Olga Sofia Schiaffino
Son of a Lesser God: Sparkling Wine From Almost Unknown Grape Puls From Albania
Nestled on the sun-drenched slopes near the ancient town of Berat in southern Albania, the family-run estate of the Çobo family has quietly been writing a new chapter in Albanian viticulture. With roots stretching back almost a century, the family estate is now turning rare heritage grapes into wines of precision, elegance and identity. The…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes – Magliocco
At the 2025 edition of the Notte Rosa del Vino in Trebisacce, I met a woman whose presence alone could light up the event: Rita Bilotti, the driving force behind Serragiumenta. A woman of vision, strength, and unmistakable charm, Rita embodies the values of tradition and innovation that shape her land and her wines. Among…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes
Shobili 2018 classic method brut nature – Shumi Estate (Georgia) During my last press tour in Georgia, I tasted a very special sparkling wine: Shobili 2018 This elegant and distinctive sparkling wine represents a masterful fusion of two ancient winemaking traditions, seamlessly uniting 8,000 years of Georgian viticultural heritage with four centuries of refined French…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes
Marche Bianco Spumante 2019 IGT from Ribona Maceratino (Classic Method brut nature) – Podere Sabbioni winery Last summer I had the chance to meet Massimo, Maria Grazia and Laura Carletti, Podere Sabbioni winery. The cellar is located in the heart of the Marche region. I was surprised because of their work and passion, for the…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Baratuciat, An Interesting White Variety For Refreshing Sparkling Wines In Piedmont
Recently in Turin, I met Mrs Valentina Peracino, the president of the Associazione Tutela del Baratuciat e Vitigni Minori. This association was born in 2019, initially to give a voice to a group of small producers of baratuciat who were outside the borders of the Val di Susa, who hoped for an expansion of the…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes
Aurelia Classic Method Sparkling Wine, Andrea Bruzzone Winery During a wine fair held in Genoa on February 2nd and 3rd, Andrea Bruzzone presented a unique Classic Method sparkling wine, a collective expression of the white grape varieties grown in Liguria. A blend of grapes that takes you on a journey through this long and narrow…
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A Greek Sparkling Wine to Celebrate the New Year: Azzardà Extra Brut 2021 Blanc de Noir Milia Riza
The new year brings with it countless resolutions and fresh opportunities—what better occasion to celebrate with a truly special and undoubtedly little-known sparkling wine? I had the pleasure of tasting this wine thanks to a dear Greek friend Haris Papandreou, a true connoisseur who introduced me to this sparkling gem from Nemea, in the Peloponnese.…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes Ribolla Gialla
Let’s explore Friuli Venezia Giulia, an Italian region bordering Slovenia, known for being a battleground during World War I. Ribolla Gialla is an ancient native grapevine cultivated since Roman times, particularly in the hills around Rosazzo. In Slovenia and Croatia, it is called Rebula and is believed to have originated in the southern Dalmatian islands…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes: Montonico
Montonico Bianco is an ancient Italian grape variety with deep roots in the heart of Abruzzo, a region renowned for its rich winemaking traditions and indigenous grape varieties. For its long history and unique characteristics, it represents a vital part of the biodiversity of Abruzzo’s viticulture. The origins of Montonico Bianco probably date back to…
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