A taste of what we do and why we do it

Firstly, this is a love story. It involves a love of wine, a love of friends and a love of the Abruzzo region of Italy… 

…oh, and a love of Andrea. (He’s my husband).

Chapter 1

Andrea and I visit the Abruzzo region of Italy every year. It’s where his family are. It’s a beautiful place, about halfway down the boot on the Adriatic side. It was there that I first tasted Torre Raone Pecorino.

Now, I’m no wine anorak, far from it, but I know what I like and loved this crisp refreshing white the moment it touched my lips. In fact, I loved it so much I brought ‘a few’ bottles back with me. Our car has a large boot. 

Back under the grey skies of North London, I opened a bottle to assist me through the unpacking. One sip took me back to Abruzzo. It’s true what they say, great wine evokes happy memories. I shared a glass or two with friends – close friends (this isn’t any old wine) and they agreed that it’s pretty special. After another glass or two an idea struck me, what if I could start importing it?  

Chapter 2

The day went like this.

I’m back on the beach in Abruzzo with Andrea, his family and our three children. Around 2.30 (lunch first obviously), we set off, leaving the kids with strict instructions to behave for Nonna. Somehow, I’d managed to arrange a meeting with the people who produce the Pecorino. 

After about an hour we arrive at the tree lined driveway of Torre Raone, a beautiful boutique vineyard on the sunny hills of Loreto Aprutino. 

The vineyard is run by a father and son, Luciano and Dante. Dante was there to great us. He showed us around. We saw the cellar, the barrels and the vintage bottle store. It felt so peaceful. A home from home.

Finally, we went into a very old-fashioned office that smelt of cigarettes to meet Luciano – Papa. I was nervous, I knew nothing about wine, other than I love drinking it, and I was there to ask for UK distribution. 

There was nothing to do other than play it straight.

“Gentlemen, I know nothing about wine other than your Pecorino is the best white wine I’ve ever tasted. I love it, Andrea loves it, all my friends and family love it and I want to share that love with the people of the UK… please.”

There was a pause, followed by a smile, followed by a laugh. We sealed the deal in the best way there is seal a deal, by opening a rather special bottle of Rosso 2016. (Which also happens to be excellent).

“Saluti”

Chapter 3

Well, this part of the story hasn’t really happened yet. Other than to say that I’m a Mum of three doing something I love and sharing it with people I love. I guess I’m pretty lucky really… oh, got to go, the wine shipment has just arrived. ;)