Wine Education and Tips
Tannins are the natural polyphenols that give red wine its grip and structure. From grape variety rankings to the 14th-century Tuscan Governo technique, an Italian sommelier explains what tannins are and how to enjoy them.
The story behind Super Tuscan wines — how they emerged by breaking Italy's appellation rules, why IGT does not mean inferior, food pairings, and when to drink them. Explained by an Italian-born wine importer in Tokyo.
Stop reading labels and start choosing by region and colour. Here's the Italian way of picking wine — the same principle behind the house carafe at any Roman trattoria — applied to your everyday table.
From gifts to everyday use, Federico explains how to choose a red wine set. A quick-reference chart by budget, style, and region, plus two SWIRL picks starting from ¥2,200.
A beginner's guide to the Bordeaux wine classification system, from the 1855 Grands Crus to hidden gems in the Côtes de Bordeaux.
An Italian importer explains the difference between DOCG, DOC, and IGT in Italian wine. From Super Tuscans and IGT to the government blind-tasting system, learn how to read a label with confidence.