raffaele Mastrovincenzo

Avenay d'Or, is an area surrounded by vineyards and woods, the Marc Augustin maison, is a reality that tells the story of two families engaged in the production of Champagne for five generations.  The winery is developed within two prestigious terroirs: Avenay Val D'Or premier cru in Valle de la Marne with Pinot Noir; also with Chardonnay in the Premier Cru village Vertus, located in the Côte des Blancs. The first is characterized by the conformation of the subsoil rich in sand, chalk and clay, stratified over the centuries, while the second is characterized by a predominant presence of chalk. Un Champagne Vin Vivant  Marc Augustin in the Grande Vallèe de La Marne make Champagne in Biodynamic agriculture, the philosophy here is to be in balance with mother nature. Stainless Steel is not used in the cellar and there is only room for wood, concrete and amphorae of different origins and shapes. The interventions are limited to the indispensable and in strict accordan...

The philosophies of this new generation of growers in Champagne R.M. are notably progressive, shaped by contemporary ideas, creating palpable energy encouraging other growers to follow them with conscious viticulture force them to make high-quality wines.  Champagne has been a region always moving forward; from the grand cuvee of Le Grand Maison to the renaissance of the Recoltant Manipulate which are always the most exciting part. As a background in the past, Anselme Selosse is the man behind the use of "Lieu-dits" the single vineyard site, and the perpetual method technique. Under his think thank Ulisse Collin - Jerome Prevost - Chartogne Taillet and others has been making champagne inspired by him.    Alexander Chartogne Taillet Anselme Selosse  In my personal opinion after the Selosse School the second wave is the new generation in the Cote Des Bar in the Aube department, down south of the mainland of Champagne 112 Km south of Epernay; producers as Voutte Sorbe, ...

Harvest @ Controvento Abruzzo  Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is classic, well-rounded, plum-scented Italian red is made from Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo region, on Italy's Adriatic coast.  The vineyards are spread all over the region, inland and along the coast, the latest benefit for the sea breeze on one side and the Apennine chain mountain on the other side.  There are five viticultural sub-zones that have been identified as producing Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines of a particular quality, and their names may well be found on labels, written as part of the appellation title. These are: Alto Tirino, Casauria, Teate, Terre dei Peligni and Terre dei Vestini. I have been spending some days harvesting the Montepulciano grape at little vigneron in the province of Chieti "Vincenzo Di Meo" of the winery Controvento, in the little town called Rocca San Giovanni: 5 hectares of vine in a unique block, planted with Montepulciano, Trebbiano, Fiano, and other white va...