1729

Number of acres of sauvignon blanc in the Steiermark area of southern Austria—a rise of 150% since 2002. Austria is considered one of the most exciting up-and-coming places in the world for sauvignon blanc. Another such place: the Napa Valley with 2700 acres, a 40% increase since 2000.

What entity is rumored to be planting a vineyard on site?

A. The Louvre Museum in Paris

B. The Vatican in Rome

C. The Governor’s Mansion in California

D. The Sydney Opera House in Australia

According to a recent post published by the Italian wine industry news portal WineNews.it, the Vatican is rumored to be planting 5 acres (2 hectares) of grapevines this spring on its Castel Gandolfo estate, the Pope’s official summer residence outside Rome. Although there is no word on the specific grape varieties, the project has been linked to Riccardo Catella, president of the Association of Italian Enologists and of the Union International des Oenologues. This will be the first time that the Vatican will grow grapes on one of its estates for the production of its own wine. Not intended as a commercial endeavor, the wine isn’t expected to be for sale, rather it will be used for sacramental purposes and given as gifts from the Pontiff.

Who Wouldn’t Want to Be the Baby?

In Spain, cava (Spanish sparkling wine made by the Champagne method) is most definitely a middle class drink. No fancy occasions needed. Barcelona alone has dozens of xampanyeria, wine bars specializing in cava. In fact,… Continue reading

1729

Get WineSpeed