Wine Tasting in Geneva - Italian Excellence
- tdarlington
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Exploring Family-Run Wineries and Outstanding Wines at the “Taste of Italy” Event.
The recent “Taste of Italy” wine event hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce Geneva was a true celebration of Italy’s rich vinicultural heritage. The showcase brought together a remarkable selection of small, predominantly family-run wineries from across Italy, offering visitors the chance to discover both familiar favourites and hidden gems.
What struck me most was the sheer dedication and passion evident in every producer present. Crafting exceptional wine clearly demands more than just expertise; it requires devotion, hard work, a deep respect for the land, and an unwavering love for the craft. Each winemaker’s commitment shone through in the quality and character of the wines on offer.
Old Friends and New Discoveries
Reconnecting with familiar wineries like Villa Santa Anna was a pleasure, their consistently outstanding wines remain a regular fixture on our dinner table. Yet, what made the event truly special was the opportunity to meet other producers who share an equally infectious passion for wine making.
A favourite for many years Villa S. Anna
This female-operated winery is recognised for its commitment to producing high-quality Nobile di Montepulciano. The entire range of wines is suitable for a variety of dining occasions.
Poldo exhibits a deep ruby red colour with aromas of dried cherries, orange peel, earth and violet. With maturation, the wine develops additional notes of cedar, tobacco, espresso and liquorice. It features a medium to full body and robust structure, offering flavours of black cherry, plum and other red fruits. Its velvety tannins and persistent finish contribute to its distinguished profile.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG presents a deep ruby red hue that may display garnet or brownish tones as it ages. The wine is characterised by ripe black cherry, red currant and toasted nuances. It demonstrates a soft warmth and a dense tannic texture, complemented by flavour notes such as sour cherry, orange zest, star anise, liquorice and espresso. The balanced acidity imparts freshness and a linear structure, while fine-grained tannins result in a pleasant finish.
Barcinello A Maremma Gem
The Maremma region in Tuscany, close to my heart, was well represented by Barcinello Tuscan Boutique Winery.
Although Tuscany is famed for its reds, Barcinello’s Fiano Organic IGT Toscana proved a delightful revelation. This aromatic white boasts notes of white flowers, pear with subtle hints of basil and sage. The winery’s unique use of dry ice during harvesting preserves maximum flavour, making this a Tuscan white I’ll be enthusiastically recommending.
Barcinello also excels in reds, particularly with their organic Morellino di Scansano DOCG. This approachable wine bursts with ripe cherry, blackberry, and plum, accompanied by balsamic and spicy undertones. Soft tannins and a fresh, mineral finish make it ideal for easy drinking.
My personal highlight from Barcinello was the Mostrosacro (Sacred Monster) Maremma Toscana DOC. Its intense ruby hue and depth of flavour, dark fruits and a whisper of vanilla are balanced by gentle tannins and a vibrant mineral freshness. A wine of intriguing complexity.
Maremma’s Rising Stars Due Sassi
Another standout from Maremma was Due Sassi, a small winery with a big heart. Their Toscana Vermentino DOC “TraMonti e Mare Maremma” was a pleasant surprise crisp, floral and refreshingly easy to drink, with notes of wild herbs and peach, complemented by lively acidity and a distinct mineral character.
Ciliegiolo TraMonti e Mare Maremma Toscana offered a vibrant ruby colour and a medley of plum, red berries, thyme, tobacco, and vanilla. The palate was lively, with soft tannins and a fresh medium finish.
Dietro la Collina Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG presented a classic Tuscan profile deep ruby, sometimes garnet, with red fruits, cherry, rose, cinnamon, and earthy notes. Firm, velvety tannins and a long, spicy finish rounded out this traditional expression
Cafaggiolo A Liquid Homage to the Medici Legacy
Heading north to Mugello, Cafaggiolo winery pays tribute to the illustrious Medici family. Their philosophy is encapsulated in the idea of “Vin–eage”- wines as a liquid metaphor for the Medici bloodline. Each label is steeped in history, for instance, Averardo Pinot Nero honours the legendary knight whose story is intertwined with the Medici’s rise. This wine offers intense ruby colour, cherry, raspberry, spice, jam, leather and coffee, with medium-high tannins and refreshing acidity, a true Pinot Noir with a Tuscan twist.
Fortuni Pinot Nero is a nod to di Bicci’s lasting influence, featuring a ruby hue, cherry, berries and spicy balsamic notes. It’s full-bodied, smooth and well balanced.
My favourite, Pater Patriae, selected from the estate’s finest vines to honour Cosimo’s completion of Florence’s famous Duomo dome. This intense, full-bodied Pinot Nero dazzles with raspberry, rose, tobacco, leather and spice, delivering impressive structure and length.
Umbrian Neighbour, Azienda Agricola Poggio Petroso
May Umbria Sangiovese, the winery’s flagship offering, delivers exceptional quality that reflects the dedication of its winemaker.
This wine presents a medium ruby hue with pronounced intensity. Its aromatic profile highlights wild cherries, black plums and dried figs, complemented by herbal, gamey, and spicy undertones imparted through French oak aging. On the palate, it displays firm, ripe tannins and vibrant acidity, resulting in a robust structure with a long, complex finish.
Beyond Tuscany Ca’dei Boz and the Prosecco Standout
Not all stars hailed from Tuscany. Ca’dei Boz of Treviso brought a youthful energy and impressive Prosecco prowess. Their Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG impressed me with its bouquet of green apple and pear, floral undertones of wisteria, rose and lily, with a crisp, harmonious texture. The wine is fresh, elegant and boasts a clean, fruity finish, with just the right touch of minerality. Very enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
The “Taste of Italy” event was a testament to the dedication and artistry behind Italian wine. Whether reuniting with familiar favourites or discovering new treasures, the evening was a memorable journey through the landscapes, histories and passions that shape every bottle. The wineries represented all had a common thread - the need to support small family-operated wineries, this is essential for the development of wines these businesses often preserve traditional winemaking techniques, foster innovation and contribute to local economies. I left with a yearning to visit the wineries and with a new list of wines to recommend and enjoy.
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