Zinfandel … There is lots more to the origin’s story but here are some of the highlights: An amateur botanist—Francesco Filippo Indellicati (1767-1831) from Gioia dle Colle, in the Puglia region—was the first to mention Zinfandel in his 1799 writings. There was a rare vine in his vineyard that ripens early—early for Puglia is in August. He called it “Primativo,” from the Latin “primativus” for “first ripening end.” Indellicati planted the vine close to his native village, and from there, it spread to other Apulian areas.
As the crispness of fall begins to settle in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in wines that complement richer, heartier dishes. This transitional season brings a delightful shift in flavors and offers the opportunity to explore wines that match the changing palate. Cooler weather invites a deeper appreciation of complexity and depth in wines, making fall the ideal backdrop for discovering those that can stand up to autumn’s rich, comforting meals.
Last week on Thursday, City Vino was honored by Fredericksburg’s Mainstreet with a ribbon cutting for a grand opening. It was humbling to see how many showed up in support of Rita Allan and City Vino. What more fitting thing to do than it is to saber a bottle of Isaac Fernandez Biutiful Cava NV. Thank you Sherrie Shaw for capturing the moment!
Hurricane Debby has had a profound impact on Virginia's vineyards, presenting significant challenges for growers, just as they were preparing for the critical harvest season. As the storm approached, vineyard owners faced difficult decisions, many opting to harvest early to avoid the potential damage caused by Debby’s strong winds, heavy rains, and the possibility of flooding. This preemptive harvest, though necessary to mitigate losses, came with its own set of risks, particularly concerning the ripeness and overall quality of the grapes
With this year’s Olympics being held in Paris, France, one cannot help but think of wine and the potential to pair the games with wines while watching! The torch relay took route through one of the most iconic wine regions in the world. It makes sense that Tony Parker, the French NBA Hall of Famer, should join the Olympic torchbearers. He became a vintner himself, joining entrepreneur Michael Reybier as a partner of Château La Mascaronne. The torch relay commenced in Marseille, which is close to Provence, Bandol, and Aix-en- Provence, home to some of the best Rosés and then intertwined through wine regions, such as Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire, Bordeaux, Reims, and ending in Paris.
