Coinciding with Ronchi di Cialla

Coincidences, described by English writer G K Chesterton as 'spiritual puns', may be happy or sad. This three-cornered one, joining north-east Italy, London and Sonoma, is definitely in the happy category.

A few weeks after I had tasted several wines made from the Friulian grape variety Schioppettino (one I am very fond of), I received an invitation from Ronchi di Cialla's UK importer Astrum, promising a masterclass in this Friuli producer's reds, including not only Schioppettino but also Refosco dal Penduncolo Rosso. When I mentioned this to Jancis, she said I should read Elaine's introductory cri de coeur, since...