U.S. WINE EXPORTS Reach a RECORD $1.4 Billion by Philip S.Kampe

This is a very interesting report from the WINE INSTITUTE. It is worth reading.

Philip S.Kampe

2012 U.S. Wine Exports, 90% from California, Reach Record $1.4 Billion

February 21, 2013 Contact: Linsey Gallagher, 415/356-7515 or Gladys Horiuchi, 415/356-7525 communications@wineinstitute.org www.wineinstitute.org 2012 U.S. WINE EXPORTS, 90 PERCENT FROM CALIFORNIA, REACH RECORD HIGH OF $1.4 BILLION SAN FRANCISCO — Setting a new record, U.S. wine exports, 90% from California, reached $1.43 billion in winery revenues in 2012, up 2.6% compared to the previous year, a gain for the third consecutive year. Volume shipments reached 424.6 million liters or 112.2 million cases. "California wine exports continue to increase because of our quality, diversity and value, despite a highly competitive global market, significant trade barriers and a still recovering economy," said Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. (Bobby) Koch. "We've worked to create more opportunities to export our wines by supporting our government in opening markets with Free Trade Agreements and other negotiations." Of the top markets for California Wines, the European Union's 27-member countries are the largest accounting for $485 million, up 1.7%; followed by Canada, $434 million, up 14%; Hong Kong, $115 million, down 30%; Japan, $111 million, up 6%; China, $74 million, up 18%; Vietnam, $27 million, up 22%; Mexico, $20 million, up 4%; South Korea, $16 million, up 26%. "Our global campaign supporting our California wine exports communicates California as an aspirational place-its beautiful landscapes, iconic lifestyle, leadership in sustainability, and great wine and food. All of our marketing activities in 25 countries convey these messages to consumers and trade around the world," said Wine Institute International Marketing Director Linsey Gallagher. "Additionally, we've expanded these messages to our new California Wines video campaign, Facebook and Twitter social media campaigns across the globe, and are in the process of completing translation of our consumer website, www.discovercaliforniawines.com, into eight languages. We have also launched a full scale campaign in China to introduce California wines in that expanding wine market." "Wine Institute is collaborating with our U.S. Government as well as the World Wine Trade Group, the EU and Pacific Rim governments to reduce trade barriers. In particular, the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation "Wine Regulators Forum" are working to implement good regulatory practices that will protect consumers and facilitate trade in our Asia-Pacific markets," said Wine Institute International Trade Policy Director Tom LaFaille. Five of Wine Institute's 14 Regional Trade Directors reported on key markets as follows: Canada The Canadian consumer continues to embrace California wines, making it the fastest growing wine region in this country by volume and value according to Rick Slomka, Wine Institute Trade Director for Canada. Much of the growth is coming from red blend brands which have strong appeal to the younger generation of wine consumers. At the same time, Canadian consumers continue to show interest in California wines at higher price points with sales of premium wines reaching higher levels than ever before. This momentum is expected to continue in 2013 with major retail promotions this spring in the three largest provincial markets of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. Continental European Union "Germany remains a key market for California wines, with exports increasing 6% in value. Renewed interest from several large retailers that conducted California promotions last year contributed to that growth," said Wine Institute European Trade Director Paul Molleman. Another key market is Sweden, where the Systembolaget monopoly reported California wine sales of almost 17 million bottles, mostly red wine, up 14% from 2011, he added. United Kingdom "California wine exports grew by 2.8% in value while France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile and South Africa all lost ground in the UK on-trade market," said Wine Institute UK Trade Director John McLaren. With an uncertain economy, and against a background of governmental anti-alcohol abuse measures, the UK wine trade has suffered some setbacks, but California has done well to preserve its market share and take advantage of some new opportunities in the independent retail and restaurant sectors. Japan "U.S. bulk wine exports to Japan have been growing as major Japanese importers are now importing popular-priced California wine brands in bulk and bottling in Japan. This reduces the burdensome import duty to a limited extent and makes inventory control easier," said Wine Institute Japan Trade Director Ken-ichi Hori. For bottled U.S. wine, Japan is now importing more premium priced California wines than in the past. Unlike other New World wine exporting countries, California wine is well represented in high-end restaurants because of our successful annual restaurant promotion, Hori said. China and Emerging Markets "Wine's prominence is growing throughout Asia as consumption remains buoyant and forecasts estimate continued growth. Hong Kong is California's third largest export market by value, although the value declined in 2012 compared to impressive growth the previous years following elimination of Hong Kong's 80% import duty. China, a top priority growth market for our vintners, grew 18% to $74 million and remains the fifth largest export market by value. South Korea's growth increased to 26%, following the recent U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Exports to Mexico grew a second consecutive year with the value there nearly doubling since 2009," according to Eric Pope, Wine Institute's Regional Director, Emerging Markets. Since 1985, Wine Institute has served as the administrator of the Market Access Program, an export promotion program managed by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. More than 150 wineries participate in Wine Institute's California Wine Export Program and export to 125 countries. # # # (Editors: Photos of tasting events abroad available upon request. Three statistical charts follow.) U.S. WINE EXPORTS 1994-2012 Year Volume (In millions) Value (In millions of dollars) Gallons Liters Cases Revenues to Wineries 2012 112.2 424.6 47.2 $1,432 2011 118.0 446.6 49.6 $1,395 2010 111.3 421.2 46.8 $1,145 2009 110.3 417.7 46.4 $912 2008 129.7 490.9 54.5 $1,008 2007 120.2 455.0 50.6 $955 2006 106.9 404.5 44.9 $876 2005 102.6 388.2 43.1 $674 2004 121.9 461.3 51.3 $809 2003 92.3 349.2 38.8 $621 2002 74.5 282.1 31.3 $549 2001 80.3 303.9 33.8 $541 2000 77.7 294.2 32.7 $547 1999 76.8 290.6 32.3 $560 1998 71.9 272.0 30.2 $537 1997 60.0 227.1 25.2 $425 1996 47.5 179.7 20.0 $326 1995 38.8 147.0 16.3 $241 1994 35.2 133.4 14.8 $196 Source: Wine Institute & Global Trade Information Services, using data from U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Statistics may not convert exactly due to rounding. History revised. Source: Wine Institute & Global Trade Information Services, using data from U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Source: Wine Institute & Global Trade Information Services, using data from U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Preliminary numbers. History revised. Statistics may not convert exactly due to rounding. *All totals include re-exported wines. **Stats for the 27 EU countries are combined because transshipments to final destinations in neighboring countries make a country-by-country breakdown not reflective of actual consumption in each country. To convert liters to gallons, multiply liters by .26418 To convert liters to cases, divide liters by 9

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TRADE TASTING: DO Toro Wines in New York (March 12th) and Chicago (March 14th) by Philip S. Kampeand Nora Favelukes

Register Now! Taste DO Toro Wines in NEW YORKand CHICAGO

 

Register Now! Join my friend NORA FAVELUKES and
 Taste DO Toro Wines in NEW YORK and CHICAGO

Old, Ungrafted Vines + Modern Making Techniques =

  The Bold, Striking Wines of DO Toro.  SIMPLY THE BEST.

We are bullish on Toro wines.  ARE YOU?

To find out, REGISTER for this EXCLUSIVE TRADE event.

NEW YORK: Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Metropolitan
 Suite, 2nd Fl

123 West 18th Street, NYC

Noon: Seminar

1:00pm - 4:00pm: General Tasting

RSVP NY: http://torotastingnyc.eventbrite.com/

AND

CHICAGO: Thursday, March 14, 2013

City Winery Chicago, 

1200 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL

11:00am: Seminar

Noon to 3:00pm: General Tasting

RSVP Chicago: http://torotastingchicago.eventbrite.com/ 

Featuring an
 in-depth seminar on DO Toro wines by sommelier, author and
 wine educator, Marnie Old.

Marnie Old is one of FAVORITE wine educators. Her classes

are always interesting and filled with new facts on wines,

in this case, the DO Wines from TORO. 

DRINK TORO. SIMPLY THE BEST!

Philip S. Kampe

Nora Favelukes 

-- 

A 'MUST Wine Show to attend'--The NEW YORK WIINE EXPO--March 1st to 3rd by Karen Pineman and Philip S. Kampe

 

Attention Wine Lovers!

Get Ready to Sip & Swirl at the 6^th Annual New York Wine Expo

 

New York, NY (January 29, 2013) Raise a glass in celebration! The New York Wine Expo is celebrating its 6^th anniversary, March 1-3, 2013.  With only their wine glasses and taste buds to lead them, attendees can travel through the vineyards of Europe and the Mediterranean; from South America to South Africa; and coast to coast in the United States.  In all, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from a sampling of over 500 wines.  The 6^th annual New York Wine Expo is at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.

 

“The Expo is truly a feast for the senses, with wines from every corner of the world represented,” said Ed Hurley, Marketing Director, ResourcePlus Shows & Events. “For anyone who enjoys wine or is a beginner and wants to learn, a day at the Expo is a deliciously fun way to spend time with friends and family.”

 

Dedicated fans know him as “QVC’s Resident Foodie,” and this year for the first time, David Venable will be joining the New York Wine Expo on Friday, March 1.  Venable is host of the hit QVC^® program, In the Kitchen with David^®, which has 3.5 million viewers, and has also recently released his debut cookbook QVC’s Resident Foodie Presents: Comfort Foods That Take You Home (Ballantine Books/Random House).  A trained home chef, Venable will be on hand to conduct a special “Meet & Greet” and will share his experience in the kitchen to offer wine pairing ideas with Wine Expo visitors.

 

Along with the Grand Tasting, consumers can purchase tickets to a variety of seminars led by industry experts.  Additions to the seminar calendar are updated frequently.  To date,  

Wine 101: Taste Like a Pro with Wine Spectator’s Director of Education         Gloria Maroti Frazee
Friday, March 1st at 6:00pm | Saturday, March 2nd at 11:30am
In this seminar, attendees will build the wine appreciation framework required for a lifetime of vinous adventure. Tasting a bounty of wine from around the world, they’ll learn the tasting techniques used by pros, explore important grapes, identify key wine styles and determine their own wine preferences.

California Pinot Noir: Touring The State’s Great Pinot Regions with David Rossi of Fulcrum Wines

Friday, March 1st at 7:00pm
Join winemaker David Rossi as he contrasts four of Fulcrum Wines’ highly acclaimed Pinot Noir from the finest regions of California. This Napa winery specializes in producing small lots and is known for producing some of the country’s most sought after Pinot Noirs. Taste Fulcrum Floodgate Pinot Noir 2010 Russian River Valley, Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir 2010 Sonoma Coast, Fulcrum Pinot Noir 2010 Anderson Valley and Fulcrum Pinot Noir 2010 Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone- Monterey. Examine the background of each area and what makes it special by exploring wine tasting, food pairing, winemaking and grape growing. You’ll come away with a great knowledge of Pinot Noir from California and have a chance to taste some of the best examples available today.

 

 

The Cool Climate, World Class Wines of the Finger Lakes

Saturday, March 2^nd at Noon

The Finger Lakes region of New York State has undergone an evolution in quality and developed into a cool climate, world class wine growing region.  Join Thomas Pastuszak, Wine Director at the NoMad in New York City, for a discussion and tasting of wines from the region. Learn about what makes the Finger Lakes the premier growing region for cool climate grape varieties in the United States and how it compares on a global level to other regions.

 

 

Italian Cheeses and Wine with Lou DiPalo, the Cheese Guru of DiPalo’s Fine Foods in Little Italy, NYC

Saturday, March 2, 2:30pm

Don’t miss a chance to meet this most knowledgeable and passionate advocate for the cheeses and wines of Italy. Lou DiPalo will detail how typicity, provenance, and maturation regimes contribute to the irresistible quality of Italian cheese. Amongst the cheeses to be tasted will be Agriform’s Grana Padano, Piave, Asiago, and Valtellina Casera, with Italian wines selected for pairing perfection. You will leave this informative and tasty seminar with a bevy of expert suggestions on how best to entertain with Italian wine and cheese.

 

Fun With Italian Wines…Exceptional Wines From Collio! And Where Is Collio Anyway?

Saturday, March 2 at 3:00pmJoin host John Cressman, Owner of World Wide Wine LLC and Roberto Bartolomucci of Italian Wine Growers for their very special take on the wines of Collio. Italy is a treasure trove of unique and interesting vines throughout and Collio is no exception. John and Roberto have specially selected a group of wines which will have you wondering why you hadn’t tried each of them before. You will leave this entertaining seminar with a list of ‘must tries’ and greater insight into the wines of a Collio which is uniquely blessed by the vine. This is a “don’t miss” seminar event, where having FUN and tasting great wines comes first!

 

Attendees can ensure they remember the names of every wine and wine maker they liked and lifestyle vendor they stopped by with the free New York Wine Expo mobile app.  Along with notes, the app will help attendees navigate the venue, find exhibitors of interest and provide the latest event news.

Grand Tasting Pricing & Hours:

Friday, March 1, 6pm to 10pm - $85

Saturday, March 2, 1pm to 5pm - $95

Sunday, March 3, Noon to 4pm (Trade only)

Please note: Sunday, March 3 is dedicated to trade representatives. Liquor licensees from throughout the region are invited to attend on Sunday along with attendees of the co-located International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York. The Wine Expo is not open to the general public on Sunday.

The New York Wine Expo is sponsored by Maille Mustard, Celebrity Cruises, Alaska Seafood, Vermont Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Backyard Farms, Chabaso Bakery, Finger Lakes Wines, Wines of Portugal, Italian Trade Commission, Citi, Roseann Tully’s Intermezzo, Wine Spectator and Uber.

 

About ResourcePlus Shows & Events

ResourcePlus Shows & Events is a full-service trade show and event management company specializing in event planning and management services for a variety of events, from large-scale tradeshows to intimate special events.  In addition to the New York Wine Expo, ResourcePlus has been producing the Boston Wine Expo for over 20 years. http://www.resource-plus.com/ Follow us on Twitter @NewYorkWineExpo.

 

I have attended this show in the past and believe it is well worth the admission price. Many wines are amazing,as well as the view of the Hudson river and the skyline.

This year, we will walk the 'HIGHLINE' to the show and make the day a true New York experience.

KAREN PINEMAN

PHILIP S. KAMPE

 

 

 

 

American Handcrafted SPIRITS Celebrate Local Authenticity by Philip S. Kampe

The world has had a love affair with spirits since the 1^st century. There is clear evidence that Greek alchemists, working in Alexandria, created the first distilled spirits.

It is 2000 years later and in America distillation has prevailed for hundreds of years. The American spirits industry has been headed by the larger houses that mass produce the vodka, gin, rum and bourbon that we have come to accustomed to.

According to the author of the ‘Spirits Journal’, F. Paul Pacult, north Americans have been making spirits for the past three hundred and seventy years.
During that period of time, distillers have embraced homemade spirits.
Large distillation houses have come and gone. The same is true with the smaller, craft houses as well.

Today, a craft spirits revolution is taking place. The craft spirits revolution celebrates local authenticity. The focus is on handcrafted products.

The definition of a ‘craft distillery’ is a distiller who produces less than 40,000 cases a year.
The number of ‘craft distillers’ has grown in the past 13 years, as illustrated below.

In 2000, 26 craft distilleries existed.
In 2005, 50 distilleries existed.

In 2011, the number of distilleries in America crossed the 200 mark.

In 2013, the predictions suggest 350-400 distilleries.

The ‘craft movement’ is here to stay. The growth rate in numbers of new distilleries justifies the hype the industry is receiving.
Thanks to my friend, legendary wine and spirits consultant Chris Corrao, I came into contact with a group of American craft distillers who work together showing their handcrafted spirits to bartenders, retailers, press and consumers.
The group is called “The American Still Life Collection” and consists of fifteen companies, all ‘craft distillers’.
A few days ago, I was invited to a tasting of ‘The American Still Life Collection’ led by F. Paul Pacult.
All of the producers (9) were present to explain about their companies, distillation techniques and to answer questions.
The line-up was simple. Vodka first and coffee liquor last.

The nine selections were hand-picked by F. Paul Pacult. His choices were all impeccable.
Each distiller explained in depth about the products that we tasted. All stories had a common theme: handcrafted and small batches using local products that help create authenticity.

Each style and spirit I sampled tasted authentic and well crafted.
If you are a true spirits person, consider my recommendations when you purchase spirits.

BOYD & BLAIR   Potato Vodka (Pennsylvania)
151 proof, using Pennsylvania potatoes and a copper pot still.

www.boydandblair.com

ENLIGHTENED GRAIN  Windsor Earl Grey//Sage Vodka (Oregon)
This spirit bridges the gap between gin and vodka.

www.egspirits.com

HALF MOON  Orchard Gin (New York)
Distilled from local, Hudson Valley,  apples and grains.

www.tuthilltown.com

SMOOTH AMBLER  Yearling Bourbon (West Virginia)
An award winning state –of-the-art craft producer who has won numerous awards.

www.smoothambler.com

BREUKELEN  77 Rye (90%) //Corn Whiskey (10%) (New York)
Organic whiskey using only New York state grains.   

www.brkdistilling.com

CORSAIR  Triple Smoke Whisky (Tennessee)
Classic craft spirits with unique flavors using copper pot stills.

www.corsairartisan.com

OSOCALIS  Rare Alambic Brandy (California)

Finesse, elegance and length are created in antique alambic Charentais stills from Cognac.

www.osocalis.com

DANCING PINES  Chai Liqueur  (Colorado)
Family operation using pot stills.
www.dancingpinesdistillery.com

BITTERMENS  New Orleans Coffee Liqueur  (Louisiana)
Award winning liqueurs from my hometown.

www.bittermens.com

PHILIP S. KAMPE

ANGELINI Estate wines from Le Marche define balance and character by Philip S. Kampe

This past week I had a short SKYPE  interview with Julius Angelini, one of the famous ‘Angelini brothers’, known for their superior wines from one of the Italy’s most beautiful regions, Le Marche.
Le Marche had been my destination on several wine trips in the past. I attended the opening of the Domodimonti winery in 2010 and revisited the vineyard after Vinitaly, which takes place in Verona, in 2011.

Located only two hours plus east of Rome, Le Marche offers breathtaking views characterized by simple, yet elegant beauty. 
Le Marche offers a vast landscape of narrow coastal plains that rise sharply into the peaks of the Sibillini mountains, which create a natural boundary between Umbria and Tuscany. The region of Emilia-Romangna is to the north and Abruzzo is to the south.
Le Marche’s western border is the Adriatic sea, whose crown jewel is the seaside town of Ancona.
The region is a must visit, especially if you are flying to Rome. I have visited Italy well over fifty times and am amazed that Le Marche had not been my radar until 2010.

The landscape of the region is beautiful
Add the Adriatic sea to the scenario and you feel like you are in New Zealand, which is graced with natural beauty and an ocean that is paradise. It is a wonderful region to explore.
Most of the region is mountainous. The Apennine mountain chain creates the interior boundary, while  an extensive system of hills descends towards the Adriatic. The hills do not exceed 2,500 feet and cover two-thirds of the region, only interrupted by rivers, wide gullies and alluvial plains that are parallel to the mountains.

The coastal area on the Adriatic is 110 miles long and is relatively flat except for the northern and southern border.
My favorite interior city is Ascoli Piceno, a charming town that lies in-between the mountains.
Le Marche may not be well known, yet, as a wine making region, but, it does produce some excellent varieties.
A well known white is Verdicchio.
There are numerous red wines that put Le Marche on the map. And there is a vineyard that has created a category of reds, Arricola Angelini.
The Agricola Angelini. decided only to work with red wine varieties.
Located 1000 feet above sea level, in the village of San Lorenzo in Campo, Julius Angelini explained that the Angelini Estate name denotes grapes that are only grown on the Estate. Julius explained that his families farm is 200 acres in size and has been in the family for three generations.

Seven and a half acres of vineyards were planted with specially selected varietals that include Sangiovese, Vernaccia (Pergola Rosso) and Merlot. As mentioned earlier, the winery only works with red grapes.
The winery uses 1000-2000 liter barrels for aging and uses no barrique.  Production is limited to 2-4 pounds per vine, an equivalent of 1-2 bottles per vine.
The premier red wines of Angelini Estates include Pergola Rosso, Sangiovese, Merlot ‘Per Amici’ and Sangiovese Reserva. All of the wines that I tasted are in limited production,but,are widely available throughout the U.S.
The Pergola Rosso ($16.99) is made from the Pergola grape. Floral aromatics coupled with cherries and strawberries on the palate make this smooth and silky wine a pleasure to drink.
At $26.99, the Sangiovese is nearly a perfect wine. Cherry dominates both the nose and palate. Add leather and tar and you have an exceptional wine that will steal the show.
The Merlot ‘Per Amici’, at $49.99, is a rich and luscious wine that goes in like a tiger and goes out like a swan, elegant, soft and lingering. I believe this is a must buy wine for those special occasions.
The Sangiovese Reserva ($24.99) is a universal wine that can pair well with grilled meats, especially steaks like filet mignon or can be consumed on its own. The Sangiovese grape is difficult to work with, but, winemaker Paul Angelini has found the secret to make this bottle stand out above the rest.
The wines from Angelini Estate are wines that epitomize many of the best red wines from Italy.

PHILIP S. KAMPE

SAKE and the CITY--NYC 12 February 2013

I am sitting at the kitchen table at our house in the Berkshire mountains of western Massachusetts. It's Saturday morning, Chinese New Year, February 9th.
The first blizzard of 2013 has hit and from the window all I see is white on white. Snow everywhere.
Our neighbors are already cross-country skiing. I am getting our snowshoes out of the closet, so, we can join them.
I just wanted to pass along an upcoming SAKE tasting that is taking place on Tuesday, February 12th at the Astor Center in NYC. The event lasts from 6:30-9pm and costs $30 per person.
The SAKE tasting will feature numerous top sake producers from Japan. Light fare will be served.
If you know very little about sake or you are a sake pro, this event is for you.
Award winning mixologist, Shingo Gokan of Angel's Share and SakeMai will be in-house mixing cocktails.
The events goal is to increase awareness of Japanese sake in the U.S. It is sponsored by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS).
Astor Center is located at 399 Lafayette Street in NYC.
Sake has played a central role in the Japanese life for over 2000 years. It is now time for us to learn more about this special beverage.
As the Japanese say, raise your glass and say 'Kampai' and celebrate the history of this fermented beverage.

PHILIP S. KAMPE

UMBRIA is for #WINELOVERS , a Major Wine Festival on 14-17 February 2013

Umbria is for #WINELOVERS by Philip S. Kampe

The patron Saint of Umbria is Saint Valentine’s.
This year, for the first time, the province of Umbria is celebrating Saint Valentine’s Day with a four day wine festival that kicks off in Terni, the southern provinces most populated city, on Valentine’s day and will last through Sunday, the 17^th of February.

Founding members of the festival include Fausto Proietti, my long time friend from Umbria and my writing associate, Luiz Alberto, founder of The Wine Hub (www.thewinehub.com).
The Wine Hub is  where  I started my wine writing career.
Both Fausto and Luiz have been working diligently, together, for the past year to  establish the festivals guidelines and activities.
The four day schedule includes blind Umbrian wine tastings, wine education classes, seminars, panel discussions, vineyard visits, wine dinners and much more, including a visit to the grave of the Patron Saint of Umbria, Saint Valentines.

Umbria, the only land locked province in Italy is very famous for its wines. In fact, Marco Caprai, winemaker and proprietor of Umbria’s Arnaldo-Caprai winery was just named Wine Enthusiasts ‘European Winery of the Year’.
Marco Caprai is widely credited with the revival of Sagrantino di Montefalco.

Umbria is known for its white wines using the Trebbiano grape, also known as the Procanico grape.
Orvieto is the star wine using the grape.
The Trebbiano grape can be made in stainless steel and is fresh, crisp and alive. When marrying the grape with oak, the result is often sophisticated, elegant and special.
When made as a dessert wine or ‘abbocato style’, sweetness dominates.
Another popular white is Chardonnay blended with Grechetto. Numerous other white varieties are grown in Umbria, including the international grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer.

Regarding reds, as mentioned earlier, the new ‘King of Reds’ is Sagrantino di Montefalco. This DOCG wine is complex, tannic, austere and made for aging. Its younger brother is Rosso di Montalciono, a DOC wine. The younger sister is a dessert wine named ‘Passito’. All are made with a minimum of 95% Sagrantino grapes.

The other dominant red grape is Sangiovese, best known in the Lake Trasimeno area. Sangiovese is a wonderful blending grape, resulting in a DOCG wine, Torgiano Rosso Reserva

Besides wine, Umbria is known for its great cities, including Assisi, the home of Saint Frances of Assisi.
 Other important towns include Perugia, Spoletto, Todi, Gubbio and Narni.
Umbria is often called ‘green heart’, for its nature parks.
There are many Etruscan sites and medieval hill towns.

Orvierto is known for its magnificent cathedral (duomo) .with its mosaic façade.

The Saint Frances Basilica in Assisi holds the tomb of Saint Frances of Assisi and is a popular pilgrimage destination.
Perugia is Umbria’s capital and largest town.
Spoleto is a walled town known for its world famous ‘Festival dei due Mondi’ and the Ponte delle Torri or Bridge of Towers.
Todi is a picturesque walled village with beautiful views of the countryside.

Gubbio is a well preserved Medieval town built on gray limestone.

Narni is considered the geographical center of Italy.

If you are unable to visit Umbria for the Festival, consider buying a bottle of Umbrian wine for Valentine’s Day and ‘Celebrate’ on your own.

Feel free to e-mail my friend, Fausto Proietti for a complete festival schedule.

His e-mail is: FaustoProietti@gmail.com

PHILIP S. KAMPE