Name: Francesco Marone Cinzano
Currently: General Manager
Website: www.coldorcia.it – Italy
www.caliboro.com/ingles/francesco.htm – Chile
Questions:
Please, tell us about how you got into wine, the wine industry and how your career developed?
I was born in the wine industry. Seeing my name on bottles of Vermouth and sparkling wines was part of my childhood. Eventually I started my working life in other areas having agreed with my father that I would see what salary I was capable to earn outside the family business and he would match it when it was the right time. In 1982 joined the Cinzano Australia subsidiary of the group and 1989, when my father past away I was Marketing Director of Cinzano Spain. At that stage my life changed radically and I became a fine wine producer of Brunello di Montalcino with the Col d’Orcia estate. In addition since the late 90’s I have planted a vineyard in Chile and I produce the iconic wine Erasmo.
What is your philosophy to making wine and viticulture?
Wines are made in the vineyard. I produce wines only with the grapes that I produce so in fact I am a farmer that transforms his fruit into wine. I have embraced organic agriculture and I am adopting more and more biodynamic practices in my farming.
Which cultivar is your favourite to work with and why?
The largest part of my vineyards are planted with the Sangiovese grape and I produce pure Sangiovese wines. I feel that the uniqueness of the Sangiovese only tradition is such an important asset for Montalcino that it has to be continued for the future generations.
In terms of personal tastes I like blending different grapes. In recent years I have been fermenting different varieties together with interesting results.
How do you see the future of wine production and what are the challenges and the opportunities?
This and the next question have the same answer. I believe that industrial and hand made wines will take different path. Traditional, environmentally conscious agriculture that is capable of offering to consumers a sensorial experience, tasting wine, food, territory, art, etc will continue to have a healthy market.
Francesco Marone Cinzano
@ by Dominik Kozlik – Zeitgeist Sommeliers – www.sommelier-jobs.com
Dominik Kozlik e.U.
78/12 Gruberstr.
4020 Linz, Austria