When one thinks of Greece—and even more specifically, the island of Santorini—one visualizes the iconic white stucco structures with blue-domed roofs, overlooking crystal-clear, blue waters. To the north of Santorini are the Cyclades Islands, surrounded by the Aegean Sea. The landscapes of the islands are rugged, having been formed by a volcano many centuries ago. The volcanic soils on Santorini and the Cyclades Islands provide unique growing conditions for grapes used to make wine.
In the world of wine, there are many terms and places on labels that can be difficult to decipher. In some parts of the world, the wine is labeled by the grape variety name, and other places it is labeled by the place where the grapes are grown, and the wine is made. Sometimes having the wine labeled as the place is all you’ll need to know, to figure out what is in the bottle. In many places around the world, local laws dictate the grape or grapes that can be made into wine and bottled and labeled with that place name.
Christening a ship for good luck before its first voyage dates way back. There were blessings in ancient cultures involving drinking of wine or even animal sacrifices, many of which had religious tones to them. Often, friars in the middle ages would board maiden British ships and pray while laying hands on the mast, and would sprinkle holy water on the deck or bow.
The year 2020 has been challenging over these past months for everyone, including wineries all across the state of Virginia, as they have had to shutter their doors and rely on online and phone orders for curbside pickup, delivery or shipping.
Zibibbo is the Italian synonym for a white grape called “Muscat of Alexandria.” This grape is thought to be from Northern Africa—specifically Egypt, and perhaps even the city of Alexandria itself—thus its name. There are thoughts that Cleopatra drank wine made from this grape.
