovation. Nonetheless, many exceptional estates are widely deserving of considerable attention.
Unearthing Tuscan Gems: Carmignano, Montecucco and Beyond
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Mar 2025
Tuscany offers a wealth of exceptional wines, from Sangiovese to international varieties, that thrive throughout its lesser-known locations. This report highlights nearly 200 wines, many from emerging terroirs, aiming to uncover hidden gems and showcase the full breadth of Tuscany's winemaking potential.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: An Unstoppable Force
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Feb 2025
The wines of Montepulciano have never been better. This article arrives just in time for the debut of the region’s new Pieve classification. While the region has its headwinds, the sky seems to be the limit for Montepulciano these days.
A Vintage of Transcendence: 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Retrospective
Verticals & Retrospectives, Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Jan 2025
The 2004 vintage in Montalcino will always be remembered for its balance, embodying the pursuit of purity that emerged before the full force of climate change set in. Now, two decades later, how have the wines aged?
‘Tis The Season for Sparkling Wine
featured, Italy
, Dec 2024
The holiday season is prime time for sparkling wine consumption and gifting. While consumers have many choices, Italian sparkling wines offer tremendous diversity and value. Think outside of the box and reap the rewards.
Better Late than Never: The 2022 Vintage in Washington State
featured, United States: Washington
, Dec 2024
My ears perk up with excitement when I hear of cool, extended growing seasons in any region. So, how did Washington State producers fare in the idiosyncratic 2022 vintage? Success wasn’t easy to come by, but it also wasn’t unattainable.
A Tale of Two Extremes: The 2020 Brunellos and 2019 Riservas
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Nov 2024
There’s a lot going on in Montalcino these days. The 2020 Brunellos and 2019 Riservas are generating considerable excitement. There are changes to the Rosso and Brunello categories, a whole new analysis of vintages and even an updated map. But is Montalcino hitting the mark?
Umbria: Peeling Back the Layers
featured, Italy: Center & South
, Oct 2024
Umbria’s diverse landscape, terroirs, styles and grape varieties can be a lot to handle. However, navigating this complexity and the wide range of vintages in the market is well worth the effort, as Umbria consistently produces some of Italy’s most exquisite wines.