Barolo is a region located in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, known for its production of high-quality red wine. The region is divided into 11 different communes, each with its own unique terroir, or combination of soil, climate, and other factors that influence the character and quality of the wine produced there.

One of the most important factors influencing the character of Barolo wine is the soil. The region has a varied and complex landscape, with different soils and microclimates contributing to the diversity of flavors and aromas found in the wines produced here.

Here is a brief overview of the different soils found in Barolo, and how they contribute to the character of the wine:

Calcareous Clay: This soil is found in the communes of La Morra and Barolo, and is characterized by a high calcium carbonate content and a clay-like consistency. Wines produced from grapes grown in this soil tend to be elegant and refined, with moderate tannins and good acidity.

Sandstone: This soil is found in the communes of Castiglione Falletto and Monforte d'Alba, and is characterized by a high sand content and a reddish color. Wines produced from grapes grown in this soil tend to be full-bodied and robust, with high tannins and good acidity.

Marl: This soil is found in the communes of Serralunga d'Alba and Grinzane Cavour, and is characterized by a high clay and limestone content. Wines produced from grapes grown in this soil tend to be full-bodied and tannic, with good acidity and a long aging potential.

Limestone: This soil is found in the communes of Diano d'Alba and Novello, and is characterized by a high calcium carbonate content. Wines produced from grapes grown in this soil tend to be elegant and balanced, with moderate tannins and good acidity.

Clay: This soil is found in the commune of Barberesco, and is characterized by a high clay content and a yellowish color. Wines produced from grapes grown in this soil tend to be full-bodied and tannic, with good acidity and a long aging potential.

Schist: This soil is found in the commune of Barbaresco, and is characterized by a high mineral content and a slate-like appearance. Wines produced from grapes grown in this soil tend to be full-bodied and tannic, with good acidity and a long aging potential.
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Overall, the different soils found in Barolo contribute to the diversity and complexity of the region's wines. By understanding the characteristics of the different soils and the wines they produce, wine lovers can better appreciate the unique flavors and aromas of Barolo wine.

Get ready for an exciting and unique gin experience with Barr Hill Gin! This gin, produced by Caledonia Spirits in Vermont, USA, is made from a base of corn and honey and is infused with botanicals such as juniper, coriander, and citrus peel.

But that's not all - the honey used in Barr Hill Gin is sourced from the distillery's own bees, which are kept on a farm in Vermont. This gives the gin a unique and distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other gins on the market. The gin is also aged in oak barrels, adding additional layers of complexity and depth of flavor.

Barr Hill Gin is known for its smooth, balanced character and is often enjoyed neat or in cocktails. Its slightly sweet, floral flavor, with notes of juniper, citrus, and honey, make it a popular choice among gin enthusiasts. And with numerous awards and accolades under its belt, you can trust that Barr Hill Gin is a top-quality gin.
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Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to try something truly unique in the world of gin. Barr Hill Gin is a must-try for anyone who loves gin and is looking for something a little different. Cheers!

Donnachiara is a winery located in the Campania region of Italy, known for producing high-quality wines made from indigenous grape varieties. The winery was founded in 1992 by Antonio Mastroberardino, who has a long history of winemaking in the region and is considered one of Italy's leading winemakers.
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The vineyards of Donnachiara are located in the Taurasi DOCG region, which is known for producing some of Italy's finest red wines. The winery produces a range of red, white, and sparkling wines, made from grape varieties such as Aglianico, Fiano, and Falanghina.
One of the signature wines of Donnachiara is the Taurasi DOCG, a full-bodied and robust red wine made from the Aglianico grape. This wine is known for its intense, tannic character and flavors and aromas of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as hints of spice and earth. It is aged in oak barrels, which gives the wine additional layers of complexity and structure.

In addition to its high-quality wines, Donnachiara is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The winery follows organic and biodynamic principles in the vineyard and winemaking process, and has received numerous accolades for its efforts.
If you are a fan of Italian wine and are looking for a winery that combines tradition, innovation, and sustainability, Donnachiara is definitely worth exploring.

A huge thank you to anyone and everyone who has helped us the last 20 Christmases, since 2003!

I don't think we have ever sat around a tree and opened presents and my kids are 23 and 20.
My restaurant opens up as a "no-questions-asked" Christmas Day Soup Kitchen. We deliver meals to anyone who needs them. They may be in a hard financial time, or they may not. They may be alone and homebound, or who knows what the situation is. The only thing we ask is for their address so we can get them a meal.

Of course, it's not just myself alone that makes this happen. I can't cook and deliver 400-500 meals. It's the amazing people who volunteer, donate and help us spread the word. There have been many people who have celebrated their Christmas Day with us since 2003 by showing up and helping cook, clean, serve, deliver and do what has to be done! No matter what the weather has been.
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Here are some pictures from this Christmas Day.

We’ve gotten a lot of new amazing mezcals this week! But let’s not forget about tequila!
We just scored a few bottles of Siette Leguas 70 year anniversary edition! It’s made from all silvestre (wild) agave!
It’s a bit pricey, but at least it has the great rating to back it up !  And this distilleries is rated number 4 out of 114 tequila distilleries. They really don’t make anything bad. 
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#Tequila #Mezcal #TequilaBar #MezcalBar #HudsonValley #Ellenville #UlsterCounty #HudsonValleyBestStockedBar #sieteleguas

How is Mezcal graded?