Last Thursday, March 14th, we had the pleasure of attending a wine tasting at Caves Bernard-Massard in Grevenmacher. Themed “Bella Italia,” the renowned winery invited guests on a journey through the diverse wine culture of Italy.
“We’ve added some exceptional Italian wines to our portfolio in recent years and now wish to showcase them,” explained Thomas Cléry, wine expert at Bernard-Massard. The event was a tribute to the excellence and variety of Italian wines, highlighted by five extraordinary wineries from across the boot-shaped country.
Borgogno: The Roots of Barolo
Starting with a heavyweight of the wine world, Borgogno, the oldest winery in the entire Barolo region, dating back to 1761. As a guardian of the Barolo tradition, Borgogno has significantly shaped the region’s developments over two centuries. Guests were privy to “one of the largest wine libraries in the world,” a treasure trove documenting the history and evolution of Barolo like no other. Borgogno’s use of traditional coated concrete vats, preventing any external interaction with the wine, underscores their unique methodology and dedication to the purity of their product.
Elena Fucci: Uniqueness from Basilicata
Elena Fucci, a luminary from Basilicata in the wine world, proudly presented four vintages of her Titolo, made from the Aglianico grape. Each vintage, distinctively shaped by a “Low-Intervention” approach, showcased the various facets of this versatile grape. “Depending on the temperature differences between day and night, the tannin chains form differently,” Fucci explained. The vintages ranged from robust and spicy to softer tones, brilliantly highlighting the deep and complex flavors of Aglianico.
Barbacàn: Alpine Precision
Matteo Sega from Barbacàn took guests to the Alpine heights of Lombardy. Their meticulous work in the steep, terraced vineyards of San Giacomo di Teglio, primarily cultivating the Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo), impressively demonstrated how terroir, tradition, and careful craftsmanship are reflected in every sip of their wines. Barbacàn is particularly noted for their light and fruity wines, perfect for the upcoming summer months.
Giulia Negri: Modern Meets Tradition
Giulia Negri, affectionately known as “Barologirl,” introduced a fresh perspective to the traditional world of Barolo. Her focus on organic farming and minimal cellar intervention, along with the decision to use larger barrels for aging, showcased her respect for the land and history while adding a personal touch to the wines.
Suavia: Masters of Mono-Varietals
The Tessari family from Suavia concluded the tasting with a presentation of their Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave. Their wines, marked by the volcanic soils and elevation of their vineyards, demonstrated how modern techniques and meticulous research can enhance traditional varieties.
The diverse wines from these Italian wineries are now available through Caves Bernard-Massard: bernard-massard.lu
Bilder: KACHEN