The name Piedmont means literally “at the foot of the mountain,” a reference to the fact that the region is bordered to the northwest and west by the towering Apennine Alps. Although today we think of Piedmont as a producer of Italy’s most coveted and collectible wines it wasn’t until the post-war era that the region emerged as a wine powerhouse.
There are a number of reasons why Piedmont, and in particular the Langhe Hills where Nebbiolo is grown for Barolo and Barbaresco, are ideal for fine wine production: Alpine currents help to cool the grapes during summer and maritime influence — from both the nearby Mediterranean and the Tanaro river which snakes through the area — helps to mitigate the cold during winter, for example. But the most important element is arguably the ancient seabed soils and their calcareous character that make Piedmont one of the best-growing sites in Italy.
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Ca’ dei Frati I Frati Lugana DOC: The Jewel in the Crown
Nestled in the heart of Lombardy’s picturesque Lake Garda region lies a winery that has become synonymous with quality and tradition – Ca’ dei Frati. While Ca’ dei Frati produces a variety of exceptional wines, one stands out as the true jewel in the crown – the I Frati Lugana DOC. This exceptional wine not…
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Ridolfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: A Rich Heritage of Excellence
When it comes to Italian wines, few names carry as much weight as Ridolfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. Founded in 2011, this vineyard’s roots run deep into the rich history of Montalcino, a region renowned for producing some of Italy’s finest wines. Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable estate, its heritage, and the…
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Unveiling the Secret Behind Canaletto Pinot Grigio’s Exceptional Grapes: A Microclimate’s Gift
In the enchanting vineyards where Canaletto Pinot Grigio’s story begins, nature weaves a magical tapestry of climate conditions that lend an unparalleled charm to the grapes. Nestled within the embrace of a unique microclimate, these vines flourish under the caress of cool nights and the embrace of considerably hotter days, a combination that transforms the…
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Canaletto Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC: A Journey of Meticulous Vinification
In the enchanting vineyards of the Delle Venezie region, where sun-kissed vines sway in harmony with the gentle breeze, lies a wine that captures the essence of Italian winemaking – Canaletto Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC. This extraordinary wine showcases the magic that unfolds in its meticulous vinification process, creating a symphony of flavors and…
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An icon among Super Tuscans: Villa Cafaggio Basilica del Pruneto
To this day, no one can say with certainty who it was that coined the term “Super Tuscan.” Many theories as to the term’s origin have pointed to some of the great Italian wine writers of the 1990s and 2000s. But they all claim that they had nothing to do with it — beyond enjoying…
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Timorasso, Piedmont’s “intellectual” white wine
For generations stretching back as far as anyone can remember, people in Piedmont nearly always preferred red wine over white when they sat down at the dinner table. That’s due in part to the fact that Piedmont is most famous for its red wines like made from grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. Even today,…
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Pinot Grigio delle Venezie: Your questions about the DOC answered!
After we posted the other day about the Casa Girelli Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC Canaletto A classic wine from the Italian Alps: Casa Girelli Canaletto Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, the Ethica Wines marketing team received several questions about the appellation, its history, and origin. The Pinot Grigio delle Venezie became one of Italy’s most…
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Mantellassi Single-vineyard Morellino and the legacy of coastal viticulture in Tuscany
There is probably no family in the Morellino di Scansano appellation more entitled to the moniker “ambassadors of Morellino” than the Mantellassi. Not only have they been growing Sangiovese on the western coast of Tuscany since the end of the 19th century. They were also one of the first families to establish a bona fide…
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A classic wine from the Italian Alps: Casa Girelli Canaletto Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
The Casa Girelli Canaletto Pinot Grigio delle Venezie is made from Pinot Grigio grapes grown in the heart of the Italian Alps in the pebbly “diluvial” soils of Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol). Those soils were formed as the glaciers melted and created the area’s stunning Adige river valley. These soils are excellent for the production…
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Fattoria Mantellassi: A Timeless Tuscan Treasure
Italy is a country steeped in rich winemaking history, and within its sun-drenched landscapes, Tuscany shines brightly as a beacon of viticultural excellence. In the heart of this revered region lies Fattoria Mantellassi, a winery defined by tradition, innovation, and the passion to craft wines that speak of its unique terroir. Today, we will explore…