Italy
table of contents region overview-italy______________________________________________________ 1 ITALY-REGIONAL MAP__________________________________________________________ 2 region overview-sicily______________________________________________________ 4 Brand summary______________________________________________________________ 5 key players___________________________________________________________________ 6 images________________________________________________________________________ 7 Additional resources ______________________________________________________ 8 super premium tier overview_______________________________________________ 9 super premium tier ratings________________________________________________ 10 super premium tier Description/vintage cards Florio Sweet Marsala Description Sheet________________________________________________ 11 Florio Sweet Marsala Vintage Card___________________________________________________ 12 Florio Dry Marsala Description Sheet_________________________________________________ 13 Florio Dry Marsala Vintage Card_____________________________________________________ 14 premium tier overview ____________________________________________________ 15 premium tier Description/vintage cards Gran Chef Description Sheet________________________________________________________ 16 Gran Chef Vintage Card___________________________________________________________ 17 miscellaneous information_______________________________________________ 18
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
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
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
Back to Table of COntents
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
Back to Table of COntents
2
MAPS
Italy Wine Regions Back to Table of COntents
Wine Region Map
3
Florio
REGION OVERVIEW-SICILY SICILY Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and has been a major hub for travel within the region for thousands of years. Greeks called it Trinacria because of its triangular shape, and it was also nicknamed the Island of the Sun. In addition the Greeks, Sicily was also invaded and influenced by the Muslims, who brought their process for drying grapes into raisins, called “uva sultana,” or the “Sultan’s grapes,” in their honor. In addition, the name Marsala comes from the Arab Marsah-el-Allah, or Port of Allah. Among Italy’s 20 wine-producing regions, Sicily ranks 3rd, and among its 5% DOC production, 70% are white wines. Sicily has one of the longest histories with winemaking and is believed to be the first place where the word “vino” was used. Important Grape Varieties:
White
• Inzolia • Catarratto • Bianco • Grecanico • Grillo • Malvasia di Lipari • Zibibbo
Red
• Nero d’Avola • Nerello • Barbera • Cabernet • Gaglioppo • Sangiovese
Back to Table of COntents
Important wine types:
White
• Malvasia di Lipari • Moscato di Pantelleria • Noto • Siracusa • Alcamo
Red
• Cerasuolo di Vittoria • Faro • Etna • Marsala
4
BRAND SUMMARY
Summary Florio has been the leading name in Premium Imported Marsala for 180 years. In 1833, entrepreneur and ship owner Vincenzo Florio opened the Florio Winery in Sicily’s sun-belt region. Boasting one of the largest wood aging facilities in Italy, Florio is a leading producer of Marsala worldwide, shipping to over 40 countries and selling over a quarter million cases per year. Made with the finest grapes and utmost precision, Florio Marsala is casked in perfectly seasoned oak barrels and left, undisturbed, to age for 18 months in ancient Italian cellars. The result: a variety of awardwinning Marsalas that only Florio can produce. Florio has one of the longest standing relationships with Banfi Vintners among all of Banfi’s suppliers. Banfi had originally imported Florio during Prohibition, when Marsalas were considered to have medicinal benefits, and the partnership has remained ever since.
Three key selling points: 1. The Leading Name in Premium Marsalas: Used in the finest cuisines at the world’s finest tables, Florio Marsalas have consistently been recognized for their superior quality. The brand has received the “Chefs in America” Gold Medal for superior quality 5 times. 2. Long and Trusted Heritage: 180 years of production in Sicily’s Marsala Region. 3. Solid Distribution: Across all 50 states, equally strong On- and Off-Premise distribution; 750ml and 375ml.
Fine Ambra Dolce (Sweet) Marsala
Fine Ambra Secco (Dry) Marsala
super premium tier
On Premise Priorities: • BTG: Florio Secco (Dry), Florio Dolce (Sweet) • For Cooking: Florio Dolce (Sweet) and Florio Secco (Dry), Gran Chef Gran Chef Marsala
premium tier
Back to Table of COntents
5
KEY PLAYERS The Winemaking Team Florio’s philosophy centers on a teamworkapproach to winemaking, through which excellent results and continuity may be achieved. Rather than having a “one man show,” they have a team of expert and passionate professionals managing both the vineyards and the winery. Francesco Pizzo, Florio’s Agronomist, is wholly responsible for all agronomic conditions of the vineyards that produce grapes for their wines, including the estate-owned vineyards. On the winemaking side, they have a
team of experts that has been working on Florio winemaking for decades. Francesco Miceli, Giuseppe Spagnuolo, Giovanni di Giovanna, Roberto Magnisi, and Tommaso Maggio are in charge of all decision making concerning the Florio portfolio of wines. Thanks to their combined depth of knowledge on the unique characteristics of the Sicilian terroir, they are able to get the best results out of the grapes, maintaining high standards of excellence year after year.
Barrel Aging in the Florio Cellar
Back to Table of COntents
6
Images
Fountain at the Florio Winery
Florio Art Nouveau
Oak aging
Florio Winery
Florio Art Nouveau
Tasting room at Cantine Florio
Back to Table of COntents
Florio & Co. 1833
7
additional resources Websites
VINTNERS VIDEOS
Florio Sea Scallops Marsala Wine Affair: Florio Chicken Marsala Bruschetta
Brochure, Sell Sheets & Other Materials Resources for the Trade
Back to Table of COntents
8
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Super-Premium Tier overview DRY MARSALA & SWEET MARSALA Summary Produced in Sicily, in the centuries-old Florio cellars from Grillo and Catarratto grapes, Florio is a superior Marsala that is among the most well-known in the world. Aged for 18 months in old oak barrels, Florio Marsala is an inimitable and extremely versatile wine.
FEATURES
Benefits
• Produced in the Marsala sun-belt region of Italy.
• Extremely high visibility in the US wine market, with a stellar reputation among consumers and chefs alike.
• 180 years of winemaking heritage. • Can be enjoyed before or after dinner on its own; also excellent for cooking. • In the US for nearly a century, and currently available in all states.
• On-Premise visibility communicates to consumers that the restaurant knows quality and does not skimp on high-quality ingredients. • Offered in 750ml for those who enjoy a great Marsala, and 375ml for novice chefs experimenting with Marsalas.
Tasting Notes Fine Dolce Ambra (Sweet) DOC: Dark amber with hints of dates and apricots. Excellent for the preparation of desserts, Florio Sweet Marsala is also delicious as an after-dinner wine. Fine Secco Ambra (Dry) DOC: Deep amber with dark gold reflections; dry with delicate hints of raisins and vanilla. The Marsala of choice for meat, poultry and fish recipes, Florio Dry Marsala is also an elegant wine to serve as an aperitif, particularly with cheese.
Back to Table of COntents
9
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Super-Premium Tier ratings Florio Sweet 88 Points – Best Buy – Editor’s Pick - Wine Enthusiast Monica Larner, March 2011 “This sweet Marsala offers aromas of marron glacé, honey-covered almonds, candied fruit and dried prune. Drink it alone or pair it with an aged Pecorino cheese.”
Back to Table of COntents
10
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
f lo r i o s w e e t m a r s a l a D e s c r i p t i o n s h e e t
Fine Dolce Ambra (sweet) doc Production Area:
Marsala’s township and the coastal strip of the Province of Trapani.
Grape Varieties:
Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia.
Description: Dark amber with hints of dates and apricots. Sweet, full and harmonic with an elegant dried fruit finish. Deep within the heart of Sicily’s sunbelt lies the Marsala region — a place of warm, mineral-rich soil, sea-kissed breezes and an abundance of golden sunshine. Florio Marsalas have been produced in this land for nearly two centuries. Florio continues to reign as America’s #1 premium imported Marsalas. Superb enough to be used in the finest cuisines and at the world’s most prestigious tables, Florio Marsalas have received the “Chefs in America National Gold Medal” for superior food quality for five years. An exceptional Marsala for use in the preparation of desserts. In addition, Florio Sweet Marsala is delicious as an after-dinner wine.
UPC Florio Sweet Marsala
375ml 750ml
0 80516 12126 0 0 80516 12124 6
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
11
S
u
p
e
rP
rP
re e m m i i
u u
m m
TIER
f lo r i o s w e e t m a r s a l a v i NTa g e c a r d
FLORIO
Marsala Fine Ambra Dolce D.O.C. S.p.A. Vin. Italiana S.A.V.I. Florio (Italy) ____________________ Area of Production: Marsala’s township and the coastal strip of the Province of Trapani. Soil: Typical red Sicilian earth, particularly dry and sunny. Grape Varieties: Grillo, with some Inzolia and Catarratto. Production Technique: Harvest in mid-September, medium/soft crushing system, fermentation in stainless steel vats, at a constant and controlled temperature. Matured for over 18 months in Slovenian oak. Characteristics:
Color: Dark amber. Bouquet: Hints of dates and apricots. Taste: Sweet, full, warm and harmonic with an elegant dried fruit finish. Alcohol Content: 18%. Total Acidity: 4.5 g.–5 g. per liter of tartaric acid. The Marsala of choice for fish, poultry and meat preparation. An elegant wine, to serve after-dinner.
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
12
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
f lo r i o d r y m a r s a l a D e s c r i p t i o n s h e e t
Fine Secco Ambra (dry) doc Production Area:
Marsala’s township and the coastal strip of the Province of Trapani.
Grape Varieties:
Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia.
Description: Deep amber with dark gold reflections. Dry and typically fine with delicate hints of raisins and vanilla. Deep within the heart of Sicily’s sunbelt lies the Marsala region — a place of warm, mineral-rich soil, sea-kissed breezes and an abundance of golden sunshine. Florio Marsalas have been produced in this land for nearly two centuries. Florio continues to reign as America’s #1 premium imported Marsalas. Superb enough to be used in the finest cuisines and at the world’s most prestigious tables, Florio Marsalas have received the “Chefs in America National Gold Medal” for superior food quality for five years. Florio Dry is the Marsala of choice for meat, poultry and fish recipes. This wine is also an elegant wine to serve as an aperitif, particularly with cheese.
UPC Florio Dry Marsala
375ml 750ml
0 80516 12176 5 0 80516 12174 1
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
13
S
u
p
e
rP
rP
re e m m i i
u u
m m
TIER
f lo r i o d r y m a r s a l a v i NTa g e c a r d
FLORIO
Marsala Fine Ambra Secco D.O.C. S.p.A. Vin. Italiana S.A.V.I. Florio (Italy) ____________________ Area of Production: Marsala’s township and the coastal strip of the Province of Trapani. Soil: Typical red Sicilian earth, particularly dry and sunny. Grape Varieties: Grillo, with some Inzolia and Catarratto. Production Technique: Harvest in mid-September, medium/soft crushing system, fermentation in stainless steel vats, at a constant and controlled temperature. Matured for over 18 months in Slovenian oak. Characteristics: Color: Amber to light brown. Bouquet: Hints of raisins and vanilla. Taste: Dry, full, harmonic and fervent. Alcohol Content: 18%. Total Acidity: 4.5 g.–5 g. per liter of tartaric acid. The Marsala of choice for fish, poultry and meat preparation. An elegant wine, to serve as an aperitif with cheese.
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
14
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Premium Tier OVERVIEW GRAN CHEF MARSALA FEATURES
Benefits
• Priced to add value to a restaurant’s profitability and to be affordable for everyday cooking at home.
•
• Grapes with high sugar content are medium pressed to obtain optimal aromas and flavors.
Gran Chef is nicely balanced between sweet and dry – “demisec” – and skillfully structured to reduce perfectly during cooking so that it yields a savory, silky sauce for Italian classics like Veal or Chicken Marsala.
• Great for beginner and professional chefs, as well as home cooking.
Tasting Notes Gran Chef Marsala Fine Ambra Demisec DOC: Amber in color with streaks of burnt gold. Unique and intense bouquet of dried fruits with subtle hints of vanilla. Well balanced and intensely flavorful with notes of raisins, bitter almond, and hints of licorice.
Back to Table of COntents
15
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
gran chef description sheet
Gran Chef
Marsala Fine Ambra Demisec DOC Production Area: Hillside vineyards surrounding Marsala, Italy. Grape Variety:
Catarratto.
Description: Amber in color with streaks of burnt gold. Unique and intense bouquet of dried fruits with subtle hints of vanilla. Well balanced and intensely flavorful with notes of raisins, bitter almond, and hints of licorice. Grapes with high sugar content are medium pressed to obtain optimal aromas and flavors. The wine is fortified in temperature-controlled stainless steel and then fortified to give the wine its unique flavor. Gran Chef is a staple in the kitchen for preparing a wide variety of savory and sweet dishes, ranging from sautéed veal and chicken to zabaglione and cannoli shells.
UPC
Gran Chef
750ml
0 80516 39284 4
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
16
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
g r a n c h e f v i n ta g e c a r d
gran chef
Marsala Fine Ambra Demisec DOC D.D.S. S.p.A. (Italy) ____________________ Area of Production: Hillside vineyards surrounding Marsala. Soil: Moderately loosely packed soil. Catarratto.
Grape Variety:
Production Technique: Grapes with high sugar content are medium pressed to obtain optimal aromas and flavors. The wine is fortified in temperature-controlled stainless steel and then fortified to give the wine its unique flavor. Characteristics: Color: Amber with streaks of burnt gold. Bouquet: Unique and intense bouquet of dried fruits with subtle hints of vanilla. Taste: Well balanced and intensely flavorful with notes of raisins, bitter almond, and hints of licorice. Alcohol Content: 17%. A staple in the kitchen for preparing a wide variety of savory and sweet dishes, ranging from sauteed veal and chicken to zabaglione and cannoli shells.
Information may change vintage to vintage. Back to Table of COntents
17
m i s c e l l a n e o u s
Back to Table of COntents
i n f o r m a t i o n
18
