Displaying items by tag: Alan Tardi

Summary: 

"Noble Nebbiolo" a survey of the prestigious Italian variety and its most important manifestations, appellations, and growing areas namely: Valtellina (Lombardia), Valle d'Aosta, and Piemonte (Langhe, Roero, Canavese, Alto Piemonte).

Presenter: Alan Tardi

Summary: 

Meunier has always been somewhat marginalized in Champagne despite the fact that it occupies a third of the territory under vine. Many Champenois consider it mere filler to bulk up the ‘star players’ Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while for others the late-budding early-ripening variety represents little more than an insurance policy against frost.

But Meunier has its own unique personality which can make a significant contribution to a classic blend and, given the chance, the variety can also show exceptionally well all on its own.

While many vignerons were once hesitant to even admit they grew it, more and more producers have gotten behind it, proudly producing 100% Meunier wines that demonstrate the variety's true potential and offer an entirely different facet of Champagne.

In this WSG Live we’ll take a close look at the Meunier variety and assess its true significance in Champagne while also examining exactly where it grows within the region and some of the most important wines and producers that champion it.

Presenter: Alan Tardi

Summary: 

Everybody knows Champagne. But the vast majority of what most people are familiar with is the bubbly brand-driven non-vintage brut which, meticulously assembled in a consistent house style year after year, has set the standard for luxury and celebration for well over a century.

There’s nothing wrong with this: many of these wines are perfectly enjoyable and some can be downright exceptional.

But there are also some interesting and compelling yet largely overlooked anomalies of Champagne that offer an entirely different perspective on the area and thus a deeper understanding of the wine that is made there.

In this session we’ll explore some little-known aspects of Champagne such as:

• The two other practically unknown appellations of the Champagne viticole — Coteaux Champenois AOC (the fascinating still wines, both red and white, that preceded the development of the méthode Champenoise) and Rosé des Riceys AOC;
• producers who are focusing on lesser-known native grape varieties besides pinot noir and chardonnay;
• specificity of terroir through single-vineyards, lieux dits and clos;
• geological twists, like the southern Aube (which is essentially an extension of the Cote d’Or) and the town of Montgueux (which, though located in the south, is essentially a satellite of the Cote des Blancs);
• and interesting practices in the cellar, such as a local adaptation of the Solera technique of blending.

Presenter: Alan Tardi

Alan Tardi first became interested in wine through food, working as a cook, chef, and chef-owner in New York City.

As a freelance food and wine journalist, Tardi has authored numerous articles for publications including The New York Times, Wine & Spirits Magazine, The Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Sommelier Journal.

In 2003, Alan moved to the village of Castiglione Falletto in the Barolo region of Italy, where he spent several years working in the surrounding vineyards and wineries through all phases of the growing and production process.

This led to his first book, 'Romancing the Vine: Life, Love and Transformation in the Vineyards of Barolo' (St Martins Press, 2006), which won a James Beard Award for Best Wine and Spirits Book of 2006.

In 2015, Tardi became the first-ever US Ambassador of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco.

His new book, “Champagne, Uncorked: The House of Krug and the Timeless Allure of the World’s Most Celebrated Drink” (Hachette 2016) recently won a Gourmand Best in the World Award.

Learn More About Champagne:

• French Wine Scholar study & certification program
• Champagne Master-Level program
• Champagne Study Trip with Essi Avelan MW
• Member discount on Alan Tardi's Book "Champagne, Uncorked”

Summary: 

The winegrowing area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, historic birthplace of Prosecco, a wine that has skyrocketed to international popularity in a remarkably short period of time, is currently at a crossroads.

While some producers are happy to ride the huge wave of success by producing just what the market expects and wants, others are re-evaluating who they are and how to best express their long viticultural tradition and complex, multi-faceted terroir.

This webinar will pickup precisely where the previous one: Conegliano Valdobbiadene left off, providing profiles of many of the wines, wineries and producers — big and small, old and new — that exemplify the many aspects that make the winegrowing area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene truly unique.

Presenter: Alan Tardi

Alan Tardi first became interested in wine through food, working as a cook, chef, and chef-owner in New York City.

As a freelance food and wine journalist, Tardi has authored numerous articles for publications including The New York Times, Wine & Spirits Magazine, The Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Sommelier Journal.

In 2003, Alan moved to the village of Castiglione Falletto in the Barolo region of Italy, where he spent several years working in the surrounding vineyards and wineries through all phases of the growing and production process.

This led to his first book, 'Romancing the Vine: Life, Love and Transformation in the Vineyards of Barolo' (St Martins Press, 2006), which won a James Beard Award for Best Wine and Spirits Book of 2006.

In 2015, Tardi became the first-ever US Ambassador of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco.

His new book, “Champagne, Uncorked: The House of Krug and the Timeless Allure of the World’s Most Celebrated Drink” (Hachette 2016) recently won a Gourmand Best in the World Award.

Summary: 

Sure, everyone knows Prosecco — or at least thinks they do.

But most people are familiar with only the very tip of the iceberg, which also happens to be the simplest, most commercial part of it.

In this webinar we’ll take a close look at the unique winegrowing area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, located in the hills north of Venice where Prosecco was born, to get a clear understanding of what distinguishes it from other sparkling wines, especially Prosecco DOC: of its incredibly complex and diverse terroir; and of the many different typologies, styles and production methods that are utilized to express the extraordinary landscape and long viticultural traditions of this area.

Presenter: Alan Tardi