2009 Banfi Centine Rosé – Tuscany, Italy

An Italian blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet sauvignon, and Merlot would suggest a big bold rosé that might be too strong for some palates. The Centine is surprisingly fresh, balanced and delightful for rosé lovers. And, you can’t beat a nice light summer rosé for just $11. This wine was surprisingly light and enjoyable.

Three ‘Second Cities’ Host Dinners with Iconic Italian Winemakers

“Second city” tours and “unprecedented access” are the keys and keywords employed by high-profile Italian winemakers to meet the challenges of a tough market.

Carpene Malvoti Prosecco – Prosecco di Conegliano, Italy

The familiar honey-honeysuckle nose of prosecco, then a touch of fruit in the flavor with a nice balance of acidity. This is a very sturdy prosecco with a medium body, not light yet pleasing, finishing with a hint of raspberry.

Soave: An Ancient Tale, A Modern Wine

Once upon a time, a beautiful princess lived in a majestic castle. The castle was situated high above a quaint village and was surrounded by lush, rolling hills and bright green vineyards.

2006 Cascina ‘Tavijn Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato – Piedmont, Italy

Intensely floral, this makes a wine lasagna with lavender and rose petals noodles between layers of elderberries, raspberries, lightly smoked pork, and leather. This practically begs to pair with meat, from sage-rubbed pork roast to lamb with rosemary. At its price point, $20, buy it by the case and drink it over the next two years.

2008 Fontana Candida Frascati – Frascati, Italy

Frascati has been around a long time. Fontana Candida is one of the oldest and biggest producers of Frascati. The region is made up of five villages near Rome where the malvasia grape grows in volcanic soils. This light-colored white wine is not the lighter style associated with many Italian whites. The Malvasia and Trebbiano blend gives nice pear and almond flavors with a surprisingly long finish. At $10, it’s a great way to try a different summer wine. Read more at Howard’s blog, Grape Sense.

2007 Castello Monaci Primitivo – Piluna, Italy

The palate shows sweet black cherries made tart with flavors of rhubarb an unripe strawberry. Oak treatment is apparent and the aftertaste slightly artificial, like licorice strings. This is juicy and simple, not bad for the cost, but a little leg-work will find better choices in the price range.

Drink, Eat, Stay: Doing Sicily the Right Way

Historically Sicilian culture is diverse, fascinating, and routinely bloody. Thankfully today, the only red you’ll find running rampant is the wine.

The Gentleman of Prosecco: Remembering Antonio Carpenè Jr.

All over the world, the word Prosecco is synonymous with a fun, vibrant Italian sparkling wine, isn’t it? In America, for example, there are hundreds of thousands people who are avid fans of this Italian wine. Yet, despite its festive personality, we are in mourning for one of the great fathers of Prosecco wine. Antonio Carpenè, Jr. died on April 25, 2010 at the age of 97.

Gaja, the Man Behind the Wine

The sign outside the entrance to the winery of Angelo Gaja, in the Piedmontese village of Barbaresco, says volumes in little: Gaja—four letters on a square plaque, gray on gray, like a cornerstone on a civic monument.

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