The Carbone family, based in Melfi near Mount Vulture in the heart of Basilicata, values their unique terroir which is rich in volcanic soil. Situated on the slopes of the ancient volcano, their vineyards benefit from an ideal aspect. Coupled with an optimal microclimate that’s marked by significant temperature variations, this setting imbues Aglianico withContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: A Nero Carbone from Basilicata in Italy”
Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)
RKS 2025 Film: “BA”: Ba Ba Black Sheep for the Grim Reaper
Daniel (Lawrence Kao) is down on his luck. In Manadarin “ba” can refer to both father and dad and that he is for his 8-year-old daughter Collette (Kai Cech). Daniel and Collette are living an extremely penurious “living in his car” existence. During this “camping car adventure” Daniel discovers a wooden box in a bagContinue reading “RKS 2025 Film: “BA”: Ba Ba Black Sheep for the Grim Reaper”
RKS Literature: A Governmental Addiction to Gambling (Brad Smith)
“I can’t bet here? What the hell happened to this place?” She looked at him as if he’d just stumbled down from the hills. “What happened was, they either had to put in the slots or close the doors. I don’t know where you’ve been, but the province has gone casino crazy. The government hasContinue reading “RKS Literature: A Governmental Addiction to Gambling (Brad Smith)”
RKS Literature: Inside Jail Thinking About Getting Out (Brad Smith)
“On the inside, all a man thinks about is getting out. Night and day, it’s always there, like an unfulfilled promise-that always indistinct point of time somewhere in the distance when he is no longer in stir. It occupies a man’s head when he is thinking about it, and it occupies his head when itContinue reading “RKS Literature: Inside Jail Thinking About Getting Out (Brad Smith)”
RKS 2025 Wine: Monsaraz Reserva 2022 From Portugal’s Alentejo
Monsaraz is a brand from CARMIM a Portuguese co-operative founded in 1971 by a group of 60 wine grape growers in the Alentejo which has grown to close to 800 growers cultivating over 3,000 hectares. CARMIM is the largest winery in the Alentejo and exports wine to 34 countries. This wine is 50% Alicante Bouschet,Continue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Monsaraz Reserva 2022 From Portugal’s Alentejo”
RKS Literature: The Power of Money (Brad Smith)
“The man in the mackinaw didn’t know Sonny, but he’d already decided Sonny was a stand-up guy. And it had nothing to do with his appearance, or his manner, or his reputation. It had everything to do with his money. It was a wonderful thing, Sonny thought; he’d recommend it to anyone who could swingContinue reading “RKS Literature: The Power of Money (Brad Smith)”
RKS 2025 Hotel Review: Eurostars Monte Tauro, Taormina, Sicily
The Eurostars Monte Tauro is a beacon of excellence for brutalist architecture strongly and creatively favouring concrete matching the rocky cliff it is carved into. A socialist twist to the Yugo brutalist architecture; Your balcony offers no privacy. You may be forced to converse with your fellow proletarians! Unroll your patio awning to avoid birdContinue reading “RKS 2025 Hotel Review: Eurostars Monte Tauro, Taormina, Sicily”
RKS Literature: Lawyers Immune to Chainsaws! (Brad Smith)
“You telling me your word is no good?” Sonny asked. “I thought that was a big deal to you people.” “You got a lot of nerve,” the old man said, and he took a step towards Sonny. Sonny raised his cane instinctively. The man looked plenty strong in spite of his years. “It’s your choice,”Continue reading “RKS Literature: Lawyers Immune to Chainsaws! (Brad Smith)”
RKS 2025 Wine: A Nero D’Avola From Sicily: Coste a Preola
Aroma: Brooding yet concentrated black cherry and blackberry. Lesser notes of cactus pear and dark chocolate. Palate: Peppery blackberry with saline influences. Tart with some fine acidity (or spiciness if you prefer that term) lending itself more for food than sipping. Tannins build in intensity with a brackish short finish. Personality: A lean Nero D’AvolaContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: A Nero D’Avola From Sicily: Coste a Preola”
RKS Wine Tourism: A State of Mind Trumps Cold “Scientific” Logic
In Southern Sicily on 13May2025 we visited the Villa Romana Del Casale, home of some of the most superb Roman mosaics in the world recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The villa was constructed by a prominent Roman aristocrat between the third and fourth centuries. This large countryside villa represented the height of luxury.Continue reading “RKS Wine Tourism: A State of Mind Trumps Cold “Scientific” Logic”
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 