Our National team just returned from an unforgettable immersion trip to Italy, where we had the privilege of connecting with some of our family-owned winery partners: Elvio Cogno, the GAJA Properties, Tenuta Sette Cieli, Benanti Viticoltori S.r.l. and FEUDO MONTONI.
Our first stop was at #ElvioCogno, where fourth-generation Nadia Cogno and winemaker Valter Fissore showcased their meticulous organic vineyard practices and indigenous varieties. Valter describes their wines as "precise and pure," crafted with low yields per hectare and a profound respect for the natural balance of the vine.
Next, we toured the Gaja family's iconic #Barbaresco estate. Fourth-generation Angelo Gaja, with his children Gaia and Giovanni, guided us through their winemaking practices, which have propelled Barbaresco to international fame and ignited a broader revival of Italian wines.
Later in the week, the team also had the opportunity explore two more of the #Gaja family’s properties: #Ca’Marcanda in Bolgheri and #IDDA on Mount Etna. At Ca’Marcanda, our team experienced a fairy tale moment releasing butterflies from their boxes, reminding us of nature’s beauty and how important it is to work *with* nature to ensure the optimal health of the vineyards. Then venturing to Mount Etna’s southern slope, we explored IDDA – the joint venture launched in 2017 between Angelo Gaja and renowned winemaker Alberto Graci. The vineyards serve as the exclusive producer for the IDDA label, crafting exquisite Etna Rosso DOP and Bianco Sicilia DOP wines.
While on #MountEtna, Benanti’s Salvino Benanti and Antonio V. B. graciously welcomed us at their winery amidst the picturesque slopes for a tasting and dinner. As the only winery with vineyards on every slope of the volcano, Benanti is widely recognized as a pioneering force in Etna’s fine winemaking excellence.
At Tenuta Sette Cieli, we were warmly met by Proprietor Ambrogio Cremona Ratti and Winemaker Elena Pozzolini. Perched above the Mediterranean Sea in #Bolgheri, we walked through 18 acres of vineyards — home to Sette Cieli’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec.
To conclude the trip, we met up with FABIO SIRECI, the third generation of Feudo Montoni's devoted winemaking family. We toured the certified-organic vineyards on this historic Sicilian property, which has been around since 1469. These vineyards are famous for producing some of Italy’s most celebrated grapes – like Perricone, Nerello Mascalese, Catarratto, and Grillo.
We’re honored to represent these family who entrust us with sharing their exceptional wines with you, and we can’t wait to share these stories with you in the market!
#wdcru #wilsondaniels #wdinitaly #italy #italianwines #finewine