21/09/2024
I had the the privilege to be invited to one of the preliminary tasting of Franco Martinetti's wines in Hong Kong, held by his son Michele Martinetti at the marvellous at .
Franco starts producing wines in 1974, exactly 50 years ago. By aiming for the utmost quality and looking to make wines that have the qualities of Elegance, Balance, Expressivity (Three "E"s in Italian) Franco was able to create some of the highest expressions of what Piemonte can offer in terms of enological quality.
Franco is the only Italian member of the Académie du Vin de France and since 2003 he has served as President of the Académie Internationale du Vin.
We should write an essay about each of these wines, but we'll focus on there that particularly made me rethink everything I knew about wine so far.
- We started with 43, a method champenoise rosé that takes its name from its liqueur d'expedition: 1943 Bas Armagnac. 65% pinot noir, 35% Chardonnay, it stays on the yeasts for 10 years after aging in barrique.
It's an extremely complex wine with a flowery bouquet that evolves enormously in the glass.
Pro tip: drink it after opening and also keep some in a glass for half an hour. You won't be disappointed.
- Biancofranco: Timorasso is a special grape, recently finding the spotlight after decades of oblivion. I can confidently say that Biancofranco is the best Timorasso I have had the chance to drink. Its complex initial impact unfolds slowly, revealing persistent notes of ripe fruit. On the palate, it is soft and warm, with a remarkable texture and pleasant mineral nuances. Absolutely delightful
- Marasco: This takes its name from the Marasco cherry, which compose one of the predominant notes on the nose for this wine. On the palate the gentle tannins make it for a very enjoyable experience where hints of rose and violet give it a charismatic and warmth that is hard to explain.
I thank Michele Martinetti for giving me the chance to report on this incredible wine collection. It really provided a new perspective on wine making: his passion and love for the craft of wine making are highly indicative of the family's live for its products.
