Tuscany

Tuscany is known for its landscapes, history and artistic legacy. As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, the region has an incredible art and architecture heritage.

Tuscany is certainly the most famous of all Italian regions for its wines. Sangiovese reigns in all its forms in the vineyards of Chianti but also Montepulciano and Montalcino.

It is also the land of the Super Tuscan, the Bordeaux blend style that laid the foundation of some of the greatest Italian wines.

As a pairing with these wines, Tuscany cuisine is based on simplicity but high quality.

Poggio Argentiera

Poggio Argentiera was founded in 1997.  The original property is from the early 20th century when the Maremma marshes began to be drained.

The 6 hectares of vineyards began to produce grapes for a Morellino di Scansano and the new cellar was built.

In 2001 the property was enlarged with the acquisition of another farm, located in a hillside zone in the township of Scansano.

New vineyards were added to the older and today the winery owns over 21 hectares of vineyards all in the Morellino di Scansano appellation.

Sicily

The largest Mediterranean island, separated from the Italian peninsula by the very narrow Messina strait, Sicily is probably among the richest regions in history, art and cultural heritage, a mosaic of colours and contrasts.

According to legend, it was Dionysus (Bacchus) who brought pleasure to mankind, and wine to Sicily.

In the past, Sicily was famous for its Marsala and cheap bulk wines. Over the last 30 years, however, Sicily’s wine culture has changed dramatically and is now considered as one of the best regions.

The Sicilian has the largest vineyard in all of Italy. It is three times the size of the vineyard in New Zealand, larger than vineyard in South Africa and equivalent to the vineyard in Germany.

Donnafugata

Established in 1983 by Giacomo Rallo, the winery is now led by José and Antonio.

Donnafugata boasts vineyards in Contessa Entellina, nestled in the heart of western Sicily, as well as on Pantelleria island, situated between Sicily and Africa.

The 2016 harvest marked a milestone for Donnafugata, fulfilling the aspiration to produce wines in eastern Sicily with the distinguished Etna, Cerasuolo, and Frappato di Vittoria appellations.

The name Donnafugata, meaning ‘lady in flight,’ originates from the novel ‘Il Gattopardo’ and alludes to the tale of a queen who sought sanctuary in what are now the company’s vineyards, a narrative that also inspired the company’s logo.

Piedmont

Located, as its name suggests, at the foot of the Alps bordering France and Switzerland, Piedmont is the second largest of Italy’s 20 regions, after Sicily.

Recognized for its industry like Fiat in Turin, Piedmont is also one of the greatest regions in the world in terms of cuisine (don’t forget the white truffles from Alba!) and wine!

With 46 DOC and 4 DOCG, Piedmont has more wine appellations than any other Italian region.

Braida

Braida has been created in 1961 by Giacomo Bologna. He has been recognized as the first winemaker to raise the quality from a traditional table Barbera to a fine wine.

In 1982, Braida launched Bricco dell’ Uccellone, a “Super Barbera”.

The wines were aged in small, French oak barrels in order to compensate for Barbera’s lack of tannins. The result was a deeply flavourful, complex wine out of a variety normally considered to be an acidic filler.

Now, the children, Raffaella and Giuseppe, run the wine estate. They have made Braida one of the most respected wineries in Piedmont.

Piedmont

Located, as its name suggests, at the foot of the Alps bordering France and Switzerland, Piedmont is the second largest of Italy’s 20 regions, after Sicily.

Recognized for its industry like Fiat in Turin, Piedmont is also one of the greatest regions in the world in terms of cuisine (don’t forget the white truffles from Alba!) and wine!

With 46 DOC and 4 DOCG, Piedmont has more wine appellations than any other Italian region.

Massolino

The history of the Massolinos. became entwined with the history of Serralunga d’Alba in 1896, when Giovanni founded the estate.

Giovanni was the very first person to bring electricity to the village.

The first wine cellar was built by Giuseppe, son of the founder Giovanni, who, together with his sister Angela, extended his estate into the best soils.

At that time, Giuseppe had six children. Three of them followed in their father’s footsteps, expanding the estate.

They purchased Margheria, Parafada and Vigna Rionda, cru vineyards which are authentic jewels.

In the 1990’s Franco and Roberto, both oenologists, joined the family estate and put Massolino as one of the best Barolo producers.

Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna lies between the River Po to its north and the Apennine Mountains to its south. Its capital and largest city is Bologna.

Emilia-Romagna is one of the wealthiest and most developed regions in Europe, being a center for food and automobile production. Barilla, Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, Maserati are established there.

The region is also the home of one of Italy’s most popular wines, one whose name is a synonym for conviviality and merrymaking: Lambrusco.

Cleto Chiarli

In 1860 Cleto Chiarli founded the first wine-producing company in the Emilia-Romagna region.

This was the start of a tradition of excellence leading to Chiarli’s steady growth which has made it the greatest privately-owned Lambrusco company.

In 2001 Mauro and Anselmo Chiarli, Cleto’s great-grandsons and current leaders of the company decided to build a new winery under the founder’s name, Cleto Chiarli.
Cleto Chiarli range is only coming from the family estates.

Wines have been nicely rated by critics like James Suckling.

Wine Spectator included Cleto Chiarli in its 100 best wines of the world!

Lombardy

Lombardy is the most populous, richest and most productive region in the country. 16.2% of the national population (10 million people) live there and create 21% of the total GDP.

The region is an important producer of wines but not really well recognized except Franciacorta, the Italy’s most prestigious sparkling wines.

If Italy is known for its spaghettis, Rice is very popular in the region, often found in soups as well as risotti, such as “risotto alla milanese”, with saffron. Butter is used, no olive oil!

The region is famous for its historical figures such as Virgil, Pliny the Elder, Caravaggio, Claudio Monteverdi, Antonio Stradivari, Alessandro Volta and popes John XXIII and Paul VI.

Berlucchi

Berlucchi is the history of the classic Italian sparkling wine and Franciacorta.

“What if we make a French-style sparkling wine?” This was the question that young oenologist Franco Ziliani asked Guido Berlucchi at the end of the 1950s.

Guido Berlucchi liked the idea to use his not too stable white wine.

After a few experiments, almost 3,000 bottles arrived in 1961. “We’ll be drinking them for the next 20 years!” Fortunately, he was wrong.

Today, Guido Berlucchi means 4 million Franciacorta bottles every year. More than 12 million bottles rest in the cellar.

Berlucchi has received many awards like “Winery of the Year” by Gambero Rosso in 2022.

Champagne

Champagne, lying to the east of the Paris region, is one of the historic provinces of France.

Thanks to a sparkling wine to which the region has given its name, the word Champagne is known worldwide – even if many of those who know the drink do not know exactly where it comes from.

Champagne wine was first produced within its three main towns – Reims, its largest and home to the Montagne de Reims, famed for its Pinot Noir; Epernay, the capital of the Côte des Blancs, the area most renowned for its Chardonnay; and Ay, the town situated on the border of both the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs.

Founded in 1837 by Henri-Marc de Venoge, located in Epernay, Champagne de Venoge has been keeping its leadership:

• 1st House to release illustrated labels in 1838,
• Special Cuvée des Princes launched in honour of the Princes of Orange in 1858,
• One of the founders of the “Syndicat des Grandes Marques” in 1872,
• 1st “Maison de Champagne” to produce a Blanc de Noirs in 1988.

Champagne

Champagne, lying to the east of the Paris region, is one of the historic provinces of France.

Thanks to a sparkling wine to which the region has given its name, the word Champagne is known worldwide – even if many of those who know the drink do not know exactly where it comes from.

Champagne wine was first produced within its three main towns – Reims, its largest and home to the Montagne de Reims, famed for its Pinot Noir; Epernay, the capital of the Côte des Blancs, the area most renowned for its Chardonnay; and Ay, the town situated on the border of both the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs.

Founded in 1837 by Henri-Marc de Venoge, located in Epernay, Champagne de Venoge has been keeping its leadership:

• 1st House to release illustrated labels in 1838,
• Special Cuvée des Princes launched in honour of the Princes of Orange in 1858,
• One of the founders of the “Syndicat des Grandes Marques” in 1872,
• 1st “Maison de Champagne” to produce a Blanc de Noirs in 1988.

Veneto

The Veneto, located in the north-east of Italy, is about five million population, ranking fifth in Italy. The tourists are very attracted by the capital, Venice but also Verona, the hometown of Giulietta!
It is also a region that contributes a significant percentage of the country’s total wine industry. With now 14 DOCGS & 24 DOCs, Veneto is producing every style of wine and with great success.
Soave, Valpolicella and Bardolino, Amarone, are produced there. The super trendy sparkling wine Prosecco has its origins and its best expression in the Veneto.
Much of Italy’s Pinot grigio hails from the Veneto, where the crisp and refreshing style is easy to maintain.

Il Colle

Il Colle winery has been established in 1978 by Ceschin family. Particularly known for its Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the winery is located in San Pietro di Feletto in the province of Treviso.
Il Colle has access to 120ha of vineyards. 26ha are directly owned by the family. 8ha are 100% organic.
The estate lies between the municipalities of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, historically the best area for producing Glera grapes. In 2009 this area and its wines were awarded the title Conegliano – Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
They also produce still wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Champagne

Champagne, lying to the east of the Paris region, is one of the historic provinces of France.

Thanks to a sparkling wine to which the region has given its name, the word Champagne is known worldwide – even if many of those who know the drink do not know exactly where it comes from.

Champagne wine was first produced within its three main towns – Reims, its largest and home to the Montagne de Reims, famed for its Pinot Noir; Epernay, the capital of the Côte des Blancs, the area most renowned for its Chardonnay; and Ay, the town situated on the border of both the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs.

Founded in 1837 by Henri-Marc de Venoge, located in Epernay, Champagne de Venoge has been keeping its leadership:

• 1st House to release illustrated labels in 1838,
• Special Cuvée des Princes launched in honour of the Princes of Orange in 1858,
• One of the founders of the “Syndicat des Grandes Marques” in 1872,
• 1st “Maison de Champagne” to produce a Blanc de Noirs in 1988.