Veneto's Cantine Tinazzi Is A Family Affair by Philip S. Kampe

                                                 Tinazzi   Tinazzi   Tinazzi   Tinazzi


Eugenio Tinazzi founded this wonderful winery, Casa Vitivinicola Tinazzi in 1968. Nearly 50 years later, the vitivinicola is referred to just as ‘Tinazzi.’ The company has grown during the tenure and has a sister industry in Puglia.

During my visit to Tinazzi, my focus was solely on the wines from the Veneto, specifically, Valpolicella. (I did sample the wines from Puglia and loved them, but, that’s another story)

Winemaker Giuseppe Gallo leads  the team at Tinazzi, made up of family members that include Eugenio’s son, Gian Andrea and grandchildren Francesca and Giorgio.

During the visit to the company’s Veneto headquarters, granddaughter of the founder, Francesca led a spirited tour of the more than-life-sized winery, which was in full operation, performing the daily ritual of bottling wine, taking barrel samples and loading sixteen-wheelers for worldwide distribution.

The modern factory bottles two million bottles a year and employs 25 workers. Automation has replaced numerous jobs throughout Tinazzi’s growth. The company has a second production facility, located in Sant’Ambrogio, the heart of Valpolicella, where Amarone della Valpolicella and Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso are vinified and bottled.

The vineyard is 110 acres in size and to keep up with demand, half of the grapes are sourced. The wines are distributed internationally to 30 countries, with Russia (20%) and the U.S.(15%) as the largest export markets.

The family business has blossomed since Gian Andrea started working in tandem with his father in the late 60’s. With an eye to the future and natural entrepreneurial skills, Gian and his father have grown the business into a worldwide leader. 

On the tour of the facility, several wines were tried over lunch with winemaker Giuseppe Gallo.
These were my favorites:

2013 Ca’ de’ Rocchi La Bastia Amarone della Valpolicella
Aromas of cherry and anise, full body, warm mouth feel, ripe fruits, complex with manageable acidity.

2013 Ca’ de’ Rocchi Valpolicella Montere Superiore Ripasso
A splendid, juicy, velvety wine with concentrated black cherry puree and strawberry essence, Elegant and balanced with a long finish.


Philip S. Kampe

                                                                  Francesca Tinazzi

                                                    Tinazzi is an Award Winning Winery

Philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

Taste The Iconic Wines of Mount Veeder on March 1st in La Quinta, California by Philip S. Kampe

                                                         Map of Mount Veeder

 “A Taste of Mount Veeder at La Quinta Resort & Club”

If you are in or near La Quinta, California, several hours east of Los Angeles and half an hour from Palm Springs, why not consider attending one of the Most Prodigious’  consumer wine tasting events on the west coast.

Thirteen ‘World-Class’ wineries from the iconic vineyards of Mount Veeder fame will pour their hard to acquire wines at the world famous La Quinta Resort & Club from 3:30pm-6pm on Wednesday, March 1at.  

Many of the vineyards are pouring those special wines that are not available to the public. That is what makes this wine tasting so special and unique, You literally have the opportunity to sample wines that have been sold out or are so rare that this is your only chance.

Advance tickets are only $75, which gives you the opportunity to sample wines from these Mount Veeder wineries:

Participating wineries include:
The Hess Collection Winery
Lampyridae Vineyards
O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery
Random Ridge
Rubissow Wines
Y. Rousseau Wines
Fontanella Family Winery
Lagier Meredith
Marketta Winery
Progeny
Robert Craig Winery
Vinoce Winery
Yates Family Vineyards

What a perfect way to start the month of March.

To purchase $75 Advance Tickets, visit: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2826108  or call (707) 266-1296

When: March 1
Time: 3:30-6pm
Where: La Quinta Resort & Club
            49499 Eisenhower Drive
             La Quinta, Ca.

                                           

           

Valpolicella's Villa San Carlo Makes Terroir Driven Wines by Philip S, Kampe

                                                              Villa San Carlo

                                                           Antonia Pavesi

                                                              Andrea Pavesi

On a recent visit to the Valpolicella region of Italy, I had the opportunity to visit the magnificent estate of San Carlo, known for its traditional and sustainable approach  to winemaking.

The estate is referred to as Villa San Carlo and is family run by father, Gianni ‘Babbo’ Pavesi, daughter Antonia and son, Andrea, who are the owners of this ‘Top of the Hill’ vineyard, located a short distance east of Verona.

After driving up a narrow and winding dirt road, passing through rows and rows of olive trees, orchards and grape vines, the first sight of the 17^th century villa is certainly breathtaking.

The majestic Villa San Carlo,  perched on top of the hill is the focal point of view from the plain below.

The estate, owned by the Pavesi family, is 175 acres in size, with approximately 60 acres occupied by vineyards. Most of the vineyards are located near the crest of the 1100 foot mountain and in-part, are divided climatically.

The wines made by the Pavesi family are complex, well-structured and express the terroir of the mountain.

Sampling the wines with the Pavesi family was a true privilege and a hands-on introduction to the various styles of Valpolicella.|

The four wines we sampled were:

2015 Valpolicella
A soft, velvety, medium weight delightful wine, with a pronounced sour cherry and violet flavor, balanced and seamless.

2010 Amarone Della Valpolicella
Aromas of strawberry, raspberry, dried cherries and spice open up immediately as your mouth feels pleasant acidity, red plums and dark licorice.

2009 Valpolicella Rioasso Superiore
Ruby in color, with notes of lavender, rose pedal and sweet plum followed by lively acidity and a long finish

2009 Amarone Della Valpolicella Reserva
Vanilla cream and black cherry on the nose allures you and opens up to a palate full of Australian red licorice, dark cocoa and blackberries. Smooth, alluring and velvety on the palate, this first vintage of the Pavesi Family is sure to seduce your flavor buds.

Philip.kampe@thewinehub.com
Philip S. Kampe

I am back... And it feels great!!

My dear friends and fellow #winelover-s,

On December 13th, with a huge knot in my stomach, I announced "I need a break". Today, with a lot of joy in my heart, I announce that I'm back. I know that for some of you this period will sound like a quick break... But it was not. These 69 days felt like an ever ending eternity to me.

Anyway, the people who joined me in Greece in Cyprus inspired me to come back. They showed to me that the power of our community is in the relationships with the people that surround us with love and care. Yes, we love wine, there's no doubt about that! But we also love feeling loved by the people who share our passion. We love to know that they are there when we need help, we love to know that these people - YOU - care about us.

Magnus Reuterdahl, Ted Lelekas, and Fabien Lainé (my friends at the core of the community who were holding the torch while I was away) come with the idea that we should call it a reboot - "taking us back to the roots, concentrating on a few things, mainly to make sure that we all have fun." And I totally agree with the concept. But I prefer to call it a rebirth... like a flower that comes back in the spring... back from our own roots!

Before I go, I would like to send a HUGE thank you to all of you who supported me during this process. Thank you!!!

Cheers to loving and caring!! Cheers to our rebirth!
Long live the #winelover community!!

Luiz Alberto

• Founder of the #winelover community
• Founder of the #LifeLover community

• Master of Wine candidate

• Member of the Circle of Wine Writers

• Italian Wine Ambassador

• I combine my passion for wine with social media

• Follow me on twitter: @thewinehub
• On Instagram: 1winelover

Discover the Wines from the country of Georgia by Philip S. Kampe & Maria Reveley

Discover the Wines of Georgia

My pursuit of Georgian Wines has led me to the metropolis of New York City, where there was a wine tasting that brought over forty wines from the country known as the ‘cradle of wine’ with over 8,000 vintages and possibly the world’s oldest wine region and traditions to the forefront of the unsuspecting, but, overly curious crowd.

Georgia is home to over five hundred (500) indigenous varietals, but, only a few venture into the world market. Old World winemaking paired with New World styles drive many of the exported wines into the palate of veteran wine tasters into a frenzy. With the introduction of the ‘Qvevr’ clay vessel used for winemaking and storage, the end result in the palate dominates the taste buds.

What I learned at the Wines of Georgia tasting:
Kakheti, located at the extreme eastern edge of the country, is the main wine producing region. Grapes have been cultivated for over 8,000 years in this area, hence, the 8,000 vintages this country boasts about. Kakheti is divided into two regions: inner and outer Kakheti.

Georgia has eighteen (18) appellations and fourteen (14) are in Kakheti, making it, historically, the largest wine growing area in Georgia. Winemaking practices have been transferred from generation to generation in Kakheti, making the regions winemaking traditions unique, mainly due to the use of Qvevri, also known as the Churi in western Georgia. The Qvevri is a clay vessel used for fermentation, aging and storage of traditional Georgian wines. Wines made using the Qvevri are unique wines on the palate and especially on the nose. These wines make Georgia unique. Yes, oak and stainless steel are used for the modern style wines, but wines aged and stored in these terra cotta vessels are the lifeblood of Georgian wines.

My journey through the wines of Georgia is just beginning.

*The photos represent the wines that stood out at the tasting-yet, need more exploration for me to understand why they are so good. The styles range from white to red to fortified.

Giorgio Samanishvili Knows the Wines of the Country of Georgia by Philip S. Kampe

                                           

                                                          Giorgio Samanishvili

Meet Giorgi Samanishvili, Chairman of the National Wine Agency of Georgia.
He was my introduction to the wines from the country of Georgia, located between the Black Sea and the Caucasus- a rather small country that is home to ‘8000Vintages.’.

Georgia, for those of us in the wine world is known for wines that ferment the traditional way-in a Qvevri-a 1000 liter, beeswax coated terra cotta jug that has been buried into the earth. The wines from this method versus oak barrels or stainless steel are more assertive wines and more intense in color. Red wines are often closer to black in color, while white wines are a dark amber.

Wine was born in Georgia, according to Mr. Samanishvili. The qvervi jugs that most households in the ten wine regions of Georgia that make up this small country are home to the 30-40 more common grapes that used in the qvevri, from the possible 500 indigenous grapes that thrive in this country.

Soil types vary, as do water sources. Georgia has over 1000 rivers and an equal amount of wine producers. The average vineyard is about three acres, where more white wine is produced then red.

The new breed of winemakers vineyards are medium in size and focus on small production. Half of the wine that is produced is exported. Georgia’s moderate climate and moist air are ideal conditions for the varietals to thrive.

I was overwhelmed by the wines of Georgia that I sampled. The red ‘Saperavi’ grape is the most influential red grape used in winemaking,while the Mtsvani and Rkatsiteli are the top white grapes.

The Georgia people have their own alphabet and language. As I explore the wines from Georgia, in the near future, I hope to share some of the new language of Georgia with you.

Philip S. Kampe

Philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

It's A Holiday Weekend..Why not attend the Boston Wine Expo by Philip S. Kampe

Advance tickets are still on sale online at www.wine-expos.com for this weekends Boston Wine Expo.

The event takes place at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center in downtown Boston..
Ticket prices for the Grand Tasting are $110 for Saturday and $100 for Sunday
A Weekend Pass costs $160
VIP Passes are $160 for Saturday and $150 for Sunday
Vintner's Reserve Lounge is $210 for either day
Seminars Vary in Price

Event Hours 1-5pm both days
Trade 11-1pm on Sunday

Contact info: bostonwineexpo@conventures.com

Directions: Seaport World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel  200 Seaport Boulevard  Boston.Ma

Seminars start at 11am on Saturday, February 18th
11am  Bob Mondavi hosts a vertical tasting of Animo and M by Michael Mondavi  $58
11am Why You Like The Wines You Like with host Tim Hanni  $35
11:30am The Superstars of German Riesling  $53
11:30am Wine 101 with the Wine Spectator  $43
11:30am Napa Valley Rocks  $53
Noon  American Rhone  $35
Noon  Prosecco Beyond the Bubbles  $38
12:30pm  King Estate  $48
12:3-pm South Africa's Chenin Blanc  $43
1pm  Cote-Rotie Vertical  $203
2pm The Secret Life of Pinot Noir  $53
2pm Chianti Classico  $53
2:30pm  Sweet Wines of the World  $35
3pm  Chateau Picque-Calliou Vertical  $35
3pm Amarone and Beyond  $43
3:30pm  Sweet Wine Lovers  $30
3:30pm  Ports  $43
3:30pm  The Taste of New York Gold  $43
4pm  Artisan Domestic Whiskies  $43
4pm  Liguria Gourmet Journey  $43

Check the Seminar Schedule for Sunday online..

Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

"It's All About Valpolicella and You" and Me at Anteprima Amarone 2017 by Philip S. Kampe

                            

                                                      
                                

The word, Valpolicella, has a musical ring to it.
The wine, like the word, dances vibrantly and ferociously on your palate.

The Valpolicella region, part of the Veneto, is located near Verona, in northeast Italy. The region comprises eleven valleys, each unique in its own way-from the high heat index of the Marano Valley to the cool breezes from the regions western border, Lake Garda.  

Partly due to the varied terroir and heat index, each of the varietals from the eleven valleys have their own distinctive taste and aroma. Since 2003, global warming has had a direct impact on some, but not all of the varietal growing valleys.

At the 14^th Edition of Anteprima Amarone, which was held at the magnificent Palazzo della Gran Guardia, located in the center of breathtaking Verona, Italy, I had the opportunity to sample the 2013 harvest with members of the distinguished international press and selected industry insiders.

Thanks to the generosity of the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Valopicella and the wines from 78 wineries, the blind sampling of 83 barrel and bottle samples proved to be a reward for the palate, due directly to the exceptional quality of the 2013 vintage and the seductive powers of the indigenous grapes used to produce Amarone.

The world agrees with the seductive powers of Amarone.

Upwards of 65% of production is for export, with Germany, United States, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada and Sweden leading the way.

The quest for Amarone and other great Veronese wines is the driving force for tourism in the area-a great change from the time honored balcony of Romeo and Juliet fame.

With hundreds of producers and an event that culminates vintage releases, Verona is the place to be.

Add Vinitaly, Italy’s largest annual wine event to the drawing board-and you have the makings of an international wine scene.

With opera events at the Roman amphitheater, locally excavated pink marble that line the pedestrian walkways of Verona and local cuisine paired with Valpolicella, it is obvious that Verona is one of the jewels of the Veneto.

And Amarone is the wine jewel of the region.

Anteprima Amarone 2013 assessed the 2013 vintage as of ‘medium-high quality.’ The Consorzio pointed out that the early growing season was dictated by cool weather with above average rainfall, followed by desert like heat throughout the summer.

It was noted that the 2013 vintage was defined solely by opposite extreme weather conditions.  By combining the initial cool and wet climatic cycle with the extreme hot weather cycle, the ripening of the grapes had dramatic help in creating a special vintage, ripe in sugars, concentrated fruit, elegance and weight. The wines from Negrar Valley were assertive and elegant, while fruit reigned in he Mezzane and Illasi Valleys.

As noted earlier, each valley prospered independently from the climatic divergence in 2013. Valpolicella means ‘valley of many cellars’, whose most famous valley is Negrar, considered the icon in the Valpolicella Classico district.

With climate change as reality, the grapes from the temperate Lake Garda boundaries are less tannic and lighter in color then their counterparts, whose daytime temperature is off the charts.

Due to extreme heat, some producers are planting their vineyards at higher altitudes, while the majority choose to protect their grapes from the sun by adopting the pergola system, whose end result shades the grapes from the sun by way of leaf cover.

Many vineyards have replanted or added varieties that thrive in the sun, specifically the older varietals, Oseleta and Spigamonti. The hope is for subtle tannins and larger aromatics that can only enhance Valpolicella.

The classic Valpolicella blend  includes the most important varietal, Corvina, with the addition of the classic indigenous mix Rondinella, Corvinone and Molinara.

Valpolicella is unique and distinct.

The producers emphasized that there are four distinctive styles of Valpolicella.

Valpolicella Recioto: historical sweet red wine made with dried grapes.  
Valpolicella DOC: fruity, light with subtle tannins
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC: a rich, full-bodied style with lots of bitter cherry
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG: a high alcohol, rich, spicy, dry wine with a touch of sweetness due to the grapes that have dried for several months before the winemaking process (known as the appasimento method)

The King of Valpolicella is Amarone della Valpolicella. From observation and sampling several hundred bottles, it is obvious that the location dictates the final outcome. As mentioned earlier, each valley has its own ‘tattoo’ on the style of Amarone della Valpolicella that you will drink.

Some winemakers use modern technology to blend Amarone, while others follow tradition and some are somewhere in between the two.

As a new student of Amarone della Valpolicella, I have decided to sample a bottle from each of the eleven valleys and compare one to the other. The variables for each bottle exists-weather-winemaking style-terroir-and grapes used.

Before putting the eleven bottles side by side, I would like to thank the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Valpolicella for opening my eyes to what Valpolicella is and what it is to the world. I saw the passion, care and love that the winemakers have for their beloved Valpolicella and unity for its success.

Anxiously, I await the opportunity to sample the 2014 vintage in January 2018. The winemakers have said that it was a difficult vintage and those who have created Amarone della Valpolicella 2014 may have created a legendary wine.

My favorite wines from the blind tasting of Anteprima Amarone DOCG 2013 were produced by:

Damoli Bruno
Albino Armani
Benedetti Corte Antica
Montezovo-Cottini
Farina
Fidora
Cantina Valpantena Verona
Accordini Igino
Villa Mattielli
Selun di Luigi Marconi
Tinazzi

Vigneti di Ettore

+Note: Some bottles were barrel samples and others were from the bottle

The task of sampling the eighty-three 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella involved several hours. The tasting was set up in two large rooms. At least fifteen sommeliers poured the wines in groups of four. Each participant rated the wines accordingly. Many were barrel samples and were noted by the sommelier upon presentation, others were from the bottle-ready to be released.

In my case, the first 48 wines took close to three hours,when palate fatigue set in. After a two hour break, I returned to sample the final 35 wines.

 
                                                     
                                        

Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

Cyprus: The place where hospitality has a different meaning.

Petra tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek), also known as Aphrodite's Rock

After finishing the amazing celebrations of #winelover Day here in Cyprus, I started thinking about it… and I’ll try to put my thoughts into a few words…

For a long time I thought that the Greeks were the best hosts of the planet. I was always received with open arms and people couldn’t have been nicer to me. Or so I thought. After coming to Cyprus, I found that it can actually be done. The Cypriots take the art of hosting people to a different level. Some people that I just met treated like I was a part of their family. I’m not saying that I don’t think that Greece is not great anymore. I do!

What I am saying is that Cyprus manages miraculously to do it better. Even if only slightly, there’s a clear thought in my head (or better, an intense feeling in my heart) that people will go above and beyond to make me feel loved here.

Alice Aristi Anastasiou, #winelover, #foodlover, and #LifeLover

I couldn’t think of a better way of delivering this message than with a picture of Alice. This passionate #winelover, #foodlover, and #Lifelover couldn’t be a better representation of how Cyprus receives you with open arms and hearts. She is an amazing ambassador to her country and now I understand why she wanted us so much to come and see all the love and care that her people have to share.

Thank you so much for making me feel like I am at home with friends in your country, my dear Cypriot friends. This was my first visit, but I promise you this is not going to be the last. 

Yamas!!!

Luiz Alberto

• Founder of the #winelover community
• Founder of the #lifelover community

• Master of Wine candidate

• Member of the Circle of Wine Writers

• Italian Wine Ambassador

• I combine my passion for wine with social media

• Follow me on twitter: @thewinehub
• On Instagram: 1winelover

IL Poggione and Winemaker Alessandro Bindocci by Philip S. Kampe

After being seated at an Italian restaurant in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, winemaker Alessandro Bindocci introduces himself (It's the first time we have met) and immediately, the Sommelier of the house rises to the occasion with a bottle of 2014 IL Poggione Rosso di Montalcino, in hand. Alessandro is quick to say that 2014 was not the easiest year for the winemaker. Poor weather conditions made winemaking harder and much patience was needed to meet the high standards of IL Poggione.

I am an avid consumer of Rosso di Montalcino because the little brother of Brunello di Montalcino has always been an affordable alternative to the big brother. Bottles are normally priced between the $20-$28 level and over satisfy the constant urge I have to taste the heralded Sangiovese grape.

Bindocci makes wines that focus always on the fruit element of the Sangiovese grape-he wants 'clean fruit freshness' in each sip-and goes the extra length by ageing the Rossi di Montalcino for 12 months in oak barrels and barriques, then an additional eight months in the bottle before release.

Going the extra mile pays off for IL Poggione, as the vineyard is considered one of the elite properties in Tuscany.


            

Alessandro Bindocci guided me through his families association with IL Poggione and how both farming and grape growing work cohesively on the property. His father, Fabrizio took over as winemaker for IL Poggione in 1978 and still works hand in hand with his son, Alessandro, in crafting the wines for the Francesci family, who has owned the property since the late 1800's.

Both father and son work together.



                                                    Winemaker Alessandro Bindocci
            

Mr. Bindocci discussed the deep roots his vines have, which causes his team to cut the secondary roots. French oak is the only oak they use to age wine. The barrels are used for 20 years, an unheard of practice for other vineyards. Every ten years they buy new barrels. Alessandro explained that the property is perched on a hill. The property is large, covering 1500 acres and is more of a farm then a vineyard. They raise cows, pigs, lambs and other animals on the property.The estate practices sustainable farming and grows grain and harvests olives for olive oil. It is a working farm.

The vineyard is 300 acres in size and has been producing wine since the late 1800's. The owners of the vineyard, the Franchesi family, are into their fifth generation.

Sustainability is practiced.


                                               2011 IL Poggione Brunello di Montalcino
                                                     

As our discussion progressed, the Sommelier poured a luscious 2011 Brunello ($79) that was made with 20 year old vines, natural yeast and aged three years. The result was a subdued dried cherry wine, full of ginger spice, balanced and full-bodied with an extra long, magnetic palate finish.

Only to outdo himself, a bottle of 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli ($119) was poured. This wine and vintage were on my bucket list.

The vines are over 50 years old. The wine is aged for four years in oak and two years in the bottle. The result is a masterful Sangiovese with exceptional varietal character, elegant finesse and clarity between sweetness and acidity.

IL Pogigone prides themselves as a master of interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. That statement sums up their true passion for one of the world's most liked grapes.

Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

Sean Thackrey-The 'Wine Genius' behind Orion-California Native Red Wine by Philip S. Kampe

                                                             Sean Thackrey

I’m writing this article in lieu of spending the morning with Sean Thackrey. You see, the awaited phone call from his New York distributor never arrived. It was the phone call that would have given me two hours of time, alone, with Sean.

I had dreams of our conversation, taking it a step further from the short in-person talk we had yesterday afternoon in Manhattan’s Chelsea district.

In our short time together, my perception of Mr. Thackrey was that of a true ‘wine genius’. My impression of him was that of a college professor that mixes different chemicals all at once, like blending wine, and ends up with a concoction that blows you away, much like his Orion wine series.

The genius behind the wines, Sean Thackrey, is self-taught and relies solely on his instinct, senses and intuition to make wine. He told me that he touches each grape and makes each bottle by hand-quite unconventional in 2017.

At his winery, he produces up to 400 cases of Orion, which equals 4,800 bottles. That is a feat in itself. A feat that Mr.Thackrey does not take lightly. Each bottle is a battle.

Orion is his flagship wine.

Thackrey & Company Wines have been producing wine since 1981, the year of his first vintage, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend named Aquilla.  

Sean Thackrey- from Marin County, close to San Francisco’s Bay area, has been an influential and unconventional winemaker who lets his freshly picked grapes ‘rest’ 24 hours outside, fermenting under the stars. There is genius to his method.

According to Sean and his ORION wines, it is best to summarize the wines from his website, which says this regarding the ORION wine series: “The ORION old vines, in my view, native California wine, born from a particular field, planted in 1905 to its own particular collection of grapes. I have worked hard to reveal, rather than tame, its individuality. It is a wine of great character, immensely aromatic, with exceptional depth of color and richness of flavor. It will age better then most of us, or can be drunk with pleasure now, depending on your affection for your heirs.”

If you are lucky enough to run into the 15.2% ORION wines at your local wine shop, it will set you back close to $100 per bottle. A small investment with a big reward.

                             

Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

Yes, 'Global Warming' Exists in the Veneto by Philip S. Kampe

Having just returned from a truly educational wine trip to the Valpolicella region, I was shocked to learn that the eleven valleys that are home to Valpolicella region have experienced 'global warming' since 2003, the year that hundreds of Europeans perished due to extreme heat.

Temperatures vary in the Valpolicella region, so much so, that the lower mean daytime temperatures of the valleys close to Lake Garda to the west, are acceptable for the varietals growth. That is not the story for the other valleys, who have recently installed the  'Pergola method' to deal with the heat.

Thanks to the pergola method, the grape leaves tend to cover and protect the grapes from the heat of the direct sun, enough to help maintain some of the necessary shade that is needed when the temperature rises above 90F.

Secondly, some grape varieties thrive better in the heat because their aromas and tannins aren't displaced, hence the re-emergence of the Oleseta and Spigamonti grapes.  These grapes are beginning to replace the traditional Molinari grape, which has prevailed for many years.

Global Warming has changed the wine world in the Veneto and probably much of the rest of the world.Please email me and let me know what other regions have been directly affected by 'Global Warming,'

Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com