Frappato

• Posted on 12 March 2019
• Posted in Frappato, grillo, Italy, Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, Sangiovese
• 0

Italy is the world’s largest producer of wine, representing about a quarter of the world’s production. According to Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MIPAAF), there are 350 grapes that have been granted an authorized status plus at least an additional 500 documented, but not officially authorized local varieties. One of these documented grapes is the ancient Sicilian grape variety called “Frappato.”

“White” versus “Orange”

• Posted on 5 March 2019
• Posted in malvasia, Orange Wine, Pinot Grigio, Rkatsiteli
• 0

White grapes usually have their juice separated from their skins prior to fermentation, thereby avoiding additional color, tannins and other flavor components found in the skins (phenols). In recent years, there has been interest in producing white wines more like red wines, wherein the grape juice is in contact with the skins and seeds during fermentation.

Madeira – the wine of the Founding Fathers

• Posted on 26 February 2019
• Posted in Madeira, Portugal
• 0

Thomas Jefferson, a big proponent and consumer of wine, toasted the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 with Madeira. Following George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789, Madeira was served.

Petit Manseng

• Posted on 19 February 2019
• Posted in Petit Manseng, Virginia
• 0

Petit Manseng is a high-acid white grape that has its origins in southwestern France in the region of Béarn.