When does one graduate from “blogger” — admit it, a more than vaguely pejorative term — and become a “writer”? These days I suggest that one deserves to be called a writer not simply when it involves a paying gig, but when one demonstrates a recognizable facility with language, a consistent voice, and a compelling readability — in print or online.

For evidence I submit that we are seeing the emergence of a new group of wine writers — a gang of six Americans (who happen to keep blogs) that are currently touring Friuli and posting to “Colli Orientali Friuli 2011” as a group. I’m liking the writing. My experience with the wines of Friuli is limited, and the reporting by this bunch is making me want to rectify this. I don’t see a trip to Italy in my near future, but these writers are compelling me to seek out wines I did not know existed. And that new experience is going to make me a better winemaker. But I will still be a blogger.