Richard Baudains attended the Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Symposium with low expectations and memories of watery, characterless whites. Totally wowed by the wines, he explains here what lies behind the transformation.
While Tuscany may provide the most evocative illustration of Sangiovese’s prowess, it turns out this talented grape has many other homes too. Richard Baudains finds distinctive alter egos and wallet-friendly prices as he explores beyond its heartland
Richard Baudains asks Carlo Petrini about evolving tastes, the redundancy of wine scores and the rationale behind the organisation's first wine guide.
And the winner is...
The styles, regions and vintages every wine lover should know about
The 'father' of modern winemaking reflects on a career that has seen him credited with kickstarting Italy's wine renaissance
Prosecco producer Bisol will pick the first commercial vintage at its property in the Venetian lagoon this week.
The Brunello blending scandal may be over, but it has reignited the spirited debate about the best style for Montalcino’s flagship wine. RICHARD BAUDAINS listens to arguments from both camps
Supertuscans changed the face of Tuscany, but with Chianti regulations now more liberal, have they run their course? By RICHARD BAUDAINS
When we named Italy’s first and second growths earlier this year, the biggest surprise was that over half were primarily producers of white wine. Still think Italy is all about reds? From stunning Soave to voluptuous Verdicchio, RICHARD BAUDAINS celebrates Italy’s native white varieties
Which are Italy’s best wines, its own crus classés? Our chief Italian critic Richard Baudains apes the structure of the Médoc as he nominates his first growth dream team – five wines at the top of their game – plus 15 just a whisker behind – Italy’s super-seconds
Italy’s northwestern zone of Alba is so intrinsically linked with Barolo that its winemakers often become transfixed. Now they’re starting to realise there’s more to life than Nebbiolo – Barbera and Dolcetto for a start. RICHARD BAUDAINS takes up the story
Modern style Aglianico wines, which celebrate the grape’s robust character rather than trying to tame it, have put Basilicata firmly on the map, says RICHARD BAUDAINS
Friuli is no longer synonomous only with white wines – its reds are getting better and better, and the dessert wines are a well-kept secret. Discover the region through the wines of these top names, urges RICHARD BAUDAINS
Italian estates have traditionally played it safe by investing in Chardonnay and Merlot rather than risk it with native grapes. But home-grown varieties are fighting back, writes RICHARD BAUDAINS
Never a country to rest on its laurels, Italy continues to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. RICHARD BAUDAINS introduces 25 estates – some new, others transformed – that every Italian wine lover should discover.
RICHARD BAUDAINS picks out Italy's 10 most exciting producers of the moment, and explains why they're making headlines
The Barbera d'Asti and Barbera del Monferrato DOCs have both shown explosive growth over the last decade. RICHARD BAUDAINS introduces the new and far more drinkable 'Super-Barberas'
A number of Valpolicellan producers are going down the Super Tuscan route, stepping outside the DOC appellation. Richard Baudains charts the different styles of premium wines being made
The future is uncertain for Soave. Workmanlike wines are no longer good enough and the region needs to reinvent itself as a quality wine producer. RICHARD BAUDIANS reports
With the concept of 'terroir' creeping into Tuscany, Panzano would be a top contender for grand cru status, says Richard Baudains
Is there such a thing as 'premium' Prosecco? And where do you have to look? RICHARD BAUDAINS answers questions often asked about this Italian fizz.
Italy recently passed laws to upgrade its Strade del Vino wine tourism routes – the first to get approval is in Tuscany at Rufina and Pomino. RICHARD BAUDAINS loaded the kids into the back of the car and went out on the road
Italy recently passed laws to upgrade its Strade del Vino wine tourism routes – the first to get approval is in Tuscany at Rufina and Pomino. RICHARD BAUDAINS loaded the kids into the back of the car and went out on the road
Modern and exciting, the darlings of the 1980s restaurant scene, but how are the wines of Friuli faring now? RICHARD BAUDAINS finds them as dynamic as ever
Although ahead of its contemporaries in terms of history and legislation, Carmignano largely missed out on the renaissance of Tuscan winemaking. However, great changes are afoot and lost ground is rapidly being made up, Richard Baudains discovers.
Overproduction and decling quality caused Frascati's reputation to take a nose-dive. Now, however, the classic Roman white looks set for a revival. RICHARD BAUDAINS reports
