Amb. Claudio Bisogniero, Rep. Mike Thompson
Top Italian wine producers recently hosted on Capitol Hill a wine-tasting for the Congressional Wine Caucus and other members of Congress.
Congressman Mike Thompson, who with Congressman Dan Lungren, is the co-chair of the Wine Caucus, said that it was “an historic event” because it was only the second time that a country had come to the Capitol to show off their wines. Thompson referred to Italy a “one of our greatest allies.” Italian Ambassador, Claudio Bisogniero said in his
remarks that Italy is now the number one exporter of wines to the United States. “Wine is an essential element of our culture,” said Bisogniero, and will be one of the highlights in 2013 for the year of Italian Culture in the United States.
A number of Congressmen dropped by to taste wines, including Rep. Pat Tiberi and Rep. Bill Pascrell, who are the co-chairs of the Italian American Congressional Delegation.
The six Italian wine companies that participated at the wine tasting were: Cantina Castello Banfi, represented by Cristina Mariani-May; Cantina Allegrini, represented by Marilisa Allegrini (Co-Owner); Cantina Terredora, Mariella Mastroberardino (Co-Owner); Cantine Ferrari, represented by Matteo Lunelli (President); Casa Vinicola Zonin/Barboursville Vineyards represented by Luca Paschini; and Gruppo Italiano Vini represented by Odila Galer-Noel (Assistant Vice-President).
We certainly enjoyed tasting great wines, including a wonderful sparkling wine from Ferrari, Castello Banfi’s 2007 Brunello di Montalcino, one of our favorite, and a robust 2009 Banfi Belnero. We loved the Amarone from Allegrini and we also enjoyed a 2005 Taurasi from Torredora Winery.
The event held on July 19, 2012, was sponsored by Vinitaly, Verona Fiere, and the Embassy of Italy.
