Storyline
and photos by califusa, |
1998
Consorzio
Cal-Italia |
The Consorzio Cal-Italia was founded in 1997 by a small group of dedicated vintners who wanted to share their excitement for these emerging grape varieties. After many years of focusing primarily on French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, there is now a growing trend in California toward mining the rich history of Italian winemaking. Plantings of such grape varieties as Sangiovese, Barbera, Pinot Grigio and Tocai Friulano are beginning to spread all over California. The list of wineries producing these varieties is also growing every year. From the Consorzio Cal-Italia website |
(1999 Consorzio Cal-Italia tasting notes are now available) 1998: I learned of this tasting quite by accident. I happened to have lunch with a good friend who had an inside track with this group, and I was assured that as a true "Wine Correspondent" I would have no trouble getting into the trade portion of the tasting. That proved to be true. I was, however, less than enthusiastic about what California producers have done with Italian varietals. With few exceptions (Biale, Seghesio, Ridge), I
have not been terribly impressed. Nevertheless, I was willing to be anointed and
enlightened. |
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