contact us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right.​

5218 Lawton Avenue
Oakland, CA 94114

510-654-9159

Oliver McCrum Wines has been importing small production Italian wine and distributing to fine retail and restaurant establishes throughout California since 1994. Over time, our portfolio of producers has steadily grown to over 45 producers from 15 different regions of Italy. We look for typical Italian wines with clarity and freshness, usually made from indigenous Italian grape varieties using clean, transparent winemaking techniques and no obvious use of oak. 

Blog

Bordiga Genepy Arrives

Michele Boscia

We’ve very excited to announce the arrival of another fantastic alpine spirit from Bordiga; one crafted with a meticulous, hands-on quality that is apparent in every sip.

The Bordiga Genepy (along with the now-famous vermouths) was one of the first recipes developed by Pietro Bordiga in 1888. At that time, wild genepy grew abundantly in the Alps and all small communities made their own liqueurs. Today, due to over-harvesting and climate change, genepy is a protected plant in Italy, so by law it must be cultivated by specialists.

It takes two years to mature the genepy, after which it produces its aromatic flowers for three harvests. After that, the plants are removed and the ground has to remain fallow for three years before another round of planting can begin. Bordiga is the only distillery sourcing its genepy from estate-owned and estate-farmed fields, making it a true farm-to-table liqueur with total transparency.

How does one enjoy Genepy? Imagine a warm mountain lodge in the winter time, full of conviviality and banter, with glasses raised and good spirits abound. As a true mountain liqueur, Genepy is the perfect foil for your après-ski party or any wintertime activities. Consumed as an aperitivo or digestive, its flavors of white flowers, chamomile, candied citrus, and herbaceous mint are delicious when sipped neat. However, Bordiga’s Genepy also shines in a Last Word cocktail or white Negroni variation.

Comment