Castel de Paolis – Campo Vecchio 2017 (Lazio IGT) Producer: Castel de Paolis Region: Lazio, Italy Vintage: 2017 Blend: Predominantly international varieties (typically Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) Alcohol: ~14% Visual: Deep, impenetrable ruby core with garnet reflections at the rim, indicating early tertiary evolution. Excellent viscosity, forming slow, dense tears. Nose: Intense and layered. Opens with ripe black fruit—blackberry, cassis, and plum compote—followed by t

Introduction There are wines shaped not only by soil and climate, but by light and wind. In the rugged, sun-drenched landscapes of Gallura, in northeastern Sardinia , Cantina Li Seddi  interprets Vermentino in its most authentic and territorial form. Here, where granite dominates the subsoil and the constant Mediterranean winds sculpt the vines, Vermentino reaches a level of precision, salinity, and aromatic clarity that is unmistakable. “Li Pastini” 2023, a Vermentino di Gal

There are places where wine is not simply produced—it is interpreted. In the hills of Lapio, within the historic territory of Fiano di Avellino, Cantine Antonio Caggiano  has long been a reference point for precision, identity, and respect for terroir. Among its most compelling expressions stands Vigna Isca, a cru that captures the essence of Irpinia with clarity and depth. The 2022 vintage offers a particularly refined interpretation—one that balances structure, aromatic com

Fattoria Pagano – Pectus 2024 Falerno del Massico Bianco DOP (Falanghina 100%) Visual Brilliant straw yellow with golden reflections, suggesting both varietal ripeness and partial barrique élevage. Good consistency, indicating moderate alcohol (≈13.5–14%). ⸻ Nose Clean, intense, and elegantly layered. Primary notes of citrus (mandarin, cedar) and stone fruit (apricot) are complemented by wildflowers and chamomile. Secondary aromas from oak aging introduce vanilla, sweet spice

lCantina Li Seddi Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG “Li Pastini” 2023 Appearance Bright straw yellow with luminous golden reflections. The wine shows excellent clarity and moderate viscosity, consistent with its elevated alcohol level. Nose The bouquet is intense and distinctly Mediterranean. Aromas of white flowers and orange blossom intertwine with citrus zest, yellow peach, and hints of tropical fruit. Subtle layers of Mediterranean scrub, juniper, and aromatic herbs em

Appellation: Irpinia Campi Taurasini DOC Grape Variety: 100% Aglianico Region: Taurasi area, Irpinia – Campania, Italy Alcohol: ~14% Aging: Fermentation in stainless steel followed by 8–10 months in French oak barriques (Tronçais, Allier, Vosges). Visual Deep, intense ruby red with garnet reflections, indicating youthful vigor yet already hinting at the structural density typical of Aglianico grown in the Taurasi hills. Nose Expressive and layered bouquet. Primary aromas reve

Producer:  Villa Matilde Avallone Appellation: Falerno del Massico  DOC Vintage: 2011 Varieties: Predominantly Aglianico with Piedirosso Alcohol: ~14% Wine Voyager Perspective Among the great modern interpretations of the legendary wines of ancient Rome, Vigna Camarato stands as one of the most emblematic expressions of Falerno del Massico. Produced only in selected vintages from a single historic vineyard, it represents the ambition of Villa Matilde to revive the prestige of

The 2024 Aglianico Campania IGT from Fattoria Pagano presents an engaging and accessible interpretation of Campania’s emblematic red grape. This expression balances traditional varietal character with everyday drinkability, making it well-suited for convivial dining occasions. Visual: Medium ruby red with subtle violet glints, indicative of freshness and moderate extraction. The color is clear and inviting, hinting at youthful energy. Nose: On the nose, the wine offers genero

Appellation: Campania IGT Vintage: 2022 Region: Campania, Italy Varietal Composition: Predominantly Aglianico (typical for the Papa Opimiano label; exact blend may vary by producer) Appearance Brilliant ruby red with youthful violet hues at the rim. Medium to high intensity color with excellent clarity and concentration. Legs are well-defined, indicating balanced alcohol and glycerol presence. Nose (Aroma) Expressive and focused on the first swirl. Aromatics open with vibrant

2024 Fattoria Pagano – Aglianico Campania IGT — Professional Tasting Notes Producer & Appellation: Fattoria Pagano – Campania IGT, Italy. Campania harnesses volcanic and clay soils that favor structured red varieties such as Aglianico. Varietal: 100 % Aglianico, harvested typically in the second/third decade of October indicating full phenolic ripeness. Vinification & Aging: Traditional fermentation in stainless steel followed by ~10 months in barriques and several months in

2022 Antonio Papa “Opimiano” Campania IGT – Professional Tasting Notes Producer & Appellation: Società Agricola Antonio Papa – Campania IGT, Italy (Campania’s broad Indicazione Geografica Tipica category) Blend: Predominantly Primitivo, Barbera and Piedirosso (approx. proportions in similar vintages: ~60% Primitivo, ~45% Barbera, ~10% Piedirosso) Vinification & Aging: Manual harvest with gentle destemming and fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature; aged in

2022 Mustilli Falanghina del Sannio Sant’Agata dei Goti “Vigna Segreta” – Professional Tasting Notes Producer & Appellation: Società Agricola Mustilli – Falanghina del Sannio Sant’Agata dei Goti DOC, Campania, Italy. Varietal: 100% Falanghina. Alcohol: ~13.5% vol. Vinification & Aging: Fermented in stainless steel after brief cold maceration; aged ~10 months on fine lees with gentle stirring and rested in bottle ~3 months before release. Appearance: Bright, vivid golden-yello

Producer: Fattoria Pagano Denomination: Falerno del Massico Bianco DOP Grape Variety: 100% Falanghina Region: Campania, Italy Vintage: 2024 Appearance: Brilliant straw-yellow hue with luminous clarity and a subtle greenish shimmer, indicative of freshness and youthful vibrancy. Nose: The bouquet opens with delicate floral aromatics—wildflowers and citrus blossom—followed by bright notes of citrus (lemon zest, grapefruit) and white orchard fruit (pear, white peach). There are

Sant’Agata dei Goti (Sannio, Campania) – 100% Aglianico Appearance Brilliant, deep ruby with garnet reflections at the rim, indicating early evolution while maintaining youthful density. Nose The bouquet opens with black cherry, sour cherry, and plum skin, followed by dried violet, Mediterranean herbs, and sweet tobacco. With aeration it gains depth: crushed peppercorn, licorice root, cocoa powder, and a distinctly Campanian earthy signature—iron-rich mineral tones, dark volc

Sant’Agata dei Goti (Sannio, Campania) – 100% Aglianico Appearance Brilliant, deep ruby with garnet reflections at the rim, indicating early evolution while maintaining youthful density. Nose The bouquet opens with black cherry, sour cherry, and plum skin, followed by dried violet, Mediterranean herbs, and sweet tobacco. With aeration it gains depth: crushed peppercorn, licorice root, cocoa powder, and a distinctly Campanian earthy signature—iron-rich mineral tones, dark volc

Producer: De Sanctis Wine: “496” Appellation: Frascati DOC (Lazio, Italy) Vintage: 2020 Grape(s): Malvasia Bianca di Candia and Trebbiano (typical Frascati blend) Category: Dry white wine Serving temperature: 8–10°C Recommended glass: Medium-sized white wine glass (tulip) Decanting: Not necessary (optional short aeration 5–10 minutes) Appearance Bright straw yellow with light golden reflections. Brilliant and clean, with good viscosity for the category. Nose Refined and class

Producer: Sorrentino (Vesuvio / Campania, Italy) Wine: Prodivi “Frupa” Vintage: 2016 Category: Red wine (traditional Vesuvian expression) Origin: Monte Somma – Vesuvius area (volcanic soils) Appearance Medium ruby with garnet hints, clear and bright. Moderate concentration with a youthful core for the vintage. Nose Aromatic and distinctly volcanic. Opens with sour cherry, ripe red plum, dried strawberry, and a touch of blood orange. Secondary notes bring violet, dried rose, a

La Sibilla — Piedirosso Campi Flegrei DOC “Vigna Madre” 2023 Producer: La Sibilla Wine: Piedirosso “Vigna Madre” Appellation: Campi Flegrei DOC (Campania, Italy) Vintage: 2023 Grape variety: 100% Piedirosso Style: Dry red wine Appearance Bright ruby red with violet reflections, medium intensity. Transparent and lively—typical of Piedirosso from volcanic coastal soils. Nose Immediate and expressive. Wild red cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, and blood orange peel lead the bouqu

Appearance The wine presents a bright golden-yellow hue with luminous clarity, indicative of careful ripening and a well-developed phenolic profile typical of quality Fiano di Avellino. Nose On the nose, the bouquet is complex and expressive, combining fresh floral notes with nuanced aromas of dried fruits and delicate spices. There are hints of aromatic herbs and subtle mineral undertones that suggest the clay-limestone soils of its Irpinia vineyards. The aromatic profile c

Tasting Notes — Ocone Vigna del Monaco Falanghina 2017 The 2017 Vigna del Monaco by Ocone expresses Falanghina in a mature and quietly powerful register, shaped by a warm vintage that lends generosity yet maintains varietal precision. In the glass, the wine shows a deep straw-yellow core with golden highlights, a sign of evolving character and moderate bottle age. The nose opens with layered intensity: ripe yellow peach, baked apple, and quince paste leading into candied citr

Visit & Tasting — Gianluigi Deaddis, One Hundred Bovale 2022 Visit date: September 2024 — Sardinia, Italy Our visit to the Deaddis winery in September 2024 offered a clear window into the soul of Bovale and the philosophy behind One Hundred. The late-summer light stretched across the vineyards, illuminating rows of thick-skinned, compact Bovale clusters — small berries, firm pulp, and deeply pigmented skins. Gianluigi spoke with calm intensity, his vision anchored in traditio

Over the years, my many visits to Nativ Winery in Paternopoli, in the heart of Irpinia, have allowed me to witness firsthand the evolution of one of Campania’s most dynamic and expressive producers. Founded by Dr. Mario Ercolino and Roberta Pirone, Nativ represents a fusion of scientific precision, territorial pride, and aesthetic vision. Each visit has revealed the same blend of passion and innovation that defines their wines—the sleek, modern cellar surrounded by the rollin

Villa Matilde is one of Campania’s benchmark wineries, historically associated with the revival of Falerno del Massico and deeply committed to native varieties. The estate works with high-altitude vineyards located between Sessa Aurunca and the Benevento area, on soils rich in volcanic residues, mineral sands, fossil substrates and clays. Their vision combines scientific precision with a strong respect for Campania’s terroir. Grape Variety 100% Aglianico, harvested slightly e

The wine is produced by L’Arco Antico, based in the Molise region in the province of Isernia and Campobasso. Founded in 2008, the estate combines respect for local viticultural tradition with modern winemaking techniques. This bottling bears the designation Tintilia del Molise DOC and is made from the indigenous grape variety Tintilia in pure form (100 %). Grape Variety – Tintilia • Tintilia is a native red-berried vine of Molise. • It is characterized by relatively low

Livio Felluga Sharis 2022 Producer: Livio Felluga Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy Appellation: Venezia Giulia IGT Grapes: Chardonnay & Ribolla Gialla Vintage: 2022 Alcohol: Approx. 12.5–13% ⸻ Producer Overview Livio Felluga is one of the most respected and pioneering producers in Friuli Venezia Giulia, often called the “patriarch of Friulian wine.” Founded in the mid-20th century, the estate is based in Rosazzo, in the Colli Orientali hills, where Livio Felluga himself h

Our visit to Antica Cantina Leonardi in 2023, in the gentle hills outside Viterbo, offered a deep sense of connection with one of Lazio’s most authentic winemaking landscapes. The estate lies near Montefiascone, overlooking the volcanic basin that cradles Lake Bolsena—a setting of tranquil beauty where vine and nature coexist in quiet harmony. The Leonardi family, guardians of a long local tradition, continue to craft wines that speak eloquently of this territory’s mineral so

Azienda Agricola De Sanctis is a historic family estate near Frascati in the Castelli Romani hills, southeast of Rome. Their vineyards sit on volcanic soils (the old “Lago Regillo” caldera) at roughly 200-250 m elevation, benefitting from a mild Mediterranean climate and cooling breezes from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea. The estate converted to certified organic viticulture, uses minimal sulphur and embraces a low-intervention style. “Onde” is labelled as a Lazio IGT rosé (or

CampoRe 2016 – Terredora Di Paolo Fiano di Avellino DOCG Our visit to Terredora Di Paolo in 2021, in the midst of a fragile break from...

Producer & Grape / Wine Context Producer / Estate: Cantina Mesa, located in Sardinia, which works to highlight indigenous varieties and...

Producer & Grape / Wine Info (Context) • Producer / Estate: Masseria Frattasi, in Campania (Montesarchio). • Grape / Blend: Principato...

Appearance Deep, dense garnet with a dark core. As it breathes and oxidizes, subtle garnet edges may begin to emerge, hinting at early...

Producer: Domìni Veneti – Cantina Valpolicella Negrar, Veneto, Italy Appellation: Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Grapes: Corvina,...

Producer Profile Terredora di Paolo is a prominent estate in the Irpinia region of Campania, southern Italy. Founded in 1978 when the...

Producer / Origin Producer: Società Agricola Nativ S.r.l. (“NATIV”), based in Irpinia, Campania, Italy. Vineyards & Terroir: The...

During my visit to Val delle Rose in July 2023, I had the opportunity to experience firsthand the elegance and dedication that define...

2022 Antica Cantina Leonardi – “Pensiero” Grechetto – Lazio IGT Visited by The Wine Voyager – February 2023 Antica Cantina Leonardi, a...

Varvàra 2017 – Castello di Bolgheri Bolgheri DOC – Tuscany, Italy Producer Overview Castello di Bolgheri is one of the historic estates...

Vermentino “Le Grottine” 2018 – Giovanni Chiappini Bolgheri DOC – Tuscany, Italy Producer Overview Giovanni Chiappini is a respected and...

Ravello 2017 “Vigna Grotta Piana” — Ettore Sammarco Tasting Note by The Wine Voyager I first visited the Ettore Sammarco winery in 2018,...

Producer: Cantine di Marzo Cantine di Marzo is among the oldest wineries in Campania—officially registered in 1833—rooted in a family...

Producer: Tenuta L’Ariosa (Fratelli Rau) Tenuta L’Ariosa is the modern wine project of the Rau family, whose roots in Sardinia date back...

Vini Nativ was established in 2008 in the heart of Irpinia—specifically between Paternopoli and Taurasi, in Campania’s Province of...

Cantine Leonardo da Vinci is a historic cooperative founded in 1961 by approximately 30 local grape-growers in the hills around...

Nestled on the volcanic slopes of Monte Maggiore in Campania’s Alto Casertano, Il Verro is a boutique organic winery founded in 2003 by a...

Appearance Pale straw-yellow hue with delicate green-tinged reflections, indicative of its youthful vibrancy . Nose The bouquet opens...

Appearance A bright, pale straw with subtle glints of pale gold. The clarity is fine and luminous, signifying precise vinification and...

This rosé pours a luminous salmon pink, with delicate coral reflections and striking clarity. Just by looking at it, I’m reminded of the...

July 13, 2025 - Tasting Notes – Gianluigi Deaddis “Narami 23” Vermentino Producer: Gianluigi Deaddis Wine: Narami 23 Vintage: 2023 Grape...

Wine: Romanelli “Medeo” Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG Vintage: 2012 Grape Variety: 100% Sagrantino Region: Umbria, Italy Producer: Azienda...

Wine Name: Brancato – Fiano di Avellino DOCG Riserva Producer: Tenuta Cavalier Pepe Vintage: [Insert vintage if known] Region: Campania,...