Press Room

For Immediate Release

January 9^th 2012

From: Jack Cacciato

WineWave -Marchesi Di Barolo Assignments.

It is with excitement and enthusiasm that I am proud to announce a new venture and relationship at WineWave. As of March 1^st 2012, WineWave will operate as Marchesi di Barolo’s Exclusive US Brand Agent & assignment for the Importing and Distribution responsibilities will be given to Frederick Wildman & Sons.  This new assignment will allow WineWave to work closely with the Wildman Sales and Marketing group and offer Marchesi di Barolo the resources and executions afforded by the Wildman Fine Wine Team and their vast distribution relationships.

Over the past three years, WineWave has focused on emphasizing the relevance & pedigree of Marchesi di Barolo within the Fine Wine World.  The attention given towards  the estate’s most treasured single vineyard wines such as Barolo Cannubi and Sarmassa Barolo, as well as the emphasis on the exceptional quality and value for the entire range which include Gavi, Barbera Ruvei, Dolcetto Madonna di Como and Moscato Zagara has become synonymous with the Quality, Class, Pedigree & Innovation of this historic Estate. With the added advantages of this new venture, Frederick Wildman will continue this mission & enable additional growth across the US Fine Wine Market for Marchesi di Barolo. 

Over the past three years, WineWave has enjoyed the business opportunities of representing this prestigious Italian estate and the affection and rapport we have developed with the Abbona family, owners of Marchesi Di Barolo. We look forward to many more years of building on this relationship.

An added bonus for me personally is that this will mark the first time in our careers that both my brother Richard Cacciato and I will be collaborating together in this new business relationship.

Please join me in congratulating the Wildman Team on this exciting new venture.

Sincerely,

Jack Cacciato

President

WineWave

At WineWave, we take this ideology to heart & our Holiday selections are chosen specifically to punctuate either a certain town…a delectable flavor…an incredible family or a desirable value. 

For the past 18 years our Family has prided itself on translating the stories & personalities of the 20 family owned wineries that we represent.  Quality, Class, Pedigree & Innovation are characteristics that remain central to our everyday endeavors  & make us successful year after year. Our unique offerings boast small towns and native grapes that are TRULY a gift to be gotten.  So, from their families, to our family, to yours…We wish you a truly Happy & Healthy Holiday Season. 

Salute!

Christina Cacciato

(All selections fall within the $15-$35 price range at your local retailer)

Villa Crespia, Franciacorta DOCG ‘Novalia’:  Made in the traditional ‘Champagne Method’ – Franciacorta hails from the provence of Brescia, south of Lake Iseo in the Region of Lombardy.  A Premium sparkling iwne from Italy & noted for its perfect perlage….Novalia IS the start of any celebration.  Whether as a toast or paired with your first course, the livly acidity and hints of lemon rind will surly make your festivities sparkle.

Marchesi di Barolo, Gavi DOCG:  From the prestigious house where Barolo was born, comes the most famous white wine of the region.  In Northwestern Italy, where Big Bold Barolo’s & Barbaresco’s reign, Gavi (named after the production zone which encompases the town of Gavi)  stands up and makes its presence known.  A crisp & clean dry white wine with soft notes of apple and pear that slowly fade only to leave your palate perfectly primed for that next bite…Enjoy!

Oppida Aminea, Greco Sannio DOC ‘Caucino’:  One of the most famous native white grapes of Campania, Caucino sings loud exclaiming it’s persistence & ability to withstand the test of time.  Greco is an ancient grape that has survived centuries of disease, war & tribulation only to be honed into one of the most graceful & elegant selections on our Holiday Table.  This barrel aged Greco is full bodied with honeyed notes and a round palate.  It’s golden color reinstates is powerful presence and pairs beautifully with main courses of Fish, poultry & caramelized pork.  Indulge in the past, present & your meal.

Villabella, Ripasso della Valpolicella DOC:  From the heart of the Valpolicella region comes this ‘Baby Amarone’- made from the same grapes, grown in the same territory but produced in a slightly different way.  Ripasso is a medium bodied wine with deep flavors similar to the raisined characteristics that you’d come across in an Amarone (without the hefty price tag)!  This medium-full bodied wine stands up tall when enjoyed with Red meats & fresh game…Also, enjoy with any wide array of cheeses to truly discover the earthy side.

Duca di Castelmonte, Dinari - Nero d’Avola DOC:  Sicily, also known as the land of the sun is home to this native grape.  Over the past 20 years, Sicilian winemakers have shifted quality wine production into drive & dug their feet into indigenous grape projects.  Nero d’Avola is a black grape with wildly juicy consistencies…The sun beats strong & hot over long days in Sicily and the Nero d’Avola grapes develop excellent sugar levels which create wines with a slightly higher degree of alcohol.  Dinari, Nero d’Avola boasts baked fruit flavors with jammy undertones and a full body making it a ‘Meal Ender’ and a wonderful wine to lead into dessert.

Bava, Malvasia di Castelnuovo don Bosco ‘Rosetta’:  A RARE and unique gem from the Bava Winery located in the town of Cocconato, Piedmont.  As this beautiful Fushia-Pink wine fills your glass, don't be surprised if you fall in love…after all Roses and romance have always been a happy pair.  ‘Rosetta’ is aptly named for its bountiful fresh rose bouquet, the soft sparkle lifts up your palate and refreshes after any holiday meal.  Garnish with a strawberry half in a champagne flute and truly inspire some holiday cheer!

On November 21^st Eataly’s Manzo restaurant opened its doors to the land & Wines of Franciacorta for an afternoon of delicate bubbles (or ‘bollicine’) & perfectly paired dishes prepared by Executive Chef, Michael Toscano.  Among the bubbles were attendees ranging from Journalists to the President of the Consorzio di Franciacorta, all in hopes of shedding light upon Italy’s Premier sparkling wines.  After a warm hearted introduction by none other than Mr. Oscar Farinetti, founder of Eataly- a delicious meal & educational banter were underway.  Together, the Consorzio di Franciacorta and Eataly are striving towards educating the American Palate on ‘The Other’ sparkling wines of Italy though interactive pairing dinners & tastings that distinguish the differences between ‘Prosecco’ and Italy’s other sparkling wines. 

Franciacorta sparkling wines are one of Italy’s young & emerging gems.   For an appellation that only acquired its DOCG status in 1995, it has grown leaps and bounds and now boasts a consortium of 191 members.  This premier sparkling wine is produced in the same traditional method as Champagne & is produced with two of the three same grapes.

Franciacorta is a production area composed of 19 towns in the Provence of Brescia, south of Lake Iseo in the region of Lombardia (Lombardy) covering roughly 5,400 acres (2,200 hectares).  The DOCG limits every aspect of production to ensure the quality of these wines does not suffer & Franciacorta maintains its premier status.  From, handpicked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Blanc, through traditional fermentation (method champeniose) … Franciacorta is born.

Fratelli Muratori, was born in 1999 out of the desire to create artful expressions of Italy’s varying & mineral rich terriors.  At Villa Crespia, this philosophy is put to test in the seven outstanding and diverse sparkling wines they produce.   Paired beautifully with the Primo piatto of Casoncelli alla Bergamese,  was Villa Crespia, Franciacorta ‘Novalia’ Brut.  The searing acidity & fresh hints of lemon rind found in Novalia, complimented perfectly the pear & sausage filled Casoncelli in this ingenious dish adapted by Chef Toscano. 

The Secondo was a robust, Petto d’oca con Crescione which filled the room with anticipating glances while all the dishes were served.  Villa Crespia, Franciacorta Rose ‘Brolese’ is a full bodied wine with purpose and shoulders that took part gracefully with each mouthful of goose. 

As one can imagine, Chef Toscano labored over producing a menu to truly demonstrate the structure and complexity of the Franciacorta wines.  As one of the only restaurants in New York City with no Champagne listed on their menu, Farinetti explains, that he is committed to Italian products & telling Italy’s stories.  With Eataly’s persistence & Francicorta’s evident quality, these wines are sure to strike a chord with the American palate. 

Jericho NY, Jack Cacciato President of WineWave, is proud to announce effective September 1st, the appointment of Shaw-Ross International as the US Importer for the House Jam Wine Brand. Cacciato explained, “House Jam is an exciting brand that we introduced at WineWave in early 2008, a concept that has truly been ahead of the curve.”

House Jam wines are premium varietal wines produced in Italy. A sweet white called Chillin White and a sweet red called Smooth Red are fermented with a slight sparkle and served cold. The brand has been uniquely positioned to appeal to millennials, new wine drinkers and consumers that love sweet wines.

Our position was to be bold and unique.  We started with the name House Jam, which translates to a party, a favorite drink or a favorite song. The brand speaks to the consumer in a way that they understand; it’s a fun and easy drinking wine. The label portrays young people dancing and being social.

House Jam has been on a fast growth track over the past 3 years with double and triple digit increases. With the fire power and national reach of Shaw-Ross, House Jam will have greater distribution and success. WineWave will work in association with the Shaw Ross Sales Marketing team in the branding and development of the House Jam Brand.

“This is a Brand that fits well with the Shaw Ross philosophy and within our portfolio of Brands” says Bruce Hunter, Managing Director of Shaw Ross. It’s a brand that is quite timely and on the mark. “With the introduction of House Jam Moscato and Lambrusco, consumers will come to recognize that House Jam is the sweet wine brand that offers variety, great taste, fun and all at a great value”.

Villabella Fracastoro, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004 had a  92  rating from Wine Enthusiast (December, 1 issue). "Coffee, tar, licorice and plump red fruit give this Amarone the density and staying power to pair  with steak roquefort with mushrooms and black pepper. There's a round, succulent quality here that is reinforced by inky, dark concentration"

 Thanks to the hard work and dedication of OneBar USA (Specifically, Mr. Ron Newman!), both Marchesi di Barolo, Barolo & Notorius, Moscato will be participationg in the 2012 Beverage Program at the House of Blues, Foundation Room.  They will be available on the wine list By the Bottle.

The foundation Room is a unique VIP area that caters to Actors, Large Business Groups, Sports Teams & House of Blues VIP Customers.  It is a private dining area with Luxury services & a premium Wine Program.  Of the 11 House of Blues-  9 of them are home to a foundation Room.  

• Atlantic City
• Boston
• Chicago
• Cleveland
• Dallas
• Houston
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans

Ernesto Abbona, proprietor of the family owned Marchesi di Barolo, offered a Winery tour, Single Vineyard Barolo Tasting & Luncheon of Piemontese specialties to Hilary Swank and her brother Dan Swank.

The two were intrigued by the history and tradition surrounding the area & the Marchesi di Barolo Estate.  Their interest stretched to include questions pertaining to the intricacies of soil composition, structure & influence on the wines which was followed by a Cru (Single Vineyard) Barolo tasting lead by none other than Ernesto Abbona.  Ernesto speaks passionately about the Meso and Micro climates of Barolo’s Cru hills, and the tasting included the three exceptional single vineyards of Marchesi di Barolo, Barolo Cannubi, Barolo Sarmassa and Barolo Coste di Rose. 

 Ernesto was quite pleased to discover Ms. Swanks ability to discern and appreciate the key differentiating notes between the Cru wines. Upon departure Ernesto gave as a gift to Ms. Swank one of the jewels of the Marchesi di Barolo library collection, a 1974 Barolo Riserva.  Their visit concluded with a beautifully organized truffle hunt in the hills of Barolo and Serralunga d’Alba. 

The Abbona’s and all at Marchesi di Barolo welcome visitors to their beautiful estate in Barolo with a Piemontese hospitality that can not be matched.  The Wines of Marchesi di Barolo are available throughout the United States, imported and marketed by WineWave; delivering Quality & Tradition since 1994. 

House Jam hit the street with all the right moves.

• A Hip New Party Attitude: The stylish product label, depicting an artsy image of dancing party people, is both classy and hip, conveying House Jam’s quality and personality at a glance.  (The colorful cartons are a floor-stacking knockout.)
• True Quality: The product is top quality Italian wine from 100% Malvasia (HJ Chillin’ White) and 100% Bonarda (HJ Smooth Red).
•  The Right Taste… refreshingly light and slightly sweet with a touch of sparkle… has made House Jam an immediate hit with consumers wherever it’s poured.

Since its Baltimore test market, the brand has grown to 5000 cases in 6 months!

• An 80% purchase rate at every tasting.
  House Jam was initially targeted to urban consumers of sweeter “pop” wines. Early on, however, WineWave made the discovery that the vast majority of  consumers who tasted it, bought it! Not just their target consumer… everybody.
• Enormous consumer appeal in both flavor and attitude.
  American taste preferences increasingly trend toward lighter, softer or sweeter tasting alcoholic beverages. In the wine category, these consumers might choose a  chardonnay, reisling or white zinfandel. Many reds are being styled with softer, more fruit-forward flavor profiles to answer this same consumer trend. In  search of something sparkling, consumers could reach for a Lambrusco or Asti Spumanti. But they don’t– because these wines are not “speaking” to them. In fact,  none of the aforementioned wines are projecting a relevant, contemporary “party” point of view. And that’s the beauty of House Jam: its hip, trendy party  attitude, supported by premium quality, lets it reach across all demographics and ethnic groups. With House Jam’s new brand slogan, “Chill. Pour. Party!”, the  wine-purchase decision is now a virtual no-brainer. Classy enough to bring to a party (without hurting the wallet), great with casual food, House Jam is refreshing  and versatile enough to quench a party thirst all through the night. It’s even showing up more and more as an ingredient in special happy hour cocktails. (Note the attached array of HJ “Re-mixes”).
• Retailers are enjoying multiple-bottle purchases. Retailers can’t get enough! But no worries here… there’s a huge pipeline of product available from the   Casabella Winery in Italy to fill the growing demand. Next up, they’re adding promotion to the mix: Spring and summer plans include consumer music-themed   promotions, in keeping with the brand’s original motto: “Wine to get you jammin’!

Stay tuned…

With distribution in over forty-five US markets & considered one of Italy’s “Premier Estates”, Marchesi di Barolo becomes the corner stone of Quality & Tradition in WineWave’s portfolio of Fine Italian Wines.

Anna Abbona proprietor of Marchesi di Barolo, is a leading advocate for the wines of Piemonte and speaks passionately about her wines, her family and this historic Estate.  Together, Marchesi di Barolo and WineWave are focused on further developing the relationship between the Winery, The Wine Merchant & the Consumer by delivering Quality & Tradition.             

Since 1994 WineWave has been dedicated to selecting Italian Wine Producers that encompass the essential ingredients of Quality, Class, Pedigree and Innovation… The addition of Marchesi di Barolo is a testament to this belief.