Romano Brands Fine Wines is committed to offering unique, high quality wines that reflect the character of the region from their individual production.

PRESS RELEASE 1.17.20 Romano Brands Appointed Exclusive US Imprter

Plainview, NY – Romano Brands Fine Wines, a nationally licensed importer and New York wholesaler, has been appointed exclusive US importer for three premium brands formerly imported by Banfi Vintners: Cerulli Spinozzi of Abruzzo, I Saltari of Veneto, and Montalbano Bio of Friuli, effective March 1 2020.

Cerulli Spinozzi is a vineyard estate in the hills surrounding Teramo, in the shadow of italy’s Gran Sasso Apennine peak. A historic property, Cerulli Spinozzi is the leading producer of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’s DOCG Colline Teramane, a delimited area considered to have the best conditions for varietal expression. Cortalto Pecorino and Torre Migliori single vineyard Montepulciano di Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG will be joined in the US by Torre Migliori Riserva and the new entry level “Tre Carte” Montepulciano along with a Cerasuolo under the Cortalto label.

I Saltari, a winery in the Mezzane Valley east of Verona, was introduced to the US in 2006 and will maintain its signature Valpolicella Superiore DOC and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG from the cru “Le Vigne di Turano.” The “Saltari” were mercenary vineyard guardians who in the 16^th to 18^th centuries protected the grapes from thieves and bandits. The name today symbolizes the winery’s own defense of tradition and expression of the vineyard’s unique terroir.

Montalbano Bio is Italy’s first certified organic winery, founded in 1985 by the pioneering Mauro Braida. The 21^st century relaunch of the boutique Friuli winery will feature a Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Rosso Venezia Giulia and Refosco.

Earlier this year Romano Brands was appointed importer for Avellino’s Cavalier Pepe, Verona’s Corte Quaiara, Le Vigne di San Pietro, and Villa Canestrari; it has already been importing the wines of Giusti of Veneto, Kin Erbaluce of Piedmont, and Tuvaoes Vermentino by Cherchi of Sardinia.

Romano brands was founded in 1998 by Michael Romano, a certified sommelier and former Banfi sales executive with extensive experience as retailer, restaurateur, wholesaler and producer. Romano, who directed several leading California producers and introduced the premium Cotes de Provence Rosé wines of Chateau Minuty and Maison Belle Claire to the USA, has now returned to his Italian roots in building a portfolio of premium wines from Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany, Puglia, Campania and other premier regions of Italy, including an Italian Rose from the Amalfi Coast.

For further information please contact Romano Brands, 516 681 5159, or visit www.romanobrands.com

I hope you will join us.  Small group (25-30) Sit down lunch after a short reception with additional wines from Tenuta Cavalier Pepe of Campania including their prized Rosé of the Amalfi Coast, and KIN Erbaluce – premium white wine from Piedmont. 

Great food paired with incredible wines!

Open to wine industry professionals.

You’re invited – please be our guest!

Wine luncheon November 6, 2019

at The Leopard at Des Artistes

1 West 67 Street, New York NY 10023

Romano Brands Fine Wines will be hosting a special winery luncheon for a limited amount of qualified wine professionals to showcase some very special, hand crafted wines from Italy.

We will enjoy the artisanal wines of Giovanni Montresor and Corte Quaiara featuring some of his aromatic white wines including his Anfora Pinot Grigio; and GIUSTI Wines featuring their acclaimed Amarone, Ripasso, Chardonnay and Prosecco.

Giusti has received 94 points ratings from James Suckling. (Incredible Amarone! https://youtu.be/b31fjm-UJkk)

Corte Quaiara link – http://www.cortequaiara.it/ unique whites!!

Place of luncheon:  The Leopard at Des Artistes, 1 West 67 Street, New York NY 10023

 Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2018

 Time: 1:30PM SHARP – 4:00PM

*Please RSVP to:MAR@RomanoBrands.com or (646) 710-0730

If you would care to join us, please RSVP immediately.

This event will fill quickly.  Space will be very limited so PLEASE respond quickly

Michael Romano

Romano Brands Inc.

998 C Old Country Road

Suite 415

Plainview, New York 11803

(516) 681-5159 – Office

(516) 932-9463 – Fax

Mar@RomanoBrands.com – email

www.RomanoBrands.com – web

www.SevenFifty.com/RomanoBrands

It is the time of year that Sparkling, Rose and specifically New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc tend to steal the show. And many of us die-hard wine drinkers opt for a good cold brew this time of year.

Whatever you choose helps calm the heat of the summer. Add ceviche, shrimp cocktail, lobster and clams to the menu and you have many ‘matches made in heaven.’

After sampling a dozen bottles of various Albariño styles from the Rias Baixas appellation of northwest Spain, it seemed obvious to me that there is another warm weather wine that is off the radar. That wines name and grape is the same-Albariño.

Albariño, as I mentioned earlier, is the most abundant grape grown in northwest Spain, in the Rias Baixas region. The grape is on its way to stardom, thanks to its clean and fresh, crisp flavor that shines through its complexity.

Albariño is a very likable wine, in part, due to what the locals believe about Albariño. The local sentiment says, ‘Albariño is considered the New World wine of the Old World.’

Translating the statement means a few obvious points to reflect on. Albariño does not age well. It is bottled early to help preserve its freshness and tenacious acidity. Tropical fruits abound in the palate, followed by a mouth cleaning minerality on the long, lingering finish.

Pairing 2 Amigos Albariño with seafood and spicy food was today’s challenge. As you can see from the photo, I marinated raw shrimp, scallops and trout with loads of garlic, red pepper flakes, Serrano peppers and high quality extra virgin olive oil. I added a bay leaf and cooked it in a casserole dish at 425 for 25 minutes.

Add a bottle of 2 Amigos or any other Albariño and you have a near perfect pairing.

For close to $20 a bottle-the range of Albariño varies from $12-$45, you could have your new warm weather wine.

Isn’t it time to add Albariño to your warm weather wine mix?

Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

https://thewinehub.blogspot.com/2018/05/albarino-especially-2amigos-albarino-is.html?m=1

Just outside of the historic city center of Verona , heading north and west towards Lake Garda, you’ll encounter the rolling hills of the Valpolicella region – the name is thought to come from the Greek meaning “Valley of Many Cellars”. It is the second largest producer of quality (DOC) wines. The Valpolicella area encompasses several neighboring valleys that include seven different villages.

Notwithstanding some seriously esoteric exceptions, when it comes to red wine, Valpolicella is dedicated to the production of just three grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. However, as a result of when the grapes are picked and what is done after, the wines can be startlingly different in the bottle.

Welcome: GIUSTI – AMARONE!!  The king of the big red wines of the region.

The Taste of GIUSTI Amarone…. On the palate Giusti Amarone wine has a medium-plus to high acidity balanced with higher alcohol and flavors of rich black cherry, brown sugar and chocolate. By the way, the older the Amarone, the more it will offer flavors of brown sugar, molasses and fig.

After harvesting the grapes for “Tier 1” Valpolicella Classico, they are immediately crushed and fermented. This is a light, high acid red wine; it generally sees no oak aging and provides a perfect match for the traditional local appetizers. I promise – in Verona, even horse tartar is pretty amazing when accompanied by delicious Valpolicella. During the roughly 120 days that this occurs, the grapes will lose 30-40% of their weight. The result is intense concentration and a very high sugar content, which in turn translates into 15% or higher alcohol levels. It also demands a premium price. You can do the math yourself: a hell of a lot more fruit goes into a bottle of Amarone than a bottle of Valpolicella. The drying process demands an investment of time and space on behalf of the winery.

By contrast, the fruit destined to become GIUSTI Amarone takes quite a different journey before reaching the bottle. Grapes are picked a bit later to ensure ripeness – usually in mid-October. Then, they are left all winter to dry into raisins.

How to get great Valpolicella Amarone-like wine for under $70!

GIUSTI also produces Valpolicella Ripasso, often referred to as “Baby Amarone”. To make Ripasso, fresh Valpolicella Classico wine is mingled with leftover skins from Amarone winemaking. The resulting wine absorbs additional body and flavor, giving us a dry, medium-bodied wine with a similar complexity to Amarone at prices below $50! Giusti Ripasso is often mistaken by experts as being Amarone and is far superior to many lesser quality Amarone wines on the market.

More than any other family of wines in Italy, the GIUSTI Valpolicella Ripasso truly offers a perfect companion for every occasion. Regardless of the season, occasion or your budget – you’ll never go wrong.

The famous Wine Writer – James Suckling, awarded a prestigious 92 points to: Giusti Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, and also Giusti Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore and he admits “that good wine should touch the soul like music, literature and love.”

To learn more about GIUST wines contact Michael Romano at Romano Brands – Call 516.681.5159

Cherchi TUVAOES Vermentino has been awarded with the prestigious designation of  “Tre Bicchieri” by the famous Italian wine publication – GAMBERO ROSSO.

The origins of the Vermentino grape are uncertain. It is supposed that many centuries ago, it arrived in Sardinia from Spain, passing through Corsica; while another theory makes its origin go back to the Middle-East, passing by Greece and landing in the Mediterranean islands. The wines developed by this area often have different characteristics, due to the interaction among nature of the ground, climate, workmanships and ample aromatic characters.

The color is brilliant straw yellow rather intense with green tints. Showing deep intensity and persistence of soft floral scents that are enticingly pleasant. Tuvaoes has much strength and freshness, conferred by balanced acidity; it remains warm and soft, thanks to the solid structure. You can find the aromatic qualities to be quite persistent to the last sip. Tuvaoes will develop enhanced flavors with a few years of proper aging. Because of the strong structure of this wine it is an age-worthy white wine.  This wine is ideal for any seafood dish as well as light meats. 

The 2016 vintage is here and ready to ship.  Retail and wholesaler inquires should be directed to Michael Romano at (646) 948-1100

James Suckling awarded a prestigious 92 points to: Giusti Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, and also Giusti Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore and he admits “that good wine should touch the soul like music, literature and love.”

Just outside of the historic city center of Verona , heading north and west towards Lake Garda, you’ll encounter the rolling hills of the Valpolicella region – the name is thought to come from the Greek meaning “valley of many cellars”.  It is the second largest producer of quality (DOC) wines. The Valpolicella area encompasses several neighboring valleys that include seven different villages.

Notwithstanding some seriously esoteric exceptions, when it comes to red wine, Valpolicella is dedicated to the production of just three grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara.  However, as a result of when the grapes are picked and what is done after, the wines can be startlingly different in the bottle.

The founder of Giusti Wine in Italy’s renowned Veneto region, Ermenegildo “Joe” Giusti — splits his time between Calgary and Italy—knows he doesn’t have to check the vineyards. His team has everything under control. “But for me, good isn’t good enough. I want it perfect,” he says. “I want to have Giusti wine to be recognized as the top Italian brand in the world.”

He’s well on his way to achieving his goals, despite the fact the winery was only started in 2002. His team, led by renowned fifth-generation winemaker Marco Pozzobon, makes a full range of reds, whites and Prosecco. The wines are sold in some 20 countries, and they’re winning awards and accolades from publications like Decanter, Drinks Business and Gambero Rosso.

Notwithstanding some seriously esoteric exceptions, when it comes to red wine, Valpolicella is dedicated to the production of just three grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara.  However, as a result of when the grapes are picked and what is done after, the wines can be startlingly different in the bottle.

The Taste of GIUSTI  Amarone. … On the palate Giusti Amarone wine has a  medium-plus to high acidity, perfectly balanced with it’s higher alcohol and flavors of rich black cherry, brown sugar and chocolate. By the way, the older the Amarone, the more it will offer flavors of brown sugar, molasses and fig.  Truly delicious!!

Why is Amarone Wine Expensive and so Very Special?

After harvesting the grapes for ‘Tier 1’ Valpolicella Classico, they are immediately crushed and fermented. This is a light, high acid red wine; it generally sees no oak aging and provides a perfect match for the traditional local appetizers. I promise – in Verona, even horse tartar is pretty amazing when accompanied by delicious Valpolicella.  During the roughly 120 days that this occurs, the grapes will lose 30-40% of their weight. The result is intense concentration and a very high sugar content, which in turn translates into 15% or higher alcohol levels. It also demands a premium price. You can do the math yourself: a hell of a lot more fruit goes into a bottle of Amarone than a bottle of Valpolicella. The drying process demands an investment of time and space on behalf of the winery.

By contrast, the fruit destined to become GIUSTI Amarone takes quite a different journey before reaching the bottle. Grapes are picked a bit later to ensure ripeness – usually in mid-October. Then, they are left all winter to dry into raisins.

How to get great Valpolicella Amarone-like wine for under $70!

GIUSTI also produces Valpolicella Ripasso, often referred to as “Baby Amarone”. To make Ripasso, fresh Valpolicella Classico wine is mingled with leftover skins from Amarone winemaking. The resulting wine absorbs additional body and flavor, giving us a dry, medium-bodied wine with a similar complexity to Amarone at prices below $50!  Giusti Ripasso is often mistaken by experts as being Amarone and is far superior to many lesser quality Amarone wines on the market.

More than any other family of wines in Italy, the GIUSTI Valpolicella Ripasso truly offers a perfect companion for every occasion. Regardless of the season, occasion or your budget – you’ll never go wrong.

Giusti now owns almost 20% of the land in Italy’s designated Prosecco DOCG region, a major feat, considering some of the other wineries date back hundreds of years. Then again, Giusti’s own family goes back many generations in the region.

Giusti produces the finest quality Prosecco wines and Romano Brands will be introducing two of Giusti’s finest – the “Rosalia” DOC, and the Giusti  Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry.

GIUSTI Wines will be exclusively imported into the United States through Romano Brands and retail and wholesaler inquiries should be directed to Michael Romano at (516) 681-5159.

There is no greater Sancerre produced – PERIOD!

The world’s finest Sancerre made – Joseph Mellot Cuvée “Pierre Etienne”

Just released February 2018 and received in the USA is the 2015 vintage.

Domain Joseph Mellot is recognized as the world’s benchmark of exceptional quality Sauvignon Blanc in over 40 countries around the world.  Producing fine wines from Sancerre, Domain Joseph Mellot is an ambassador for the best Sancerre of the Loire Valley.

This historic 500 year old family owned estate in Sancerre, has become a specialist in the production of Great Wines from Center Loire Valley thanks to its unrivaled know how.  Joseph Mellot wines express the quintessence of each of their terroirs.

The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are harvested by hand, sorted and pressed with care. The grape-must is fermented and aged in oak barrels (of which 30% are new) in historic cellars in the heart of Sancerre. An exceptional terroir, wood (barrels) from local forests and the climatic conditions of the cellars begin the alchemy. Fermentation lasts two months; maturing requires another two years of patience. All of this enables the minerality of the terroir to be expressed in harmony with a delicate softness developed through ageing on the lees.

This is a wood-aged wine, named after the founder of the Mellot dynasty in the 16th century. It is richly endowed, packed with fine white fruit that contrasts with the stony steely texture. There is a great tang of acidity and orange zest at the end. The wine is still young and will repay cellaring until at least 2022.

The bottle is a replica of a historical Sancerre bottle. The labels are reproductions of labels from the 1930’s.  This is the absolute finest Sancerre available in the world.

A must-have wine for restaurants who take serious pride in their offerings, and for the true wine aficionado to savor with someone dear. 

The benchmark for Sancerre – Joseph Mellot Cuvée “Pierre Etienne”

Romano Brands is seeking fine wine distributors/importers throughout the United States and international markets.

Romano Brands Fine Wines is an exclusive USA importer and producer of fine wines that have proven success and exceptional pedigree.

SAMPLES and pricing are available by request.

Some of the available brands via FOB Western Carriers NJ (Direct Import & Ex-cellars pricing also available) are:

• 2 AMIGOS (SPAIN) – The finest Albariño available from Spain’s prized area of Rias Baixis

• BIG BEAST WINES (FRANCE) – New and exciting brand featuring premium red & white wine from France.  Thought provoking, eye appealing and whimsical label for a serious BIG Red wine.

• CECCHERINI of Tuscany (ITALY) – Not the ordinary – from coastal Toscana, the indigenous, organic wines produced are Pugnitello, Ciliegiolo, and more.

• GIUSTI (ITALY) – Finest Amarone and Ripasso made…PERIOD!! Prosecco of highest quality too – DOCG.

Interested Distributors and Importers should contact Michael Romano at:

(+1) 516.681.5159

Romano Brands Fine Wines is proud to announce the upcoming arrival of the finest white wine offered from Spain: 2 AMIGOS Albariño D.O. Rias Baixas.

Hailing from the prized Rias Baixas area of the northwestern area of the Iberian Peninsula, 2 Amigos brand of Albariño is the story of two explorers, two world travelers and two great friends. This is the story of a journey…that thirty years of friendship made this project possible.

During all this time, these best of friends, Henri and Rob, have shared all types of personal and professional experiences, projects, successes as well as failures that have left their mark.

All of this has made them, and their friendship, what it is today. They wanted their 2 AMIGOS wine to stand out for its great quality and naturalness. They have taken advantage of the land that has been in their families for more than 300 years, remaining very conscious of the gift nature that has provided them the location of their vines, which together with the knowledge and experienced handed down, generation to generation of wine makers, has truly made 2 AMIGOS a wine treasure.

Each bottle of 2 AMIGOS exemplifies the history of several generations – the stories, memories, anecdotes, traditions that pass from grandparents to grandchildren as well as the secrets that the wine storage  barrels maintain after the passage of time. The origins, experience and vitality with which, to this day, continues to extract the most out of the fruits of the Galician land, lending 2 AMIGOS it’s unique, delightful  flavor and character.

2 AMIGOS Albariño wine belongs to the Rías Baixas Designation of Origin, made with local indigenous grape: Albariño. A natural and young wine, 2 AMIGOS should be enjoyed 1 to 3 years from the vintage date, while the fresh aromas of white peach, apricot, citrus and jasmine still prevail in a dry, lively, fruity place with a mineral finish of firm acidity.  However, please note that the wine can age pleasantly for an additional five years thereafter with proper cellaring.

Fine wine connoisseurs, wine aficionados, and everyday wine enthusiasts are aware that Albariño wine comes from Spain. It is the Galician area of Spain that continues to enjoy an image of being wine producing area that exudes fun, excitement, and an innovative style that is modern and yet traditional in superior quality. This area of Spain is viewed as producing products which offer good value and high quality. Consumers are looking for a safe wine adventure when trying a new wine, especially undiscovered regions or lesser known varietals. Another strong advantage for 2 AMIGOS wine is the delightful aromatic nose, refreshing taste and bone-dry character which complements most current food trends.

Romano Brands Fine Wines will be the exclusive United States importer of 2 AMIGOS and will actively be seeking distributors for 2 AMIGOS Albariño.  Wine shops and restaurants interested in sampling 2 AMIGOS should contact Romano Brands at 516 681-5159 or email at MAR@RomanoBrands.com.  Consumers should ask their favorite wine provider for 2 AMIGOS by name, accepting NO substitutes!

Robert Parker’s “Wine Advocate” touts Rocca Family Vineyards and awards high scores for two outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon’s!

In 1999 the two owners Mary Rocca and Eric Grigsby purchased the 21 acre property after a 3 year search for the “ideal” Napa Valley vineyard site.  Mary called upon renowned winemaker Celia Welch, then Celia Masyczek to produce the label’s first vintages.

The debut bottling was the 2000 Syrah, a varietal which to this day garners praise and awards for the Rocca family. But Rocca really got on the map in 2002, when its Grigsby Vineyard Cabernet came in #1 in a blind tasting of 12 Rising Star Cabernets.

Later, the wine was taken with a group of 12 other Cabernets to show in France’s 12 Best Cabernets from California. It came in #1 over there as well. Finally, those same 12 Cabs had another blind tasting competition in SF to see how they would rank by American consumers. It came in #1 again!

Rocca’s star was rising fast. But so far they have been much under the radar, but I have a feeling that this will change soon. The current winemaker Paul Colantuoni worked for many years under Celia Welch and has taken a few pages out of her “note book” and it shows with the new wines.

ROCCA Tesorina 2013v – 95 Pts- Robert Parker

Rocca 2013 Tesorina is everything you’d expect from their flagship bottling – the “little treasure” – from one of the most extraordinary vintages Napa Valley has ever seen.  We consider it the most complete, profound, utterly beautiful wine we’ve produced to date.  There’s a deep, rich core of sweet black cherry and wild blackberry fruit here, with fascinating complexity that comes from prominent spice notes, hints of spring flowers and graphite and rock dust, and a significant melted chocolate component.

On the palate this is full-bodied, densely packed stuff, with serious depth and substance.  In a perfect reflection of this very special vintage, though, the wine expresses its richness and concentration with exquisite balance and elegance.  The texture of this wine is simply extraordinary.  It’s gorgeously lush and sumptuous, and it finishes with rich, beautifully polished tannins that are reminiscent of the softest cashmere.  This is an iconic expression of a truly exceptional vintage in Napa Valley, and we hope you’ll treasure it for many years to come.

ROCCA Grigsby Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013-  94 Pts–Robert Parker

The  2013 Grigsby Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is the deepest, richest, most complete and balanced version of this wine Rocca has ever produced.  It shows gorgeous weight and density, supported by the exquisitely resolved tannins of the extraordinary 2013 vintage.

The overall theme here is one of perfectly ripe dark red fruit, especially sweet black cherries, beautifully complemented by sophisticated spice and floral elements as well as prominent notes of vineyard dust and rock quarry dust.  The quality of the vintage is particularly evident on the mid-palate, where tremendous richness perfectly matches the luscious black cherry flavors, and on a highly polished, silky smooth finish that seems to last forever.  This is one that you can enjoy for a long, long time to come.

Robert Parker 94 Points The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Grigsby Vineyard from Yountville is a softer, almost Margaux-style of wine compared to the Coombsville. The wine offers Asian plum sauce, a touch of ripe, black cherries and blackcurrants, background smoky oak and a nice fleshy full-bodied mouthfeel with velvety tannins and well-integrated acidity, wood and alcohol. This is a beauty that can be drunk now, or cellared for another 15 years.”

Both of these award winning wines are produced in very limited quantities.

Rocca wines are available in New York exclusively through Romano Brands Fine wines.

Contact Michael Romano at (646) 948-1100 for additional information.