The Event: Toronto launch of Vignamaggio Monna Lisa Chianti Classico in Ontario

The Date and Time: Wednesday, September 17, 2014   5PM to 7PM

The Event: Toronto launch of Vignamaggio Monna Lisa Chianti Classico in Ontario, repped by H.H.D. Imports, and hosted by Carla Bani, the Vignamaggio Estate Diector.

The Venue: Grano

The Target Audience: wine media and opinion makers.

The Availability/Catalogue: Vignamaggio Monna Lisa Chianti Classico 2011 is General List +3781323, $19.85.

The Quote/Background: Vignamaggio (Greve) was once the estate of Monna Lisa Gherardini's family (she was born in 1479). The estate was sold in 1500, but the young Monna Lisa was painted by Da Vinci at the estate, with a background of vineyards and castles. Previously, in Ontario, the Reserve level was available as Castello di Monna Lisa, but it was felt that proper marketing would be best with a regular (and affordable) Monna Lisa Chianti Classico. It's under $20 and 100% sangiovese. The 2011 showed depth in its dark red sourish cherries, anise, some leather and spices in the background. Balanced tannins suggest early rather than later drinking. Medium fruit on the palate, but some kick in the finish for tomato based foods. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Other wines made by the company, but not available at the tasting, include the renowned IGT Toscana wine, Obsession.

The Food: prosciutto and bread sticks; potatoes and ground beef; pizza strips; crostini with liver; eggplant pouches; croquettes; grapes with goat cheese and pistachios; prunes with walnuts and gorgonzola (best accompaniment of these apps, in my opinion).

The Downside: it was just the one wine.

The Upside: we had time to focus with Carla Bani.

The Contact Person: info@hhdimports.com  carla@vignamaggio.com carla@vignamaggio.com;

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com