Gaja, Sassicaia, Masi, Jermann, Donnafugata, Alois Lageder … and More

The wealth of wine excellence present in the Crystal Ballroom in Houston’s Rice Hotel the other day was so profound that I, upon recounting my experience to several associates, was met with overt disbelief. “You are mad,” one said. “Are you day drinking?” asked another.

Well, I am not mad, and had not had a drop of alcohol before speaking to my two doubters. I had, however, on that day talked with Alois Clemens Lageder about Rudolf Steiner and biodynamic farming; met Priscilla Incisa della Rochetta and tasted with her; enjoyed Ben Ryé with Antonio Rallo; and discussed the pleasures found in Umbria with Chiara Lungarotti. And that merely scratches the surface of the day’s interactions.

A panel of excellence (Photo by The Brockhaus)

The occasion was a tasting organized by the Instituto del Vino Italiano di Qualità – Grandi Marchi — here’s the complete lineup, and, as I wrote, it’s an impressive one: Alois Lageder, Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari Tenute, Antinori, Argiolas, Col d’Orcia, Ca’ del Bosco, Carpenè Malvolti, Donnafugata, Gaja, Jermann, Lungarotti, Masi, Mastroberardino, Michele Chiarlo, Pio Cesare, Rivera, Tasca d’Almerita, Tenuta San Guido, and Umani Ronchi.

Antonio Rallo and a bottle of Ben Ryé. (Photo by The Brockhaus)

Jeremy Parzen (click his name at left for the Wine Talk featuring Parzen) led the tasting and did a great job of keeping things on schedule and interesting, and the representatives of the wineries were engaging and generous with their time. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting most of the wines poured on the day, but not necessarily the same vintages, and seeing them all arrayed in one setting in front of me was a warming experience.

Priscilla Incisa della Rochetta and her family’s wines. (Photo by The Brockhaus)

The Grand Marchi  departed Houston the following day en route to Boston, then New York, for the storied New York Wine Experience. Next up for me? Putting together an itinerary that includes visits to each of these producers’ wineries.