Category: Wine
Art as a Catalyst for Environmental Change
February 28, 2020
When the world is in constant turmoil in the latest years with hurricanes, earthquakes, bushfires, and now, last but not least, the Coronavirus, you start realizing something needs to change. There is a need for change not only in climate but in mentality. After decades of increased traveling all over the world, overuse of the resources of the globe, a daily rhythm that gets faster and faster, perhaps it is time to slow down. Can this constant search for ‘the grass that is greener on the other side’ continue? In a recent article, Andrew Jefford stressed how even people in… read more
The Wonderful World of Wine Clubs
January 23, 2020
Wine Clubs & Why To Consider Them Wine clubs are still a very popular occurrence, it is a way for wine club members to enjoy and experience new wines in the comfort of their homes. Wineries often have wine clubs too that are a bit different because their wine club membership gives exclusive discounts or access to particular vintages, and similar. Let us discover more about the wonderful world of wine clubs and some history. About the Wine Market... There has been a lot of talk about wine tariffs, basically, 2019 ended with a fear of the US implementing 100%… read more
The Destiny of a New Oak Barrel
October 1, 2019
Aging of Wine Historically oak barrels were used for the transportation of wine. Aging of wine in barrique, tonneaux, or big cask is a later phenomenon. Today, there is an art in using oak barrels for the aging of wine. Different styles of wine require different types and or/the combination of different oak barrels, large or small. But is the use of barrique and other types of barrels dependent upon wine styles and trends or rather on the financial capacity of wineries? Can it even be assumed that the power of decision lies in the hands of the accountants running… read more
Viticulture and the Impact of Climate Change
August 18, 2019
Climate change is on everyone’s lips right now. Every day we can read or hear in the news how the climate conditions globally are changing and degenerating rapidly. All over the world, we need to work together and focus the resources on finding viable solutions. The work of the G20 group will indeed be very important for future measures regarding climate change. All the leading nations need to start doing their part. In this article, we will first take a step back in history to then continue to look closer at the effects of climate change on viticulture. A Step… read more
The Art of Pairing Cannabis with Wine and Food
June 26, 2019
The legalization of marijuana for medical and/or recreational purposes is a hot topic in many countries for several years now. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is even starting to become a gourmet product that you, just as wine, can pair with food to heighten the experience. Indeed, the American Jamie Evans is probably the first Herb Somm offering courses and tasting events to promote the use of cannabis to enhance aromas and flavours. In Colorado and Las Vegas, Cultivating Spirits is a company offering cannabis dinners and tastings as well as cannabis tours. We'll take a closer look at the… read more
The Role of Women in an Evolving Wine World
March 8, 2019
The 8th of March is the International Women’s Day (IWD) and before and after it gives rise to a lot of talk about women’s rights. Surprise surprise, it is actually a day having a deeper significance than giving mimosa flowers to the women around you and taking them out for dinner. It is a day to focus on how women can reach equality and balance in the still male-dominated society. The first IWD was organized in New York in 1909 by the Socialist Party of America and as a result, it was discussed the IWD ought to be a yearly… read more
Wines for Romance on Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2019
Valentine’s Day is here and for many, it is a day to treasure each other while for others it is more of a commercial hype. In any case, it is a day that many celebrate each in their own way. We wanted to take a closer look at Valentines Day’s historical origin and to highlight two of the wines we produce at Fattoria di Montemaggio in Radda in Chianti that we think are perfect for a romantic evening. A Celebration in Honour of Saint Valentine It all seems to begin BC with Christian martyrs and saints. There were apparently different… read more
All You Want to Know About Composting at Montemaggio
January 30, 2019
January of 2019 is already in the last few days. All the activities at Fattoria di Montemaggio in Radda in Chianti are already in full force. Soon it is time to get prepared for the preview of the vintages released this year. However, the vines are still asleep and resting. Composting is something you can do all year round though. Fattoria di Montemaggio has just started composting and is very excited about it. In this article, we will look closer at the processes and benefits of composting. Organic Farming and Composting at Fattoria di Montemaggio Let us start by looking further… read more
Life Is Too Short, Find Your Wine! 5 Basic Wine Characteristics That Will Help You Find ‘The One’
January 5, 2019
How to Find Your Wine You don’t have to be passionate about wines nor a connoisseur with a skilled palette that can distinguish the exact make, region, and type of grape from a single whiff. However, life is too short to never give Italian wine a try. The sheer intricacies and aroma of the Chianti Classico Riserva or full-bodied Chianti Classico are a must! In the midst of the Tuscany wine allure, have you found ‘The One’? If not, here are five characteristics that you can use as your guide to finding the wine that is meant for you: 1.… read more
The Harvest 2018 Finished in Time For Halloween
October 31, 2018
Halloween is here! It is to a certain extent believed that many of the rituals and traditions in connection with Halloween go back to old Celtic harvest festivals. These rituals are believed to have pagan roots and to then have been Christianized and connected to the All Saints' Eve. Anyway, today it is Halloween and the harvest of 2018 is over. Days and weeks of hard work picking grapes in the vineyards, making several selections, destemming and crushing to send the must to fermentation is done. At wineries all over Italy they can start to breathe again, so to say.… read more