Italy
table of contents region overview-italy 1 ITALY-REGIONAL MAP 2 region overview-veneto 4 Brand summary 5 key players 6 images 7 Additional resources 8 ultra premium tier overview 9 ultra premium tier ratings 10 ultra premium tier Description/vintage cards Maschio dei Cavalieri Prosecco Description Sheet 11 Maschio dei Cavalieri Prosecco Vintage Card 12 PM Moscato Description Sheet 13 PM Moscato Vintage Card 14 Super premium tier overview 15 Super premium tier Description/vintage cards Cadoro Description Sheet 16 Cadoro Vintage Card 17 premium tier overview 18 premium tier Description/vintage cards Prosecco Brut Description Sheet 19 Prosecco Brut Vintage Card 20 miscellaneous information 21
REGION OVERVIEW-ITALY ITALIAN WINE FACTS Wine has been produced in Italy for over 4,000 years. Ancient Greeks dubbed it Enotria - land of wine. Romans propagated the cult of Bacchus - establishing a flourishing wine trade thousands of years ago. Leading producer of wine in the world, alternating with France. Thousands of different wines are produced in Italy s 20 regions. Hundreds of different grape varieties. ITALIAN WINE LAWS Vini Varietali & Vino (formerly Vino da Tavola) Simplest wines Few government controls New EU rules allow for use of following grapes with Country of Origin with/without vintage date: Cabernet Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Cabernet Franc Chardonnay Sauvignon Wine - Red, White, Rose IGT/IGP (Indication of Typical Geographic Origin) Less restrictive than DOC Some examples - Toscana (not every region has a general IGT), Maremma Toscana, Delle Venezie (inter-region Veneto /Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige) DOC/DOP (Denomination of Controlled Origin) 300 + wines from all 20 regions EEC = PDO/DOP Protected Denomination of Origin/ Denominazione di Origine Protetta Regulates geography, grapes, yields and in some cases ageing DOCG/DOP (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) 74 Wines - only 15 regions EEC =PDO/DOP Protected Denomination of Origin/Denominazione di Origine Protetta Most Restrictive Category. Further guarantee of authenticity. No wine law can guarantee quality, only producer can do that. HOW ITALIAN WINES ARE NAMED Grape Variety - Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, etc. Usually in conjunction with an IGT or DOC Area/Zone of Production - Barolo, Chianti, Gavi, Valpolicella, etc. Grape Variety and Area/Zone - Brunello di Montalcino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Brachetto d Acqui, etc. Fantasy /Proprietary Names - Excelsus, Sassicaia, Summus, Tignanello, etc. Usually designated as part of an IGT or DOC 1
REGION OVERVIEW-ITALY BANFI WINE REGIONS Italy produces wine in all 20 regions. Banfi Vintners currently does business with wineries in 8 of these regions. Veneto Piedmont Emilia Romagna Tuscany Lazio Abruzzo Sicily Umbria 2
MAPS Italy Wine Regions Wine Region Map 3
Maschio
REGION OVERVIEW-THE VENETO THE VENETO The Veneto is the leader in wine production in Italy, and has 30% of the total DOC/DOCG production. Premium wine producing regions are Vicenza, Padova, Treviso, in the western province of Verona hills between Lake Garda and the town of Soave, and in the eastern plains of the Piave and Tagliamento River basins. Conegliano, the region famed for Prosecco, has set the standard for not only the production of sparkling wines, but Italian viticulture overall. Of all the wines produced in this region, 55% of which are white, Soave is the most popular varietal abroad. And among the reds, Amarone della Valpolicella is the flagship red wine of this region. Important Grape Varieties: Important wine types: White Durella Garganega Prosecco Pinot Grigio Chardonnay Pinot Bianco Sauvignon Sylvaner Trebbiano Verduzzo Red Corvina Rondinella Molinara Negrara Cabernet Merlot Pinot Nero Lambursco Schiava Lagrein White Bianco di Custoza Soave Lessini Breganze Gambellara Prosecco di Conegliano Recioto di Soave Red Valpolicella Amarone della Valpolicella Bardolino Colli Asolani Recioto di Valpolicella Lison-Pramaggiore 4
BRAND SUMMARY Summary Cantine Maschio, founded in 1971, is one of the leading vintners in the prosecco category in Italy. Situated along the Cadore Mare provincial road between the Dolomites and the sun-kissed beaches to the north of Venice, Cantine Maschio lies in the heart of the Treviso lowlands, a hard-working agricultural area. This was the place, in view of the softly sloping hills of Conegliano Veneto, where Bonaventura Maschio, descendant of a well-known family of distillers, built his wine-making facility in 1973. Cantine Maschio uses innovative production processes that guarantee the quality of the wine and maintain the freshness and aromas of the most prestigious grapes. Three key selling points: 1. Heritage of Quality: Maschio is among the most highly regarded producers of sparkling wines in Italy. 2. A Fashionable & Affordable Trade-up : A nice change for those who see something fresh and sparkling, at a great value. 3. Complete Range of Sparkling Wines: Maschio offers sparkling wines for all tastes at tiered price points. On Premise Priorities: BTG: Maschio Prosecco Brut DOC, Cadoro Moscato Spumante VSQA BTB: Maschio dei Cavalieri Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Moscato Spumante PM Maschio dei Cavalieri Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Maschio dei Cavalieri Moscato Spumante PM Ultra premium tier Cadoro Moscato Spumante VSQA super premium tier Prosecco Brut DOC premium tier 5
KEY PLAYERS Gabrielle Cescon- Winemaker Maschio Winemaker Gabriele Cescon is a native of the Treviso area of the Veneto region of Northern Italy, and as such, has the prosecco tradition deeply ingrained in him. He earned his degree in Oenology from an agricultural university in Conegliano, the Veneto. Even during his studies, he had his primary introduction into the wine industry in 1982 at a cooperative in Treviso. Over the next two decades, he continued his career progression in the industry and in 2008 was appointed to Production Director at Cantine Maschio, where he remains today. In addition to his professional pursuits, Gabriele has been a member of the Commission on DOC and DOCG wine tasting since 2006, and an advisor to and technical head of the C.D.A. Consortium of Prosecco since 2010. 6
Images Cantine Maschio Cantine Maschio Prosecco grapes (Glera) The hills of Conegliano 7
additional resources Website Brochure, Sell Sheets and Other Materials: Resources for the Trade 8
U l t r a P r e m i u m T I E R MASCHIO DEI CAVALIERI PROSECCO and MOSCATO PM brand Summary Ultra-Premium Tier overview Tradition is important for Maschio, but so is innovation. The Maschio dei Cavalieri line is proof of this philosophy. Products that satisfy even the most demanding palates and that are fit for special occasions. Cantine Maschio carefully collects the grapes from selected vineyards in the best zones, since this is precisely the moment in which the production process, centered entirely on respect for the product, begins. FEATURES Application of cold extraction techniques accentuates the processes through which aromas and fragrances are released by the grape skins. Special, state of the art isobaric filling machines fill the bottles without the product coming into contact with the air, in a perfectly sterile environment. Benefits The packaging, exclusive as to shape and contents, is dedicated to restaurants and wine bars alone. From the exclusive, highly regarded Conegliano Valdobbiadene production area of the Prosecco DOCG region. Tasting Notes Maschio dei Cavalieri Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG: Creamy textured perlage, with aromas of candied citrus and acacia, the taste is soft and fresh with an elegant finish. Maschio dei Cavalieri Moscato PM: Fine and persistent perlage; fresh floral notes of honeysuckle with hints of peach and the typical beautifully haunting musky fragrance of Moscato. 9
U l t r a P r e m i u m T I E R Maschio del Cavalieri ultra premium tier RATINGS 87 Points Wine Spectator Alison Napjus, November 2011 A medium-bodied version, somewhat richer than some of its peers, offering apple blossom, almond, candied citrus peel and ripe apple notes, with a clean, lightly juicy finish. 87 Points Wine Enthusiast Monica Larner, August 2012 Crisp, fresh and firm, this opens with steely effervescence and etched notes of flint, white pepper and delicate spring flower. The finish is dry and bright. 10
U l t r a P r e m i u m T I E R MASCHIO DEI CAVALIERI PROSECCO Description sheet Maschio dei Cavalieri Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore docg Production Area: Grape Variety: Description: Hills in the DOCG zone between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. 100% Glera (Prosecco). Sparkling wine with light gold color, creamy textured perlage; aromas of candied citron and acacia; the taste is soft, fresh with an elegant finish. Maschio dei Cavalieri is the perfect marriage of the best traditions of Prosecco and modern taste. Maschio dei Cavalieri offers a Grand Cru style, luxurious, sensuous experience. Rive di Colbertaldo refers to the very delimited slopes of Colbertaldo where Maschio dei Cavalieri is born. Prosecco of Rive di Colbertaldo is subject to very stringent rules, requiring extremely limited yields and hand picking of the grapes. A blend of innovation and tradition, Maschio dei Cavalieri establishes a new dimension for Italian sparkling wines. Ideal for fish and shellfish dishes, fine stuffed pasta in cream sauces, quail. Excellent as an aperitif or, at the end of a meal, with fresh fruits, especially strawberries or peaches. UPC Maschio dei Cavalieri 750ml 0 80516 13934 0 Information may change vintage to vintage. 11
U l t r a P rp re emm i i u m T I E R MASCHIO DEI CAVALIERI PROSECCO vintage card MASCHIO DEI CAVALIERI Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Area of Production: Hills in the DOCG zone between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Soil: Mixed soil but mainly clay. Grape Variety: 100% Glera (Prosecco). Production Technique: The grapes are gently pressed to maintain their natural characteristics. Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is followed by a secondary temperaturecontrolled fermentation in autoclaves (i.e. the charmat method). Characteristics: Color: Light gold with creamy mousse. Bouquet: Aromas of peach, candied citron and acacia. Taste: Crisp and fresh with notes of peach. Alcohol Content: 11.5%. Total Acidity: 6 g/l. Excellent as an aperitif, it is ideal with seafood, pastas, and at the end of a meal with fresh fruit. Serve chilled at 43-47 F in a fluted glass. Information may change vintage to vintage. 12
U l t r a P r e m i u m T I E R PM MOSCATO Description sheet Maschio dei Cavalieri Moscato PM Production Area: Grape Variety: Description: The sun-kissed area in the proximity of Trani, a beautiful city on the seaside in the South of Italy, which is well-known for its ancient wine tradition. Moscato. Bright straw in color, fine and persistent perlage. Fresh floral notes of honeysuckle with hints of peach and the typical beautifully haunting musky fragrance of Moscato. After a careful selection of the best Moscato grapes, fermentation takes place using the Charmat method. The temperature is controlled and the fermentation is kept relatively short to fully preserve the freshness and haunting musky fragrance of Moscato. Enjoy Moscato PM alone or serve with a fresh fruit platter, sorbet or any light cheeses. PM brings out the passion of the evening with each sip. Serve chilled. UPC Maschio dei Cavalieri Moscato PM 750ml 0 80516 05574 9 Information may change vintage to vintage. 13
U l t r a P rp re emm i i u m T I E R PM MOSCATO vintage card MASCHIO DEI CAVALIERI Moscato PM Area of Production: The sun-kissed area in the proximity of Trani, a beautiful city on the seaside in the South of Italy, well-known for its ancient wine tradition. Soil: Tufa and calcareous soil. Grape Variety: Moscato. Production Technique: After a careful selection of the best Moscato grapes, fermentation takes place using the Charmat method. The temperature is controlled and the fermentation is kept relatively short to fully preserve the freshness and haunting musky fragrance of Moscato. Characteristics: Color: Beautifully bright straw in color. Fine and very persistent perlage. Bouquet: Fresh floral notes of honeysuckle with hints of peach and the typical beautifully haunting musky fragrance of Moscato. Alcohol Content: 7.5%. Total Acidity: 5.7 g/l. You can enjoy Moscato PM alone or serve with a fresh fruit platter, sorbet or any light cheeses. PM brings out the passion of the evening with each sip. Serve chilled. Information may change vintage to vintage. 14
S u p e r P r e m i u m T I E R CADORO MOSCATO Super-Premium Tier overview FEATURES The wine is vinified using the Charmat method which preserves the delightful freshness and fragrance of these luscious grapes. Six-bottle case packaging; available in limited quantities. Benefits Stylish packaging, great for display on the table or at the bar. A very approachable, affordable wine, with outstanding quality for the value. Great as an aperitif or after-dinner wine, and pairs well with fruits, desserts, and spicy foods. Tasting Notes cadoro Moscato Spumante VSQA: Fine and very persistent perlage; intense yet delicate bouquet of fruit, flowers, and the haunting musky fragrance typical of Moscato. Taste is light, fresh, fruity, and pleasantly sweet. 15
S u p e r P r e m i u m T I E R Cadoro description sheet Cadoro Moscato Spumante vsqa Production Area: Grape Variety: Description: The sun-kissed area of Trani, a beautiful city on the seaside in Apulia in Southern Italy, noted for its ancient wine tradition. Moscato. Straw yellow. Fine and very persistent perlage. Intense yet delicate bouquet of fruit, flowers and the haunting musky fragrance so typical of Moscato. Taste is light, fresh, fruity and pleasantly sweet. The wine is vinified using the Charmat method which preserves the delightful freshness and fragrance of these luscious grapes. Cadoro Moscato Spumante is excellent as an aperitif, fantastic with spicy foods and a perfect companion to fruit and desserts. UPC Cadoro Moscato Spumante 750ml 0 80516 05574 9 Information may change vintage to vintage. 16
S u p e r P rp re emm ii u m T I E R CAdoro vintage card CADORO Moscato Spumante vsqa Cantine Maschio Area of Production: The sun-kissed area of Trani, a beautiful city on the seaside in Apulia in Southern Italy, noted for its ancient wine tradition. Soil: Tufa and calcareous soil. Grape Variety: Moscato. Production Technique: The wine is vinified using the Charmat method which preserves the delightful freshness and fragrance of these luscious grapes. Characteristics: Color: Straw yellow. Fine and very persistent perlage. Bouquet: Intense yet delicate bouquet with fruits, flowers and the haunting musky fragrance so typical of Moscato. Taste: Light, fresh, fruity and pleasantly sweet. Alcohol Content: 7.5%. Total Acidity: 6.1 g/l. Excellent as an aperitif, fantastic with spicy foods and a perfect companion to fruit and desserts. Information may change vintage to vintage. 17
P r e m i u m T I E R PROSECCO BRUT DOC Premium Tier overview Prosecco comes from northeastern Italy s Veneto region, where it s enjoyed casually at the end of the day, at the beginning of a meal, or sometimes with simple snacks. Don t compare it to champagne. It s more country than city, more spontaneous than planned and more convivial laughter than sedate smiles. It is more light-bodied, more fruit driven, and just more fun! FEATURES 200 year winemaking heritage; embodies the finest traditions of Prosecco while accommodating a modern, sophisticated taste. Grapes are sourced from select vineyards in the Treviso DOC area of the Veneto region. Benefits Outstanding quality for the value. 187ml size makes it the perfect by-the-glass prosecco. Stylish packaging, great for display on the table or at the bar. Tasting Notes Prosecco Brut DOC: Bouquet of white peach and orange blossoms; fruit forward, with peach and almond flavors. Makes an ideal aperitif and also pairs wonderfully with antipasto and hors d oeuvres, light fish dishes, sushi and sashimi, fresh fruit, and pastries. 18
P r e m i u m T I E R PROSECCO BRUT description sheet Prosecco Brut Treviso doc Production Area: Grape Variety: Description: Vineyards in the hills of Treviso, north of Venice. 100% Glera (Prosecco). Light straw yellow in color with a lively froth. Bouquet of white peach and orange blossoms. Fruit forward, with peach and almond flavors. Prosecco Brut is produced by Cantine Maschio, one of Italy s leading Prosecco producers, with a proud 200 year heritage of family winemaking experience. Prosecco Brut embodies the finest traditions of Prosecco while accommodating modern, sophisticated tastes. The grapes are pressed gently to extract only the free-run juice from the heart of the grape. The juice is then left to rest in stainless steel tanks. After approximately 12 hours, when the must has separated from the lees, fermentation begins. Vinification takes about 15 to 20 days and is completed in stainless steel vats kept at a constant temperature of 65 to 68 F to develop the wine s sparkling character. Prosecco Brut makes an ideal aperitif and also pairs wonderfully with antipasto and hors d oeuvres, light fish dishes, sushi and sashimi, fresh fruit, and pastries. Serve chilled (42 to 54 F). UPC Maschio Prosecco Brut 750ml 0 80516 06604 2 Information may change vintage to vintage. 19
P r e m i u m T I E R PROSECCO BRUT vintage card MASCHIO PROSECCO BRUT Cantine Maschio Treviso DOC, Italy Area of Production: Vineyards in the hills of Treviso, north of Venice. Soil: Alkaline sandstone with a fair amount of stone. Grape Variety: 100% Glera (Prosecco). Production Technique: Gentle pressing of the grapes to extract only the free-run juice from the heart of the berry. Then the juice is left to rest in stainless steel tanks and after approximately 12 hours the limpid part of the must has separated from the deposit and fermentation begins. Vinification takes about 15-20 days and is completed in stainless steel vats kept at a constant temperature of 18-20 C (65-68 F) to develop a natural sparkle. Characteristics: Color: Light straw yellow with a lively froth. Bouquet: White peach and orange blossoms. Taste: Fruit forward, with peach and almond flavors. Alcohol Content: 11%. Total Acidity: 5.5 g/l. As an aperitif or as an ideal match with fish, fresh fruit and pastries. Serve chilled at 42-56 F. Information may change vintage to vintage. 20
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