A summer tradition in Tuscany, JamesSuckling.com’s Magnum Party gathered some of the biggest names in the wine industry for a celebration filled with food and tastings on July 23. Top winemakers and old vintner friends from all over Italy joined us at our new tasting room in San Guistino Valdarno to enjoy great wine and good company. The annual party did not only offer vintners a chance to relax and celebrate outstanding wines together, but also an opportunity for them to check out the new space where we’ll be tasting from now on as a team in Italy. It looks more like a New York or Seattle loft than something in Tuscany!
More than 350 vintners, winemakers and industry professionals attended the occasion, including Albiera Antinori, Testamatta owner Bibi Graetz, legendary consultant Stefano Chioccioli, Lamberto Frescobaldi, Francesco Ricasoli and Gottfried Pollinger of Nals Margreid. From Alto Adige to Sicily, each producer brought a bottle of their favorite magnum to share and enjoy with friends and colleagues. The mood was upbeat as we were all mingling and sampling from an astounding array of more than 250 magnums, which were all lined up in the center of our new tasting room. To name a few of the choice bottlings: Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano Riserva 2007, Jermann Venezia-Giulia Where Dreams Have No End 2015 and Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2015.
A party wouldn’t be complete without great food to share, and the nearby Tuscan legend restaurant Acquolina laid out an impressive selection of grilled meats from massive t-bones to sausages. There was plenty of small bites on hand as well, from cold appetizers to decadent cheeses and handmade Naples ice cream. Vintners enjoyed the party well into the night, drinking wine and sharing stories. Contributing editor Nick Stock event flew in from his tastings in Champagne to be the DJ.
For many, the party was an occasion to catch up with both old and new friends in the industry. In between bites and sips, we also discussed our thoughts on the latest releases and recent vintages. James delivered a 10-minute speech talking about his 20 years tasting and living in the region as well as the future of Asia as a fine wine market, particularly Mainland China. We can’t wait to share our upcoming tasting reports with you!
Marco Bacci, owner of Castello di Bossi and Renieri; Antonio Moretti, owner of Sette Ponti, Orma and Feudo Maccari; Nadia Zenato, owner of Zenato.
Thank you for joining us! Hope all is well!
Best,
Rachel
Great Wines, great food and great people!
Cosimo
Grande rammarico non aver potuto incontrare gli amici produttori e sopra tutto James ,. al quale va il nostro plauso per l'organizzazione e per l' attività da Lui svolta. Spero di poter esserci il prossimo anno .
Grazie James e grazie anche a tutti i Toui Collaboratori .
Ettore - Sesta di Sopra -