My Article: A Day Off in Tuscany

Don’t tell anyone, but I took most of the day off. I hung out with a buddy from Hong Kong and we drove his two vintage Fiat 500s to Cortona and Tenimenti Luigi d’Alessandro, the famous Tuscan Syrah producer. I had a quick shot of the 2008 Il Bosco, and thought it was delicious: soft, spicy and fruity, with hints of meat and tar. It’s not the 2006 or the 2007 but it’s damn good. It’s clearly outstanding.

Tuscany really is a magical place, and so is Italy for that matter. My daughter Isabel (the Diva; she was just nominated for Classic Brit Awards!) was in the passenger seat of our bright white 1967 Cinquecento as we gently motored to Arezzo then to Cortona and back. We stop in at a local butcher to pick up some amazing bresaola and different cheeses. We stopped in at my friend’s wine shop in Cortona, Enoteca Molesini. I bought a bottle of 2008 Stefano Amerighi Syrah, which is bio-dynamically produced. Marco at Molesini says it’s excellent. I loved the 2007. I will let you know about the 2008 tastes tonight with a fresh pea risotto at home.

I have lived in Tuscany for just about 13 years now, and everyday is still an adventure. I wish I was here more, considering I have a flat in Los Angeles and places in various other cities such as Hong Kong. I have so much going on now.

There’s definitely something to living in the vineyards and understanding it all. It’s important for a wine critic. And I feel privileged

La vita è bella. Life is beautiful.

Have a great weekend.