In 2006 Anthony, together with 2 partners, purchased a small wine farm in Italy south of Tuscany in the province of Viterbo. “It was a big challenge and we were very excited to make our first wine in Italy”, says Anthony. It is on this 2 ha piece of historical property where reminiscents of an old monastery can still be appreciated.

In their first year the 3 partners made 3 barrels of wine, mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with added Canaiolo, a typical Italian cultivar mainly used for the famous Chiantis of Italy. Anthony traveled to Italy in October 2006 to complete his first harvest there.

The families teamed op for what would become, a very exciting adventure. “The only vehicle we had to our disposal to transport the grapes to the cellar, was our rented car, a Mercedes Benz, so we decided to improvise and use it!” chuckles Anthony. Currently the wine is produced in a fully equipped underground cave which contributes to the Old World ambience that this property offers.

The town of Montefiascone where the wine is made is situated on the highest point of a volcanic ridge that surrounds the lake of Bolsena. This picturesque medieval town is visible from the plateau of Viterbo from a very great distance and it is thought the Etruscans build on this site their most sacred shrine. The town flourished in the Middle Ages around a fortified rock and it acquired importance as a safe haven for the popes, often forced to flee from the Papal Palace of Viterbo. Today, the most famous wine of Montefiascone is known as “Est, Est, Est”.

The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot was blended with 10% Canaiolo. This variety is resistant to most diseases and produces grapes with an elegant aroma, lots of fruitiness and a soft texture that delivers a good, lengthy aftertaste on the palate. “This way one can expect a multi–dimensional wine with a lot more complexity”, adds Anthony. The men also imported their first batch of Olive Oil produced form olives that grows on the same farm where the wine is being made. Truly something to look forward to!