Thirty years ago, the descriptor ‘Cal-Ital’ could often trigger a shudder of revulsion for an informed buyer of American wine. Many were scarred by inexpensive, high-volume efforts by the state’s largest wine producers eager to discover the next big thing. The Cal-Ital movement died something of a merciful death in the early 2000s, leaving behind little trace save for a moderate American affinity for Pinot Grigio that supports around 15,000 acres (6,000...
Cal-Ital's time has come
Tuesday 28 January 2025
• 8 min read
After decades of false starts, Italian grape varieties are gaining traction in California. Above, Sam Bilbro of Idlewild Wines (photo by Joshua Harding, courtesy of Overshine Wines).
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