Olga Sofia Schiaffino
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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Sons Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes: Erbaluce Di Caluso
Erbaluce di Caluso or Caluso is a small denomination in Piedmont that occupies an area of 415 hectares, of which 256 can claim the Caluso DOCG denomination from the Erbaluce grape variety. The Erbaluce di Caluso or Caluso DOC was established in 1967 and obtained DOCG recognition in 2010. We are in the morainic amphitheater…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes: Prie’ Blanc
The Prié blanc is an indigenous white grape variety from the Aosta Valley with uncertain origins. It might originate from the Savoie or Valais regions, but its presence in the Aosta Valley dates back a very long time, where it has undergone genetic mutations that have led to its current characteristics. It is mainly cultivated…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes: Nerello Mascalese
Our journey to discover sparkling wines made from lesser-known grapes takes us to Sicily, and more precisely to Mount Etna, where the indigenous Nerello Mascalese grape grows. This grape is undoubtedly the undisputed protagonist of Etna Rosso DOC and also contributes 40-50% to the DOC Faro blend. It is well-suited for sparkling wine production. Nerello…
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Sons Of A Lesser God – Sparkling Wine From Uncommon Grapes: Durella
Are you ready to explore the zingy and zesty world of sparkling wines crafted from Durella grapes? Durella, predominantly cultivated in the Veneto region on the slopes of Monti Lessini, spanning the provinces of Verona and Vicenza, takes the spotlight in Monti Lessini Doc Durello Sparkling wine! With roots dating back to the 1700s under…
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Sons of a Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Almost Unknown Grapes: Bombino Bianco
Wandering around the South of Italy we reach Puglia region, famous for the red grape Primitivo aka Zinfandel: let’s talk about Bombino Bianco, a white variety, suitable for making classic method wines. Bombino Bianco is widely cultivated in the province of Foggia and especially in the surroundings of San Severo, where it constitutes an immense…
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Son Of A Lesser God: Sparkling Wines From Pretty Unknown Grapes – Caprettone
Campania has really a treasure, if you consider the richness and the varieties of native grapes! Their names are sometimes funny and often refer to animals. Caprettone is one of those because it means ‘Big Goat’. It is a very vigorous vine and the shape of the bunch reminds you of the goat’s beard. It…
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Sons of a Lesser God: Sparkling Wines from Almost Unknown Native Grapes – Falanghina
Let’s move to the beautiful region of Campania to discover the special sparkling wines from the Falanghina grape! Falanghina wines are pretty nice and have a good aging potential: the name of the grape probably derives from Latin Phalanx, because the vines were supported by poles called “’phalanges’. Falanghina was re-evaluated after the phylloxera pest…
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