Wine News: Champagne Taittinger & Delta, Winemaking at Pompeii, Napa Valley white wines, and more!

Sip and Soar

A glass of fine bubbly sets the mood when traveling; I love to toast to new adventures and safe travels. I fly most frequently on Delta, so I’m delighted by their new partnership with Champagne Taittinger. In celebration of its centennial, Delta will serve Champagne Taittinger Brut la Française on the Delta One bar cart, as a pre-meal beverage on international flights, and throughout the journey. I always have a bottle or two of Taittinger on hand at home and have featured their wines in my tasting events. Taittinger’s elegant bubbles will undoubtedly elevate the travel experience. Cheers! 

Winemaking in Pompeii

                                         image courtesy of Tenute Capaldo Group 

Wine Spectator reports that Tenute Capaldo Group, which owns the prestigious Feudi di San Gregorio winery, has embarked on a grape growing and winemaking project in Pompeii. Winemaking was integral to life in Pompeii before its destruction in 79 AD due to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Several years ago, I toured Mastroberardino's project at Pompeii to cultivate and protect ancient grape varieties. I'm thrilled that this effort to revitalize wine production is moving forward. In the article Winemaking in Pompeii Is Reborn with New Vineyard Project, Olivia Nolan writes that Tenute Capaldo Group's "plan in Pompeii is to plant vines on the sites of some ancient vineyards. They are also working with 2.5 acres of vines that were planted and cultivated by fellow Campania winery Mastroberardino for a wine called Villa dei Misteri for several years as part of an earlier project. When finished, Tenute Capaldo will farm 15 acres in total." But be patient: the first vintages probably won't come to market until around 2028 or 2030. Click here to read the article.

Napa Valley White Wines with an Italian Accent

Looking for California wines with an Italian flair? Check out my article, Napa Valley White Wines with an Italian Accent, in the latest issue of NAPA magazine. Did you know that producers in Napa are making wines from locally-grown Vermentino, Malvasia Bianca, Pinot Grigio, Fiano, and more. Many Napa winemakers’ Italian roots inspired them to produce Italian varietal wines, but the wines aren’t just about nostalgia; they are another delicious example of Napa defying expectations. Ballentine Vineyards, Lola Wines, Robert Biale Vineyards, and V. Sattui Winery are all featured in my article on page 24.

In the News

The Aspen Times included me in a preview of the wine seminars at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen; writer Kelly J. Hayes dubbed my tasting, Let’s Get Franc: The Other Great Cabernet, "a can't miss seminar." This will be my fourth consecutive year presenting at Aspen and I’ll also lead Rosé Gets a Glow Up: The World of Luxe Pink Wines. Tickets are on sale now!

Upcoming Events

The Wines of New York State at Astor Center (May 9)

Join me on May 9 at the Astor Center in NYC for a great tasting of New York wines. The Empire State is the third largest producer of wine in the US and from the Finger Lakes to the North Fork, NY is producing amazing wines. Use code NEWYORK to save 20% on tickets. Click here for ticket info.

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (May 15-18)

I’m looking forward to attending the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience. In addition to enjoying the fabulous food, wine, and camaraderie in Sonoma, California, I’m honored to be on the panel for the Insider’s Perspective on Today’s Wine Industry trade seminar.