Grape Varietals
A complete guide to Refosco, one of Italy's oldest grape varieties — from the osmizza farmhouse wine tradition of the Carso plateau to Bosco del Merlo's Roggio dei Roveri, available at Swirl.
A plain-language guide to Dolcetto: its character, flavor, and food pairings. A soft, easy-drinking dry Piedmont red enjoyed daily, with a recommended bottle.
A plain-language guide to Barbera: its character, flavor, and food pairings. Piedmont's friendly, food-loving everyday red, full of fruit, with a recommended bottle.
A plain-language guide to Nebbiolo: its character, flavor, and food pairings. The grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, surprisingly powerful for its pale color, with a recommended bottle.
A plain-language guide to Merlot: its character, flavor, and food pairings. A soft, approachable red and a great entry point, with a recommended bottle.
What is Nero d'Avola? A Tokyo-based Italian importer explains Sicily's signature black grape: its taste, regional styles, serving temperature and food pairings, plus three bottles we import, from a fresh organic style to a structured top cuvee.