In my travels through wine regions and wine trade events, I invariably find myself favoring a particular subregion or varietal. The experiences of enjoying the culture, landscape and wine of numerous locales, here and abroad, have left fond memories etched in my long-term brain cells.

One of my fondest memories has been buried deep in those brain cells and was brought to the forefront last week. Amongst our many trips to Italian cities and countryside, my wife and I have enjoyed Tuscany the most. Its history and climate set the stage for a complete immersion in the grandeur of Florence, the medieval aura of San Gimignano and the sun-drenched grapevines amidst acres of Chianti Classico countryside.