Brothers, business partners, and the nicest bad boys you'll ever meet, Alessandro and Riccardo Pasqua.
Brothers Alessandro and Riccardo Pasqua are rebels with an admirable cause: save a historic family winery that was floundering. Disruptive in the best sense of the word, when they took charge of Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine in 2014, they knew that defying convention would be the secret to their success. And they were right. Under their leadership, Pasqua has been garnering attention and accolades for their innovative and high-quality wines.
In 1925, the first generation of Pasqua brothers ventured from their homeland of Apulia in the south of Italy to prosperous Verona, in the northern Veneto region. Alessandro and Riccardo represent the third-generation and their creativity and business savvy have taken Pasqua to new heights. “I’d like to make Pasqua the 'Ambassador of Italian cool,’ the coolest, most disruptive winemaker in Italy, with wineries located in all the iconic areas of the country,” said Riccardo, the elder brother and CEO, or more accurately, Disruptor-in-Chief of the company. Alessandro, co-owner and VP of the Americas, oversees the US market from NYC.
Founded in the 1st century BC and forever famous as the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, beautiful Verona is steeped in history and tradition. One of Italy's most important winemaking regions; its rolling hills outside of the city center are the cradle of Amarone and Soave wines. Pasqua had everything they needed to succeed but Riccardo said, "When I joined Pasqua in 2007, the winery was struggling: Year after year we were losing market share, and a divided board of two against two didn’t help. Plus, in the U.S. we were doing nothing.” My how times have changed -- Pasqua wines are now available in more than 50 countries and the US is their biggest market.
Romeo & Juliet Passione Sentimento Bianco Veneto IGT 2017 ($16) is the perfect starting point for understanding Pasqua's unconventional approach to winemaking. The Valpolicella region is renowned for majestic and unique Amarone wine - a robust red made from dried grapes. Pasqua applies that drying technique, known as appassimento, to Garganega grapes to create this sensational white wine. Garganega is the grape used to make the region's traditional Soave wine, so Romeo and Juliet pays a nod to both traditions in a deliciously disruptive fashion. The drying process concentrates the flavors of the grapes and this wine balances that richness with freshness. The wine is round and luscious with great acidity and beautiful citrus and tropical flavors with a hint of almond and cream. Dedicated to Verona's status as a romantic city, the colorful label pays homage to Shakespeare's ill-fated lovers and the messages left by visitors to Verona at Juliet’s house on Cappello Street.
Romeo & Juliet Passione Sentimento Rosso Veneto IGT 2017 ($16) beautifully melds tradition and modernity. Corvina, one of the traditional Amarone grapes, is blended with Croatina and Merlot. A portion of the Merlot and Corvina is dried (appassimento) in small crates in the fruttaio, an airy room above the cellar, to concentrate their sugars and fruits. This rich juice is then blended with that of the non-dried grapes. The end result of this incredibly intricate winemaking technique is a juicy red with velvety tannins and bold cherry and plum flavors with a kiss of spice and mint. It truly over-delivers for $16!
The best Amarone wines balance power and richness with grace -- Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2011 ($100) hits the mark. Mai Dire Mai translates to 'never say never'. A blend of dried Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes from mineral-rich soils, the robust nature of the wine is balanced by refreshing acidity. Bold dark berry flavors are balanced by lively acidity and kisses of chocolate, clove, espresso, and herbs. Sultry and superb!
Mom always told me to stay away from bad boys but even she would approve of the Pasqua brothers. Their commitment to family and crafting unique but authentic wines is admirable. After our meeting, I certainly felt inspired to continue following my passions. On my next trip to Verona, I'll be sure to pay Pasqua winery a visit. I know my visit will have a happier ending than Romeo and Juliet!
