Find insightful articles on Tuscany & Wine in general and Chianti Classico in particular, organic and biodynamic agriculture and everything else that has anything to do with the world of wine like food/wine pairings, making or history of wine, holidays and more.
Exploring Pugnitello: A Journey into the Heart of the Vineyards
**Introduction. The world of wine is a vast and fascinating universe, full of varieties and secrets waiting to be discovered. Among the many oenological gems, Pugnitello stands out as an intriguing and mysterious variety, ready to capture the attention of the most passionate wine lovers. In this long journey into the heart of the vineyards, we will explore the origins, characteristics and sensory experiences that make Pugnitello a unique and compelling option for wine lovers. **Chapter 1: The Roots of Pugnitello** To fully understand Pugnitello, it is essential to dive into its historical roots. This grape variety has a compelling… read more
Unwrapping the Layers of Thanksgiving Traditions Through Food And Wine
Thanksgiving is an important national holiday in the US and it is believed that it dates to the Mayflower and the first colonists that came over from England. The first Thanksgiving Day celebration was in November 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and the Native American Wampanoag people organized a harvest feast together. In the following centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically in various colonies but it was only in 1863, after a decade-long push from the magazine editor and author Sarah Josepha Hale, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November… read more
**Title: Emme di Montemaggio 2018: A Symphony of Time, Tradition, and Terroir in Malvasia Nera Winemaking**
### **Introduction: Unveiling the Timeless Allure of Malvasia Nera** Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, Fattoria di Montemaggio is a haven where the vines whisper tales of centuries past. Among the myriad grape varieties that call this region home, Malvasia Nera stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian winemaking. In this exploration, we delve into the rich history, meticulous winemaking techniques, and the distinctive character of Fattoria di Montemaggio's Emme di Montemaggio 2018 vintage. ### **A Stroll through History: Malvasia Nera's Ancient Roots** Dating back to ancient Greece and embraced by the Etruscans, Malvasia Nera embodies… read more
How Your Scary Halloween Candy Can Pair Excellently With Wine
It is that time of year again when people dress up in scary costumes to spook each other at parties or while going trick-and-treating with the kids. It is Halloween. But how did Halloween start? What does Halloween mean? Who invented the trick-and-treating? Let us take a closer look at the history of Halloween. The History of Halloween If we start with the name Halloween, the word Hallow comes from the Middle and Old English word for holy. Apparently, All Saints’ Day was called All Hallows’ Day in ancient times while the day before was All Hallows’ Eve. With time,… read more
Adapting to Uncertainty: Italian Winemakers Respond to Climate Variability in 2023
The weather conditions in Italy, as well as worldwide, have been quite challenging in 2023. There have been instances of rain, floods, hailstorms, heatwaves, wildfires, and more. All of these have had adverse effects on this year's vegetative cycle, leading to various diseases and a loss of production. This year's harvest has been a sad one for some, while quite acceptable for others. It's worth noting that there are differences between the northern and southern parts of Italy in terms of the harvest. According to the Observatory of Assoenologi, Ismea, and Unione Italiana Vini, the overall loss of quantity compared… read more
Sip and Savor: Perfect Wine Pairings to Elevate Your Ferragosto Celebration
Ferragosto, the equivalent of midsummer in Italy, is just around the corner. On the 15th of August, everything stops in Italy as they celebrate the major summer holiday that coincides with the Catholic celebration of the Assumption of Mary. However, what’s the story behind Ferragosto? How did it start? Let’s find out… The Origin of Ferragosto Ferragosto comes from the Latin word Feriae Augusti which means the "resting day" of Augustus. It was a holiday in the Roman era instituted by Augustus, known as the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14, that was connected… read more
From Pixels to Pouring: Exploring the Fusion of the Metaverse, Virtual Reality, and NFTs in the Wine Industry
The wine world entered the phase of digital transformation more fully during the pandemic, and it has also started to dip its toes into the metaverse, NFTs, cryptocurrencies, ad much more. Many considered wine one of the last sectors that had not fully embraced digitalization, but during the last few years, things have started to change. A lot in the world has indeed changed with the pandemic, including the way we connect, conduct work, transport goods, our attitude to sustainability, and more. The younger generation, Gen Z, has a different world view and these kids have grown up as a… read more
Exploring the Enchanting Malvasia Nera from Chianti Classico: A Hidden Gem Unveiled
Introduction: In the heart of Tuscany's celebrated Chianti Classico region lies a hidden gem that wine enthusiasts must not overlook: Malvasia Nera. While Chianti Classico is primarily known for its renowned Sangiovese wines, the cultivation of Malvasia Nera adds a distinctive touch to the region's viticultural landscape. In this article, we delve into the captivating world of Malvasia Nera, its characteristics, and why it deserves your attention. A Brief History: Malvasia Nera, a red grape variety, has a long and illustrious history in Italy. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean, where it was first introduced by the… read more
Montemaggio Highlights Women in Wine in a Tasting at Vinitaly 2023
Vinitaly this year was back to its old state of glory after three years of no or limited organization. This year, Vinitaly focused very much on the incoming of international buyers to better favor the business side of the trade show. This is surely very positive for all types of wineries, especially smaller wineries such as Fattoria di Montemaggio. Furthermore, Fattoria di Montemaggio organized a mini-tasting called Women in Wine at their stand with wines from three other female producers other than Fattoria di Montemaggio. The idea was to showcase women in wine and two flagship Italian wine regions and… read more
Wine discussion: All about the wine alteration, how can we recognize it?
Have you ever wondered about the diseases or alterations in wine? And most importantly, what are the differences? Let us try in the next few lines to clarify and better understand this intricate world. Get comfortable, pour yourself a nice glass of red wine and ... let's get started. "Wine Alterations They are manifested by the change in the color or clarity of the wine, in French referred to as "casses" (a French term meaning "ruptures" or an alteration in the appearance of a wine consisting of the loss of homogeneity, color and formation of turbidity. Other alterations are corky… read more