Benvenuto Brunello 2012

Benvenuto Brunello is an annual event to launch the new vintage of Brunello and to nominate a rating for the vintage of the preceding year

It is a wonderful event with over 140 producers presenting their wines to the world press and to the trade and public.

Held over four days, 2012 highlighted the Brunello Riserva from 2006, the Brunello from 2007 and the rosso di Montalcino from 2010, all five star vintages.

The press on day one with their own dedicated sommeliers

Fabio from La Fornace with Carolyna

Gemma from San Carlo with Carolyna

The sitting/meeting room between the two tasting venues

Roberto from Querce Bettina with Carolyna outside the entrance to the venue

Carolyna e Alan with the President of the Consorzia, Ezio Rivella 

Patrizia from Aglieta with Carolyna

The official ceremony

The Ferragamo presentation of the 2011 vintage plaque

Mrs Ferragamo being interviewed

Together with the President placing the plaque in the vintage wall in Montalcino

The 2011 plaque

Montalcino and Brunello is such a wonderful story. Congratulations to all the fine winemakers and the Consorzia that make this story come alive

Anteprima Chianti Classico 2012

A visit to Anteprima Chianti Classico is a must if you are interested in the famous DOCG wines of Chianti

Held in mid February 2012 in Firenze it brings together the finest producers from Chianti

At the entrance to the great hall, Carolyna e Roberto

The Great Hall. What an event. The best wines from Chianti ranging from Chianti, Chianti Classico to Chianti Classico Riservas. This is certainly one of the top winemaking areas of Italy.

The wines were well displayed and in many cases the owner was present

Roberto Prinetti owner from Badia  Coltibuono

Just for tasting

Nicolo Montecchi (part of the owning family) from Villa Cigliano

This is our new wine from Chianti. It will be available from June this year in Australia. L'Espresso, one of Italy's leading wine guides rates it in the top six Chianti Classico wines at 18 points out of a maximum of 20

Matteo from Casa Sola

This is a very well organised event at a perfect location.
Can't wait for 2013

Ciao

Alan e Carolyna

Vino Aperto 2012 Melbourne

Vino Aperto 2012 Melbourne is on 19 March 2012



Save the date:  International Wine Tasting Event - Vino Aperto, Monday 19 March 2012 - Central Pier, Dockland

                                                                               in conjunction with QUOCO, VINOTECA
and VINOSITA, is pleased to invite you and your team to be our guests and to come and taste our fabulous wines at Vino Aperto 2012 Melbourne. 

Italian Wine Importers will be showcasing its growing portfolio of Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino from 2004 through to 2009 with some new and exciting arrivals.

There will also be great wines on tasting from QUOCo with wines from Puglia, Vinosita with wines from other areas of Italy and Vinoteca with wines from Spain.

You will find exciting wines at great prices on display from this group. So don't miss it!

We also have free babysitting facilities should you wish to bring junior/s along.

Date:  Monday 19 March 2012

Time:  12pm - 5pm

Venue:  Onboard VinoAperto's Ferry, Lady Cutler, Shed 9 Wharf, Central Pier, Docklands

RSVP:  info@italianwineimporters.com or 0419 581 477.

La Fornace

Villa le Prata

Villa i Cipressi, Montalcino, Italy

Interview with Sandra and Roberto from Querce Bettina Brunello di Montalcino

Whilst in Montalcino for Benvenuto Brunello 2012, we met with Roberto and Sandra Moretti from the Querce Bettina estate

Villa Le Prata interview - Brunello Montalcino

An interview with Benedetta Losappio, Villa Le Prata estate in Montalcino

Ciao Benedetta. Thank you for your time and congratulations on the awards and accolades that your wines are receiving.

Benedetta (right) with Anna Vittoria and Alan at the vineyard

How long has Villa le Prata estate been in your family?

The estate has been in the family since 1989 when my parents planted the first vineyard next to the family country house.

Can you describe the land on which your vines are planted?

The estate has vineyards in 3 different areas in Montalcino.

Montalcino is a hill that climes quite steeply from lower lands all around. Also the west side of Montalcino faces towards the sea and is often subject to a strong sea wind while the east is much less windy and has a dryer and warmer climate.

The differences in altitude, exposure to the marine winds and soil force you to search for the best mix so that you can create a wine that has the full complexity that a unique place like Montalcino can express.

The first and oldest vineyard, is planted near the family home, close to the summit of Montalcino, at an altitude of 520 meters above sea level.

The second and third vineyards are situated on the west slope of Montalcino and are planted on opposite sides of Castelnuovo Dell’Abbate at altitudes of 220 and 210 meters above sea level. Both have a perfect southern exposure and inclination. The soil is principally marl with elements of clay and are particularly rich in superficial stones.

How many hectares are planted with Sangioves Grosso grapes?

We have 4 hectares 3.5 of which are planted with Sangiovese Grosso

Who is involved in the vineyard from your family today?

I am responsible for the vineyards. To make a great wine you must produce excellent grapes and assure they reach an optimal level of maturity.

I am also responsible, together with our enologist Gioia Cresti, for the cellar. The work in the cellar is the natural continuation of the work in the vineyards. Each year is different and the particular evolution of the grapes as they mature on the vines generates different and specific characteristics in the cellar. It is fundamental to have a profound knowledge of what happened to the grapes for you to help them express themselves to their best in the wines.

 What is your philosophy in making wines?

I am driven by the desire to allow the grapes to express to their full potential the complexity of the minerals, the tannins and the perfumes of the land on which they were grown. My work in the cellar is one of keeping intervention to a minimum so that the result be as natural as possible, expressing to the full the characteristics of our land.

You have received high ratings for your wines in recent years. Are there any that stand out as special?

 Alan with Anna Vittoria (sales and marketing)

Not really, I am proud of the consistency of the ratings received over the years. The Brunello 2006 received 94/100 from the Wine Spectator while our Brunello 2007, which will soon be released, has just been rated 94/100 by James Suckling.

Have your vintages changed over the years?

Every year with greater experience we look to improve our wines and the introduction of the vineyards near Castelnuovo Dell’Abbate has certainly added body and structure to our wines.

The original estate entrance

Can you tell us about the Brunello 2006?

The Brunello 2006 is an elegant wine with beautiful aromas and velvet tannins. It is a wine I am very proud of reflected by the high industry rating it has received.

What are the first wines you will be bringing into Australia?

Through our sole agent, Italian Wine Importers, we will be starting with our high rating Brunello di Montalcino 2006.

When will we see you visit Australia?

I hope to visit Australia very soon, a country of outstanding beauty and one that represents for many Europeans an idea of youth, variety and exceptional potential.

For orders phone 1300898253 or email alan@italianwineimporters.com.au

Italian Wine Importers (Liquor Licence LIQP770010323)

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Medium concentrated, youthful ruby

Bouquet: Full of floral, raspberry, cherry and tobacco aromas. It also shows savoury and mineral elements

Taste: Silky texture and firm tannins. This shows fine length, with a sweetness that lingers. Best from 2013 through 2025

Ratings: 94 points Wine Spectator

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An interview with Fabio Giannetti from La Fornace, Montalcino Siena Italia

                              

Ciao Fabio . Thank you for your time and congratulations on the awards and accolades that your wines are receiving.

 

Fabio (centre) with mum Germana and dad Franco

How long has La Fornace estate been in your family?

My grandfather bought the estate in 1964. Before the purchase our family worked on the land as share croppers for many generations.

Who was the person from your family that first planted Sangiovese vines?

The first Sangiovese vines were planted by my great grandfather and this was continued by my grandfather and father.

One of the vineyards

Can you describe the land on which your vines are planted?

The terroir is very diverse from one vineyard to another even though they are all close to our cellar. The soils are partly clay, limestone and sand.

Culling the grapes to improve maturation and quality

How many hectares are planted with Sangiovese Grosso grapes?

We have 4.5 hectares planted with sangiovese grapes of which 4.3 hectares are authorised for  Brunello and 0.2 hectares at Rosso di Montalcino.

Who is involved in the vineyard from your family today?

All of my family are involved in the vineyard. My father Franco plays an integral part in helping retain the traditional elements of our family tradition.

Germana e Franco 

 What is your philosophy in making wines?

My philosophy is to ensure that our wines interpret the true essence of the sangiovese grosso grape and the Montalcino terroir.  For me it’s very important the wines represent the true character of Montalcino sangiovese.

What sets your wines apart from others?

We have great wine makers in and around Montalcino. For me the outcome is a great wine which is born from a passion and from a culture and which represents the true tradition of wine making in the area long established from generations past.

You have received high ratings for your wines in recent years. Are there any that stand out as special?

I have been fortunate that leading expects continue to rate our wines highly. For example Wine Spectator consistently has us in the 90/96 point range.

Have your vintages changed over the years?

Yes and no. Every year is different.  For me it’s very important that every year is different because every year has different weather and for me it’s very important that my wine reflects not only the soil but also the climate.

Can you tell us about the 2006 Brunello.

Every year it’s like having a new child. The 2006 vintage reflected very balanced weather, resulting in an elegant wine with perfect body. In 2006 we had a very good summer and a perfect September leading up to a spectacular harvest time.

What are the first wines you will be bringing into Australia?

With the help my friends Alan and Carolyna from Italian Wine Importers, we will introduce a vertical selection of our wines with a 2007 and 2009 Rosso di Montalcino  and 2004, 2005 and 2006  from Brunello di Montalcino.

Franco tenderly nurturing the wine, the traditional way

When will we see you visit Australia?

Very interesting question…. Normally it’s 2 or 3 years after our wines are first imported.  I will work with Italian Wine Importers to determine the best time to visit. I will look forward to my first visit to Australia.

Ciao

Fabio Giannetti