Italy’s Calabria has been a bit of a victim of its own success. The ancient Greeks dubbed Enotria Tellus—”Land of Wine.” Sporting a diverse terroir that features plenty of ocean influence and even more sunshine, wine grapes have thrived there for eons. Which led to the modern Calabrian wine market becoming co-op heavy, focused on…
Wine Product Reviews: Friends Will Be Friends (New Books by Randy Caparoso & Brian Freedman)
Writing books is difficult work, often with limited payoff—by the time one factors in the research, writing, seemingly endless editing, and pretty much actually endless promotion, the hourly rate for the slog can often be depressingly low. I know this because I’ve done it, and while both the process and payoff were more enjoyable than…
Wine Reviews: Mini Round-Up for August 29, 2022
2019 Pardon et Fils Fleurie Domaine Pardon ‘Cuvee Hugo’ Fleurie (Beaujolais): Peppery, svelte bargain that’s also a pitch-hitter at the dinner table. $25 A- 2017 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva (Puglia): A bit showy, but sexiness does have its appeal, after all. $15 B 2019 CVNE ‘Cune’ Ecologico – Organic (Rioja): Very easy to like; even…
Wine Reviews: Mini Round-Up for August 22, 2022
2015 Adega Cooperativa de Borba ‘Rotulo Cortica’ Reserva (Alentejo): Like sticking your head right into the BBQ pit, in the best way possible. $18 B+ 2013 Beronia Reserva (Rioja): Another example of why the Reserva category ought to be the 1st place that Rioja lovers look these days. $27 B+ 2014 Hedges Family Estate ‘Red…