Marchesi de Frescobaldi Toscana Gorgona

Marchesi de Frescobaldi is one of Italy’s oldest wineries, with a history dating back as early as the 1300s. On April 6th, we attended the launch of their 2014 vintage Toscana Gorgona wine, a wine that comes with a bit of a twist.

Like other winemakers, Frescobaldi prides itself on quality and the hard work applied to create the perfect vintage. In this case there is a wave of new employees (circa 2012) who bring a unique presence to the 700 year old family owned winery. These employees even get their very own wine, which represents their hard work, dedication to learn and re-integrate themselves into the working world. These employees are prisoners.

We sat down with Stefano Benini, export manager to learn more about the Gorgona wine and the unique program that they run with the prisons in the region. “In Italy, we have a serious problem of repeat offenders and the prisons are full. We recognize that these prisoners who are found in the island, are nearing the end of their sentence. Despite the reality that they have committed serious crimes, they are here to work and we are here to help them to become reintegrated into society. Here, they have a chance to be rehabilitated and it’s for a good cause.”

About the Grapes

Toscana Gorgona is a wine that is characteristic of the region, as the grapes that are used are indigenous to Gorgona, where the wine is made. The small island of Gorgona is located just outside the coast of Tuscany.

The notes of Toscana Gorgona

Rich, light and crisp is the best way to describe the Gorgona.

It’s no secret that some of the best wine in the world comes from Italy. Being of Italian origin myself, I can testify that the art of wine making is deeply ingrained in our roots — and we do it well. Very well.

Of course, the results are less so when it’s a member from your own family that attempts to create their own personal batch of what can only be described as beginners moonshine. It’s best to leave the wine making to the professionals, or in this case — the Marchesi de Frescobaldi family-owned winery in Tuscany.

A good cause with great taste, we can think of a better wine to bring to our next dinner party.

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Gorgona 2014 (750ml) retails for $99 and is available at the SAQ.