Grandi Marchi (Istituto del Vino Italiano di Qualità) is an association of 19 Italian family owned wineries that have joined together to promote Italian high quality wine on the world market.
Piero Mastroberardino, Grandi Marchi President, said that “At the core of the organization are the friendships among these venerable families of Italian wine. We are united also by the hope to blend our human creativity and wealth of natural resources, and the desire to promote our cultural values beyond the boundaries of individual brands. We achieve this through research, education and market innovation.”
At the Grandi Marchi experience, a seminar and guided tasting held in NYC recently, 15 of the 19 members presented their wines. It was a very impressive lineup.
I was very pleased to see that the wines did not show any unpleasant oaky flavors and aromas. It seems that those top producers in this group who were using 100% new barriques are now moving away from this practice. It was evident in the wines.
The moderator was Gloria Maroti Frazee of The Wine Spectator.
The Wines
Cuvèe Annamaria Clementi, Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 2006 Ca’dell Bosco (Lombardy) made from 55% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Bianco and 20% Pinot Noir. This is one of the leading producers of sparkling wine in Italy.
Ca’ Marcanda Vistamare, Toscana IGT 20014 Gaja made from 60% Vermentino in stainless steel and 40% Viognier in oak barrels and then blended together. I have not had this wine in a long time and really enjoyed it.
Vecchie Vigne, Verdicchio Dei Castello di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC 2012 Umani Ronchi(Marche) made from 100% Verdicchio. Verdicchio is a very underrated wine and this is one of the best. The speaker representing the winery said that the people of the Marche drink the most wine of any region in Europe and live very long lives.
Sassicaia, Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC 2012 Tenuta San Guido (Tuscany) made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Only 30% new oak now and the wine is drinking very well. The first vintage was in 1968.
Cerequio, Barolo DOCG 2011 Michele Chiarlo (Piedmont) 100% Nebbiolo. This is traditional Barolo with all the classical Nebbiolo flavors and aromas.
Signor Boffa
Barolo DOCG 2011 Pio Cesare (Piedmont) 100% Nebbiolo. Pio Boffa, owner of the winery, said that this was his traditional, classical Barolo. It was made the way Barolo was made in the past before there were crus. The grapes come from five different vineyards taking the best from each one and then blending them together.
Cabreo Il Borgo, Toscana IGT, (70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon) Ambrogio e Giovanni Flonari Tenute The two varieties are blended and aged in French oak barrels, 30% new, 40% one year old and 30% two years old for 16 to 18 months. This is a wine that can age.
Pian Delle Vigna, Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG 2010 made from 100% Sangiovese. Marchese Antinori (Tuscany). This is one of the best wines that Antinori makes, an outstanding Brunello.
Turriga, Isola Dei Nuraghi IGT 2011 made from 85% Cannonau, 5% Bovale, 5% Carignano and 5% Malvasia Nera. Argiolas (Sardinia) This is another wine that should be better known and was showing very well.
Rosso Del Conte, Contea di Sclafani DOC 2011 made from 62% Nero d’Avola, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc. Tasca, Conti D’ Almerita (Sicily). The international grapes were added in 2000.
Signor Mastroberardino
Radici Taurasi DOCG 2009 Made from 100% Aglianico. Mastroberardino (Campania) Luckily I was introduced to this wine with the legendary 1968 vintage and have been drinking it ever since.
Signor di Corato from Rivera
IL Falcone, Castel Del Monte Riserva DOC 2009 made from 70% Nero di Troia and 30% Montepulciano. Rivera (Puglia) This is a wine that should be better known. It can age for 20 years or more.
Torgiano Rosso Riserva Rubesco Vigna Monticchio DOCG 2008 made fro 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo. Lungarotti (Umbria). This is another old favorite which I began drinking with the 1973 vintage.
Riserva Di Costasera Amarone Classico DOC 2009 made from 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta and 5% Molinara. Masi Agricola (Veneto). This is classic Amarone at its best.
Ben Ryè Passito Di Pantelleria DOC 2008 limited edition made from 100% Zibibbo (Moscato d’Alessandria) Donnafugata (Sicily). One of the best dessert wines of Italy.
Charles Scicolone on Wine 