Here, I share my news, opinions and musings as I journey with you through the world of wine. These articles are inspired by courses I teach, publications I read and write for, events I attend, and Masterclasses I deliver. I hope that you will find them insightful and thought-provoking! Do not hesitate to contact me with your comments at: contact@grandepassione.com.

Study Guides for Major Italian Wine Grapes
Study Guides, Italy, Article JC Viens Study Guides, Italy, Article JC Viens

Study Guides for Major Italian Wine Grapes

For study purposes, I created various MindMaps (dropbox folder) showing essential information for 175 Italian grape varieties. Click on an icon below to see my study notes...

These are based on the book by Ian d'Agata, Native Wines Grapes of Italy and reinforced with added information (organoleptic properties only) from Wine Grapes by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and Jose Vouillamoz.

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ARPEPE, Finally, I fell in Love with Nebbiolo!
Article, Italy, Tasting Notes JC Viens Article, Italy, Tasting Notes JC Viens

ARPEPE, Finally, I fell in Love with Nebbiolo!

I am not shy to admit that, until last April, my love affair with Nebbiolo, the grape responsible for the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, was not on solid grounds. But, a meeting with ArPePe's Isabella Pelizzatti Perego at Vinitaly in Verona changed that forever...

I was struck by their elegance and restraint, purity, and finesse through a tasting of 9 of her wines, all made with 100% Nebbiolo. Everything about the feminine side of Nebbiolo I had so often heard about came alive in a magnificent way that I had never experienced before.

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