Italy
TABLE OF CONTENTS REGION OVERVIEW-ITALY 1 ITALY-REGIONAL MAP 3 REGION OVERVIEW-TUSCANY 4 BRAND SUMMARY 5 IMAGES 6 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 7 VARIETAL TIER OVERVIEW 8 VARIETAL TIER DESCRIPTION/VINTAGE CARDS Pinot Grigio Description Sheet 9 Pinot Grigio Vintage Card 10 Chianti Description Sheet 11 Chianti Vintage Card 12 Montepulciano Description Sheet 13 Montepulciano Vintage Card 14 Sangiovese Description Sheet 15 Sangiovese Vintage Card 16 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 17
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
Placido
REGION OVERVIEW-TUSCANY TUSCANY OR TOSCANA Tuscany takes its name from the Etruscans. Soils were formed millions of years ago leaving rich marine sediments. Ideal mediterranean growing climate. Chianti is the most famous of Tuscan wines but Brunello is the greatest. Super Tuscans, a category (with no official status) created in the 80 s and 90 s, includes both reds and whites. 11 DOCG s Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Carmignano Rosso, Morellino di Scansano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Elba Aleatico Passito, Montecucco Sangiovese, Suvereto, Val di Cornia Rosso. Important Grapes White - Vernaccia, Malvasia, Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Moscadello, Sauvignon, Vermentino, Grechetto Red - Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Mammolo, Colorino, Syrah, Cabernet, Gamay, Malvasia Nera, Montepulciano, Pinot Nero Important Wines White - Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Moscadello di Montalcino, Galestro Red - Brunello, Chianti, Vino Nobile, Carmignano, Morellino di Scansano, Bolgheri Sassicaia, Rosso di Montalcino Whites and reds - Bolgheri, Elba, Parrina, Pomino, Sant Antimo 4
BRAND SUMMARY SUMMARY Placido offers classic Italian varietals from well-respected regions. A brand rooted in nobility, Placido is a nod to the heritage and legacy of 13th century nobleman, Placido dei Placidi. Count Placido was the hero of an epic battle between two Italian provinces. For his valor, he was awarded a vast estate where winemaking soon became an important part of the culture. The passion he developed for wine and food remains the inspiration for Placido today. Placido s collection of wines are consumer favorites, earning them a place at the table with today s families. THREE KEY SELLING POINTS: 1. High quality wines including Chianti DOCG at competitive price points 2. Well known regions, ideally suited for these authentic Italian varietals ON PREMISE PRIORITIES: House and tier 1 pours, Italian accounts, National accounts Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese and Montepulciano under screwcap closure 3. Well balanced taste profile makes Placido an ideal accompaniment to meals Pinot Grigio Chianti Montepulciano Sangiovese VARIETAL TIER 5
IMAGES Nobleman Count Placido Tuscan vineyards Tuscan vineyards 6
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SEE FLOW FOR BROCHURES. 7
V A R I E T A L T I E R SUMMARY OVERVIEW Placido wines offer consumers delicious, classic Italian varietals at an incredible value. Available in 750ml and 1.5L formats. FEATURES Focused portfolio of authentic Italian varietals Top-selling Italian consumer favorites Pinot Grigio and Chianti A classic, traditional package and well balanced wine style BENEFITS Builds credibility with trade, enforces expertise Provides quality with a strong value ratio to fulfill consumer need Makes Placido a perfect on-premise option TASTING NOTES Pinot Grigio: Offering fresh citrus aromas, this Pinot Grigio shows a full, lively palate with notes of juicy, ripe pear. Chianti: A true Tuscan, charming with hints of violet on the nose and dry, harmonious black fruit flavors. Montepulciano: From the hills of Abruzzo, this delightful red has hints of cherry and spice on the nose and velvety flavors of cherries, licorice and coffee. Sangiovese: Sangiovese from southern Italy; smooth, medium-bodied red with aromas of cherry and violets and a gentle spice that lingers. 8
V A R I E T A L T I E R PINOT GRIGIO DESCRIPTION SHEET Pinot Grigio Production Area: Grape Variety: Description: Grown in the most recognized Italian regions for this variety: Veneto Tuscany Sicily. 100% Pinot Grigio. Pale-straw with fresh and fruity aromas of pears as well as citrus and grapefruit. Full, fresh and lively, with notes of ripe pear on the finish. Rich in tradition and rooted in nobility, Placido is a nod to the heritage and legacy of Count Placido. A 13th century Tuscan nobleman, Placido dei Placidi was the hero of the epic Battle of Montaperti between Florence and Siena. For his valor, he was awarded a vast estate where winemaking soon became an important part of the culture. The passion he developed for wine and food remains the inspiration for Placido today. Traditional white-wine vinification. Alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel for 12 to 14 days to extract optimal flavor and preserve varietal character. Placido Pinot Grigio is a delightful aperitif, and is perfect for a range of foods including appetizers, seafood, and grilled poultry and pork. UPC Placido Pinot Grigio 750ml 0 80516-05714 9 UPC Placido Pinot Grigio 1.5L 0 80516-05712 5 Information may change vintage to vintage. 9
V A R PI RE ET MA IL U TM I E R PINOT GRIGIO VINTAGE CARD PLACIDO Pinot Grigio Area of Production: Grown in the most recognized Italian regions for this variety: Veneto Tuscany Sicily, Italy. Soil: Alluvial and well-drained. 100% Pinot Grigio. Grape Variety: Production Technique: Traditional white-wine vinification. Alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel for 12 to 14 days to extract optimal flavor and preserve varietal character. Characteristics: Color: Pale-straw. Bouquet: Fresh and fruity aromas of pears as well as citrus and grapefruit. Taste: Full, fresh and lively, with notes of ripe pear on the finish. Alcohol Content: 12.6%. Total Acidity: 5.7 g/l. Placido Pinot Grigio is a delightful aperitif, and is perfect for a range of foods including appetizers, fresh salads, seafood, and grilled poultry. Information may change vintage to vintage. 10
V A R I E T A L T I E R CHIANTI DESCRIPTION SHEET Chianti DOCG Production Area: Grape Varieties: Description: Historic Tuscan hills of the delimited Chianti D.O.C.G. zone. Predominantly Sangiovese with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo Nero. Ruby red with an intense aroma that hints of violets. Dry and well balanced with black-fruit flavors followed by a long finish. Rich in tradition and rooted in nobility, Placido is a nod to the heritage and legacy of Count Placido. A 13th century Tuscan nobleman, Placido dei Placidi was the hero of the epic Battle of Montaperti between Florence and Siena. For his valor, he was awarded a vast estate where winemaking soon became an important part of the culture. The passion he developed for wine and food remains the inspiration for Placido today. Maceration with the skins lasts for 8-12 days during primary fermentation. The grapes are pressed and a second fermentation takes place. The wine undergoes a malolactic fermentation and is then aged in temperature-controlled stainless-steel for five to six months before bottling. Placido Chianti is the perfect accompaniment to meats and hearty pastas. UPC Placido Chianti 750ml 0 80516-05512 1 UPC Placido Chianti 1.5L 0 80516-05514 5 Information may change vintage to vintage. 11
V A R PI RE ET MA IL U TM I E R CHIANTI VINTAGE CARD PLACIDO Chianti DOCG Area of Production: Historic Tuscan hills of the delimited Chianti D.O.C.G. zone. Soil: Varies from well drained, calcareous to moist clay. Grape Varieties: Predominantly Sangiovese with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo Nero. Production Technique: Maceration with the skins lasts for 8-12 days during primary fermentation. The grapes are pressed and a second fermentation takes place. The wine undergoes a malolactic fermentation and is then aged in temperature-controlled stainlesssteel for five to six months before bottling. Characteristics: Color: Ruby red. Bouquet: Intense aroma that hints of violets. Taste: Dry and well balanced with black-fruit flavors followed by a long finish. Alcohol Content: 12.9%. Total Acidity: 4.6 g/l. Excellent with meats, pastas and spicy foods. Information may change vintage to vintage. 12
V A R I E T A L T I E R MONTEPULCIANO DESCRIPTION SHEET Montepulciano d Abruzzo DOC Production Area: Grape Variety: Description: The verdant hills of Abruzzo. 100% Montepulciano d Abruzzo. Deep ruby red. Complex aromas with hints of cherry and spice. Rich, medium bodied with hints of dried fruit, licorice, and coffee. Sweet tannins add a long finish. Rich in tradition and rooted in nobility, Placido is a nod to the heritage and legacy of Count Placido. A 13th century Tuscan nobleman, Placido dei Placidi was the hero of the epic Battle of Montaperti between Florence and Siena. For his valor, he was awarded a vast estate where winemaking soon became an important part of the culture. The passion he developed for wine and food remains the inspiration for Placido today. Traditionally vinified with 10 days maceration. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, followed by 4 months of aging in French oak before bottling. Placido Montepulciano d Abruzzo is an ideal accompaniment to pasta, fried fish, meats, cheeses and spicier foods. UPC Placido Montepulciano 750ml 0 80516-05064 5 UPC Placido Montepulciano 1.5L 0 80516-05342 4 Information may change vintage to vintage. 13
V A R PI RE ET MA IL U TM I E R MONTEPULCIANO VINTAGE CARD PLACIDO Montepulciano d Abruzzo DOC Area of Production: The verdant hills of Abruzzo. Soil: Calcareous and well-drained. Grape Variety: 100% Montepulciano d Abruzzo. Production Technique: Traditionally vinified with 10 days maceration. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, followed by 4 months of aging in French oak before bottling. Characteristics: Color: Deep ruby red. Bouquet: Complex aromas with hints of cherry and spice. Taste: Rich, medium bodied with hint of dried fruit, licorice, and coffee. Sweet tannins add a long finish. Alcohol Content: 13.3%. Total Acidity: 4.8 g/l. Placido Montepulciano d Abruzzo is an ideal accompaniment to pasta, fried fish, meats, cheeses and spicier foods. Information may change vintage to vintage. 14
V A R I E T A L T I E R SANGIOVESE DESCRIPTION SHEET Sangiovese Production Area: Grape Variety: Description: Vineyards from the most traditional region for this variety, Tuscany, Italy. 100% Sangiovese. Red-mauve, with fresh aromas of spicy cherry and violets. Soft and medium bodied with a lingering fruity finish. Rich in tradition and rooted in nobility, Placido is a nod to the heritage and legacy of Count Placido. A 13th century Tuscan nobleman, Placido dei Placidi was the hero of the epic Battle of Montaperti between Florence and Siena. For his valor, he was awarded a vast estate where winemaking soon became an important part of the culture. The passion he developed for wine and food remains the inspiration for Placido today. Traditionally vinified at controlled temperatures to preserve varietal character. After fermentation the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is then refined in stainless steel before bottling. Placido Sangiovese is perfect for the entire meal; excellent with roasted meats, and aged cheeses. UPC Placido Sangiovese 750ml 0 80516-05074 4 UPC Placido Sangiovese 1.5L 0 80516-05412 4 Information may change vintage to vintage. 15
V A R PI RE ET MA IL U TM I E R SANGIOVESE VINTAGE CARD PLACIDO Sangiovese Area of Production: Vineyards from the most traditional region for this variety: Tuscany, Italy. Clay, calcareous. 100% Sangiovese. Soil: Grape Variety: Production Technique: Traditionally vinified at controlled temperatures to preserve varietal character. After fermentation the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is then refined in stainless steel before bottling. Characteristics: Color: Red-mauve. Bouquet: Fresh aromas of spicy cherry and violets. Taste: Soft and medium bodied with a lingering fruity finish. Alcohol Content: 12.8%. Total Acidity: 4.8 g/l. Placido Sangiovese is perfect for the entire meal; excellent with roast meat, and aged cheeses Information may change vintage to vintage. 16
M I S C E L L A N E O U S I N F O R M A T I O N 17