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.
Four Wine Tasting Tips Every First Timer Should Know
Do you love wine but never had the confidence to go for a wine tasting? If so, there’s no need to worry as you are not the only one. Wine is one of the most preferred choices among alcoholic beverages, and a wine tasting event can be the perfect opportunity to relish all of the different kinds. But many people find wine tasting to be a daunting exercise that only experts can indulge in. If you are planning to explore the vast world of wines through a tasting, all you need is some basic knowledge and know some of the… read more
A Quick Guide To Awesome Sweet Wines
Most of us probably have somewhat of a sweet tooth. At least every now and then we might like something sweet after dinner. It does not only have to relate to food but it can also be a glass of nice dessert or meditation wine. You might say that sweet wines are not your cup of tea, that you prefer them dry. Quality sweet wines do often not have that sweet of a taste, though. There are also different kinds of sweet wines. Let us dive a bit deeper into the world of sweet wines. Then, we will also talk… read more
Red Grapes as a Sensational Elixir for Timeless Beauty
Red wine can have healing powers, not only that it heightens the mood and the social factor of enjoying good wine in good company but it can also benefit people’s health. In this crazy period of Corona-virus, it has become more important than ever to look to our inner self and be on the quest for ways to keep a healthy mind and body. Let us discover more about the benefits of red grapes and red wine for the well-being of people General Healing Effects of Red Wine In this recent period, scientific research has shown that resveratrol could be… read more
Get To Know Your Taste in Wine! Spanning from Conventional to Natural
We are in a difficult period where the Coronavirus is still raging all over the world. As a result of the shelter in place or lockdown in many countries, the economy is in difficulties and heading towards a possible recession. Still, future recession or not, quality will always be important. However, as we have seen, the environment is blooming now that people are traveling less and polluting nature less. Our environment is indeed important for our future success. Environment and quality. Two concepts that go hand in hand. Environment and Quality in Winemaking When it comes to viticulture and wine… read more
Art as a Catalyst for Environmental Change
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
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
Get Into the Christmas Spirit with Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine to Enjoy the Holidays The Christmas holiday season is a fun and festive time of year. We decorate our houses, create gift lists, plan parties or get together to include planning for food and beverages which may include favorites such as eggnog or mulled wine, you know, all the things that make the holidays so enjoyable. This holiday months are typically packed with Christmas dinners or festive lunches at work, parties with clubs or associations you may belong to. There are Secret Santa gifts at your workplace, Christmas plays and parties at your children's school, going to Christmas… read more
Harvest 2019 - A Promising Year for Sangiovese at Montemaggio
Another year and another harvest have come to an end at Fattoria di Montemaggio. As usual, it has been a busy period starting with the Chardonnay in early September and then step-by-step picking the different grapes to end with the Sangiovese and the Pugnitello. How was this year’s harvest in the Chianti Classico region? Will it be a good vintage? Let us find out what has been said about this year’s harvest overall in Tuscany and, more specifically, at Fattoria di Montemaggio. A ‘stellar’ year according to the Consortium of Chianti Classico In the 2019 harvest report, the Consortium of… read more
The Destiny of a New Oak Barrel
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
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