A World Of Sauvignon Blanc
OTU in World of Sauvignon Blanc

No longer delimited to the Loire Valley, France or Marlborough, New Zealand, almost the entire wine-world is now producing Sauvignon Blanc and the whole world is willingly drinking it. Curtis Marsh comes out of the closet in defence of this greatly maligned variety.

Since early Roman times, the wider popularity of grape varieties has been largely determined by its ability to travel or adapt to new environments and, above all, fashion. Achieving global massconsumer appeal for any grape variety in this day and age has long been a very tight clique, namely Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Read More >

In Tuscan “heaven”
Andrea Costanti of Conti Costanti

Discovering a special vineyard during a recent trip to Italy still has an excited Curtis Marsh salivating.

Having just returned from Tuscany, the current issue of Wine Spectator caught my immediate attention. Its front cover – emblazoned with the words “Brunello di Montalcino, best wines, restaurants, hotels” – had an evocative picture of the medieval hill-top village that brought back a spontaneous flood of experiences and gastronomic elation.

Read More >

Wine, Tar & Roses
Italy Carabinieri sampling Barolo Wines

Curtis Marsh confesses he cannot get enough Nebbiolo, indeed more than just a passing phase, it is becoming an obsession.

It is not often that I have a preoccupation for a single variety; after all, I do purport to have a ‘wandering palate’. I was for a period last year, fixated with Sangiovese or Chianti Classico to be more precise, having been to Tuscany twice in three months and totally besotted in the idyllic countryside and indigenous produce. Although I remain an advocate, this infatuation has diminished somewhat with the passage of time.

Read More >

Profiled Wineries | Related to: , , , | 18 comments
Tuscan Reveries
Chianti Vineyard, Italy

Away from the legions of tourists and frantic pace of florence, Curtis Marsh discovers the tranquillity of the medieval village of Panzano. Located in the heart of Chianti Classico, it‘s the perfect base for vineyard touring and gastronomic indulgence all year round.

Visitors to Tuscany typically fall in love with the region. Instantly. It is easy to fall under the enchantment of the idyllic Tuscan countryside, with vineyards and olive groves, sylvan hills and sinuous valleys dotted with picturesque medieval villages. The latter typically comes complete with ancient castles, villas, church or monastery, all steeped in feudal history while exemplifying the splendour of the Italian Renaissance.

Read More >