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.

Amarone… The Boom Generation, a Masterclass & a Paradigm Shift
Italy, Articles, Masterclasses, Clients JC Viens Italy, Articles, Masterclasses, Clients JC Viens

Amarone… The Boom Generation, a Masterclass & a Paradigm Shift

In the context of “Amarone Opera Prima” held last June in Verona, I had a chance to present my case for the Amarone of the future. Focusing on six emblematic producers, my aim was to convince an audience of more than 100 journalists from around the world that the region is going through a generational change and seek to produce an Amarone both as an expression of place and a symbol of excellence.

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A Wine in Honor of a Goddess…
Articles, Tasting Notes, Italy JC Viens Articles, Tasting Notes, Italy JC Viens

A Wine in Honor of a Goddess…

At a vertical tasting going back to 1997 hosted by the Hong Kong Wine Society, participants discovered not only the tremendous quality potential of this legendary wine but also how beautifully the grapes of Sardinia can age.  The 12 wines tasted impressed most by how consistent their quality was throughout, especially since each vintage showed apparent stylistic differences.  This last discovery was another finding we did not expect and we removed from our minds the long-lasting belief that Italian vintages do not mark wines as much as they do in more northern wine regions of Europe. We learned this lesson with wines from a Mediterranean island even more surprising. Overall, the wines showed a delightful freshness of acidity with exquisite balance and proportion.  Each vintage intriguingly expressed a different personality and was equally enjoyed by all.

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Travelling Through Time with Madeira…
Tasting Notes, Articles, Madeira JC Viens Tasting Notes, Articles, Madeira JC Viens

Travelling Through Time with Madeira…

It was tasting a wine that is even older than yourself is a magical feeling. Madeira’s unparalleled ageing potential earns a special place in the arena of aged wines, and it is undoubtedly a sensational experience to enjoy this legendary wine.

The occasion for such a time-travelling experience was a unique tasting hosted by the Hong Kong Wine Society and organized by a long-standing member Edward Smith.  As usual in these proceedings, we were presented with 12 wines to taste blind so that we could record our notes, give each wine a score, and reflect upon them without the influence of their label or their year of birth. The scores were then tabulated to establish a group ranking, followed by a thorough discussion of each wine among the members present.

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Nonino, 120 Years of Innovation…
Articles, Italy JC Viens Articles, Italy JC Viens

Nonino, 120 Years of Innovation…

The first thing you notice when meeting the Nonino family is its incredible energy.  An energy so powerful that it feels like being drawn into a whirlwind.  After a few minutes, you realize that it is not energy that animates them, it is ideas.  Ideas so advanced that you cannot help feeling a step behind, always trying to catch up.  People will tell you that meeting the Noninos changed their lives forever, that encountering this legendary family is a transformational experience.

Remaining true to artisanal methods of production, the family has fundamentally transformed Grappa and made it a symbol of the Italian art of living.

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Ca del Bosco Goes to Japan…
Articles, Tasting Notes, Italy JC Viens Articles, Tasting Notes, Italy JC Viens

Ca del Bosco Goes to Japan…

That Maurizio Zanella is considered a visionary when it comes to Italy’s Franciacorta is conventional wisdom. That his vision also extends to Japan is fascinating.

Visionary and uncompromising, determined and focused, Maurizio Zanella, the founder of Ca’ del Bosco, created one of Italy's most respected wine brands today. Over two days of extensive tastings in Tokyo, Spirito diVino Asia had close contact with this Icon of Italian wine and an exclusive and personal look at the secret of his success.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go…
Articles, Study Guides JC Viens Articles, Study Guides JC Viens

Should I Stay or Should I Go…

However, after more than 5 years on the program, after countless hours of tastings and study, after a great deal of investment, both financial and emotional, I now see myself analyzing more than my strengths and weaknesses.  I see myself digging deep inside my soul to confront the brutal truth: do I have the personality to pass this exam and if so, am I still willing to focus on what needs to be focused on to achieve this goal?  More brutal still, why should I do so?  

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China, The Next Big Thing in the Wine World?
Articles, Opinion JC Viens Articles, Opinion JC Viens

China, The Next Big Thing in the Wine World?

Although China has had a high profile for several years already, it can be argued as to whether her true impact is yet to be felt in the world of wine. With a population of 1.3 billion and a super charged economy that has grown, and is expected to continue growing, at an extremely fast pace, it is no wonder that those with a product to sell have already thought of her as a potential buyer. Beyond demographics and economics, we will review key wine related factors to demonstrate that China has only begun to make itself felt and she is indeed the next big thing in the world of wine.

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