1st evening of 3ic wine school in Cugnoli, Abruzzo with a symphony of specialties of the region, from the vibrant trebbiano d’abruzzo and pecorino whites paired with the rich, comfort dishes of  sagne(fresh pasta and beans), chickpeas and saffron, cheese and egg pallotte, 3 types of pecorino with honey, everything locally sourced 😍

 1st evening of 3ic wine school in Cugnoli, Abruzzo with a

Morning view of Mount Maiella from Cugnoli in Abruzzo. A tremendous representation of ‘sense of place’ in the Cococciolo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzese and Pecorino wines we studied

 Morning view of Mount Maiella from Cugnoli in Abruzzo. A

The reason why I’ve been MIA 📚🍷🎓

 The reason why I’ve been MIA 📚🍷🎓 il motivo della mia

Francesco Cirelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018

Amphora aged for 9 months, a plush synthesis of chocolate, raisin, umami and  black cherry, with fine tannins. Engaging and very gluggable.

Cataldi Madonna ‘Malandrino’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018

The estate’s lightest Montepulciano, with grapes 15-50 years old in clay/limestone soil. Vivid grape, black cherry, black pepper and velvety tannins. Round and powerful.

Tenuta Terraviva ‘Lui’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOC 2015

18 months ageing, half in in used French barriques, the other in stainless steel. Complex and structured, with velveteen layers of dark fruit and spice.

 A trio of expressions of Montepulciano Francesco Cirelli

Compelling native whites of Abruzzo: rising star Pecorino and super rare Cococciolo. (Day 1 in Abruzzo)

With its super racy acidity highlighting fresh lemon, gardenia and jasmine flowers and a nutty undercurrent

Cingilia Cococciolo Colline Pescaresi IGT 2018

Native yeast fermentation, aged on the lees in stainless steel for 6-8 months

Powerful, funky spicy lemon fuses with sage, rosemary, lemon tart, nutmeg coriander, red apple and cinnamon

De Fermo ‘Don Carlino’ Pecorino  Colline Pescaresi IGT 2018

From the father of Pecorino, in honor of his daughter Giulia, is this gem of lemon, minerals, pink grapefruit, honeysuckle and a nutty streak

Cataldi Madonna ‘Giulia’ Pecorino Terre Aquilane IGT 2018

Aged on the lees for 8 months in stainless steel

 Compelling native whites of Abruzzo: rising star Pecorino

The inspiring view from our first day of 3ic Central Italy Specialist class

 Buongiorno Cugnoli The inspiring view from our first day of

Colours and tastes of Cerasolo d’Abruzzo ;

Easy cherry & coconut to roasted herbs and silky chocolate

 Colours and tastes of Cerasolo d’Abruzzo ; Easy cherry &

Located in the stunningly beautiful hills of Panzano in Toscana, the Manetti family philosophy is “Respecting the environment means wines that are better, purer, and a truer expression of the grape and the territory.” Grapes are from old vines in a single vineyard with galestro soil located at the front of the estate.

Fermented in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts for at least 3 weeks, aged for 24 months in Allier barrels.

A velvety fusion of cherry, red currant, plum, white pepper, carnation, mint, crushed rock, leather and underbrush framed by fresh acidity and silky, firm tannins.

Black cherry, earth, iron minerality, baking spice and licorice linger on the plush finish.

_vino for sharing this gem with his students 🙏🏼 100% Sangiovese

Fontodi ‘Vigna del Sorbo’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015

 Located in the stunningly beautiful hills of Panzano in

From 55 year old vines in limestone soil, grapes were harvested in early October.

A silky synthesis of juicy red berries and clean minerality. Juicy, fresh and super gluggable on its own or with a wide variety of dishes.

Paired with a traditional dish of the Cugnoli region in Abruzzo, heirloom wheat pasta with native greens [sort of a cross between broccolini, kale and turnip], with dried/fried peppers. Absolutely divine.

for her never ending hospitality ( more on that to come) and her spectacular wines 🙏🏼