Gambero Rosso and the Pasini Giovanni winery
Last week the usual Gambero Rosso 3 Bicchieri Canada event took place in Vancouver, wonderfully well organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce. Habit leads me to always arrive early, the reason is always very simple, since there are no crowds I can talk calmly with importers and wineries. Wandering among the exhibition stands I tasted excellent wines, but curiosity made me
stop at the Pasini Giovanni Winery Stand for two reasons, one is Lombard like I am, it is in the Brescia area very close to Verona and Mantua where I have many relatives, but the most important that struck me are the bottles and their labels, it may seem strange but I think that the smallest details always make the difference, putting the smallest details in the exterior, means that the same philosophy has also been adopted for the product in the bottle.
The history of this Winery began in 1940 when Andrea and Amelia Pasini opened a tavern where it was possible to buy wine. But in 1958 Andrea opened the first winery in via Volta in Brescia. Bruno, Andrea’s youngest son, graduated in oenology in 1964 and joined his brothers Diego and Giuseppe in running the winery. 1967 The winery grew, moving to San Zeno Naviglio in the immediate outskirts of Brescia.
1977 They purchased 15 hectares of vineyards and the San Giovanni farmhouse, Pasini San Giovanni became the architect of the entire supply chain, producing grapes and making wine in Raffa di Puegnago del Garda.
Our first non-dosed classic method sparkling wine dates back to 1980 (Non Dosato is also known as Pas Dosé or Dosaggio Zero, it is a type of sparkling wine that does not contain added sugars after the second fermentation. This approach gives the wine a dryness and purity of flavor that make it particularly appreciated. During the production process, the wine is fermented in the bottle and, after disgorging, no liqueur d’expedition is added, thus resulting in a more authentic and natural expression of the territory of origin25. Pas Dosé sparkling wines are increasingly appreciated for their quality and for maintaining the characteristics of the chosen grape variety, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a sparkling wine with an intense and fresh flavor4.)
1981 our first red wine “riserva”, which bears the name of Cascina San Giovanni. San Gioan I Carati is born.
1991 they proceed to purchase an additional 12 hectares of vineyards in Picedo di Polpenazze, a hamlet with a particular vocation for the production of high-end wines.
1992 Luca and Paolo (who I was lucky enough to meet), sons of Diego and Bruno, start the third generation at the helm of the company.
1998 8 hectares of land are purchased and planted as vineyards in Peschiera del Garda, in the heart of Lugana. Finally the company produces exclusively its own grapes.
2002 The new and modern cellar is inaugurated, adjacent to the San Giovanni farmhouse.
In 2008 they produced One-hundred-per-cent Extra Brut, the first Classic Method sparkling wine from Groppello grapes vinified in white, which I was not lucky enough to taste at this event as I am also a lover of wines vinified in white
2009 Always with respect for the environment, the 90 kw photovoltaic system comes into operation,
they join ita.ca for the control of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and organic experimentation begins.
In 2012 and 2013 their cousins also join them and create a great team
In 2014 After getting used to good agronomic practices they receive the first organic certifications. Rosagreen is born. Organic from the start, it is the first Valtènesi rosé from only Groppello grapes in the history of Garda.
In 2016, the “tirage” of Drying 326 Rosé marks a new step: for the first time, there is also Erbamat! (Erbamat is an ancient native vine of Brescia, long forgotten and only recently rediscovered. Erbamat is present above all in the area of Garda Lake, where it has recently entered the ampelographic composition of classic method sparkling wines).
2018 is the year of the sixtieth anniversary of the winery, which presents itself with the Suspended Vineyard, the first installation open to the public, in the courtyard of the winery.
2019 They dedicate a small part of their vineyard “sguazza” to Prior, a new piwi variety to do some experimentation with. PIWI varieties are a class of fungal disease-resistant grape varieties, offering high resistance to diseases such as Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew. Modern PIWI varieties are designed to offer a level of quality ever closer to that of traditional grape varieties, making PIWI wines virtually indistinguishable from wines made from traditional varieties.6 PIWI varieties are used to produce attractive wines that are produced sustainably, reducing the use of pesticides and protecting the environment.
2021 marks the debut of Lettera C 2019 which brings the first Tre Bicchieri Gambero Rosso di Pasini San Giovanni to the family. A prestigious recognition.
At this event I tasted some excellent wines, clearly the entire range of wines produced could not be present. This particular Terroir allows the Pasini winery to produce wonderful wines, always maintaining great respect for the environment. To find these wines, you can find the information at the importer SEACOVE https://seacove.com/italy-pasini/