I jokingly call the Pasqua brothers the “Bad Boys of Verona." In reality, Alessandro and Riccardo are absolute gentlemen, but they do love to shake things up. Many people in the wine world talk about experimentation and innovation, but the Pasquas actually do it. Their cheekily named wine, Hey French, You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t ($40), is a perfect example of their wicked sense of humor and commitment to crafting fine wine.
A blend of mostly Garganega, rounded out with Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon, Hey French is a multi-vintage wine and combines 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017 – considered the four best vintages of the last decade. The grapes were sourced from the easternmost section of Soave Classico, on the Veronese side of Monte Calvarina.
You can taste the influence of the rich volcanic soils in this beautifully textured vino. This is no wimpy white wine. Hey French has vibrant flavors of golden apple, quince, lemon zest, chamomile, and a hint of tropical fruit and almond. A touch of salinity really brings the fruit flavors alive and the minerality is tangible. The finish is delightfully long.
Wondering about the vinification? According to Pasqua, “For each year selected, the vinification of white grapes takes place with maceration on the skins for about 10 hours. Later, alcoholic fermentation is activated with selected yeasts at low temperatures. A partial malolactic fermentation follows with approximately 10% of the product in barriques. The process continues with aging in second-use wood for about 6 months. Then the wine is placed in steel tanks for further refinement.”
Hey French is a cheeky tribute to the French winemakers and regions that inspire the Pasqua brothers. The quirky label was created by French-Cuban artist CB Hoyo. How do the French feel about Hey French? Alessandro Pasqua said, “Luckily, there are many who enjoy a good joke! The first account to take this wine was a Michelin-starred French restaurant!”
I love a creative and beautifully crafted wine with a sense of humor, and Hey French is a winner. The photo of yours truly with the Pasqua brothers is from 2019. Looking forward to tasting again with them one day!
