Overview
• Estate Owned by: Beniamino and Alberto D'Agostino• Wine Region: Puglia• Winemaker: Alberto Antonini• Total Acreage Under Vine: 125• Estate Founded: 1991• Winery Production: 400,000 Bottles
Location
• The winery is located in one of Puglia's most historic appellations, the Gravina DOC.
History
• The history of the winery must be considered within the larger context of a unique area, known, for very good reason, as “The Other Puglia.”
• The grapevine cultivation goes back 2,500 years.
• Frederick II of Swabia made this area his residence, calling it a “garden of delights,” and he contributed substantially to the development of local viticulture.
History
• Botromagno was established in 1991, after the D’Agostino family merged with the local cooperative winery, creating the first successful example of a privately owned winery partnered with more than 100 local grape growers.
• The D’Agostino family has been able to foster a reliable and efficient synergy with the local farmers, based on strict standards for quality grape growing, rapidly becoming one of the finest wineries in Puglia.
History
• Brothers Beniamino and Alberto, working together with a team of viticulturalists and oenologists, have created a modern winery highly respected throughout the world for the high quality of its wines and for its commitment to developing the full potential of local native grape varieties.
Philosophy
• Their philosophy centers on respect for the identity of the grape variety and its growing area, and on interpreting and further developing in the cellar the long, hard work performed in the vineyard.
Owner Beniamino d’Agostino•Born in Milan•Graduated from the University of Bari in 1988 with a Law Degree and earned a Masters in International Law and Banking Regulation•In 1992, he began a career as an attorney, but left after a few years so that he could dedicate himself to his family’s various businesses. •Still involved in many businesses today-- a public and civil construction company, a natural materials business, a biological agriculture firm and Botromagno, the family winery. •President, Public Relations Manager, and Export Manager at Botromagno •President of the Managing Committee of “The Roads of Murgia’s DOC wines.” •President of the Gravina DOC Consortium.
Winemaker
Alberto Antonini – Consulting Winemaker•Graduated from the University of Florence in 1985, with a degree in Agricultural Sciences and Enology. •1986: Assistant Winemaker at Marchesi de Frescobaldi. •1989: Production Director for Col D’Orcia Winery in Montalcino. •1993: Winemaking Director of Antinori Group •1996: founded the Matura Group with business partner Attilio Pagli - a wine consulting company
– Today, as CEO and Senior Winemaker of Matura Group, Alberto consults for wineries in virtually all the major wine producing countries.
•2001: founded Poggiotondo, a Tuscan winery •Founded Fortediga, a brand new estate that focuses on international varietals and innovative wines from the pristine Maremma area of Tuscany.
The Winery
• The D’Agostinos have invested significantly in the Gravina DOC, reviving the production of this white wine and rebuilding its reputation as in elegant and versatile wine.
• The modern winemaking cellar, built in 2004, was the first cellar in Puglia to win ISO 14001 Environment certification.
VineyardsColuni•Total area: 11 acres•Grape varieties: 50% Malvasi, 50% Greco•Elevation: 1,485 feet•Soil profile: Medium-fertile clays, with medium-textured limestone substrate•Aspect: North-south•Training system: Spurred cordon•Vineyard density: 2,000 vines per acre•Year planted: 2001
VineyardsBotromagno-Padreterno•Total area: 9 acres•Grape varieties: 100% Primitivo•Elevation: 1,485 feet•Soil profile: Medium-fertile clays, with medium-textured limestone substrate•Aspect: North-south•Training system: Spurred cordon•Vineyard density: 2,080 vines per acre•Year planted: 2004
VineyardsParcone•Total area: 6 acres•Grape varieties: 100% Nero di Troia•Elevation: 1,485 feet on sea level•Soil profile: Medium-fertile clays, with medium-textured limestone substrate•Aspect: North-south•Training system: Spurred cordon•Vineyard density: 2,160 vines per acre•Year planted: 2009
VineyardsPoggio al Bosco •Total area: 13 acres•Grape varieties: 40% Malvasia, 60% Greco•Elevation: 1,815 feet•Soil profile: White marls with Bordeaux-like gravel and very schistose texture•Aspect: North-south•Training system: Spurred cordon•Vineyard density: 2,160 vines per acre•Year planted: 2004
VineyardsSanta Sofia•Total area: 16 acres•Grape varieties: 80% Primitivo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon,10% Merlot•Elevation: 1,485 feet•Soil profile: Medium-textured, iron-rich terra rosa soils with abundant pebble content•Aspect: North-south•Training system: Spurred cordon•Vineyard density: 2,000 vines per acre•Year planted: 2001
VineyardsSanta Teresa•Total area: 6 acres•Grape varieties: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Greco•Elevation: 1,386 feet•Soil profile: Medium-fertile clays, with medium-textured limestone substrate•Aspect: North-south•Training system: Pergola•Vineyard density: 1,680 vines per acre•Year planted: 1900
VineyardsVigna del Trono•Total area: 9 acres•Grape varieties: 50% Montepulciano - 50% Nero di Troia•Elevation: 2,145 feet.•Soil profile: Marne sabbiose a bassissima fertilità.•Aspect: Nord - Sud•Training system: Spalliera bassa maritata.•Vineyard density: 1,680 vines per acre•Year planted: 1970
VineyardsZingariello•Total area: 31 acres•Grape varieties: Greco di Tufo, Greco Mascolino, Greco Feminino, Fiano•Elevation: 1,650 feet•Soil profile: Medium-fertile clays, with medium-textured limestone substrate•Aspect: North-south•Training system: Spurred cordon-Pergola•Vineyard density: 1,800 vines per acre•Year planted: 2001-2004
VarietalsFiano•Origin: familiar already to the ancient Latin's. Since bees were attracted to its sweet clusters, it was known as apiano, and this name later became fiano. •Growing area: Avellino area, and some two centuries ago it was introduced into the Murgia area of Taranto and Bari. •Leaf: medium, rounded, 3-lobed, light green upper surface, cottony under surface. •Cluster: medium small. •Ripens: third decade of September-first decade of October •Average cluster size: 200 gr. •Wine characteristics: faded straw-yellow, pleasant, crisp, light, dry, harmonious, with at times a roasted hazelnut flavor.
VarietalsGreco•Place of origin: Greece. •Growing area: it was first cultivated in Calabria, and it then spread into Campania and Puglia. •Leaf: medium size, 3-lobed, dark green, smooth upper surface, light green and slightly tomentose under surface. •Cluster: medium small, very compact, conical-cylindrical, often winged. •Ripens: first decade in October. •Average cluster weight: 200 gr. •Wine characteristics: when vinified alone, gold yellow, harmonious, low acidity, with delicate bouquet. Can produce excellent dessert wines.
VarietalsMalvasia Bianca•Place of origin: Greece (the Morea). •Growing area: Puglia. •Leaf: medium large, 5-lobed, deep green upper surface, light green under surface, tomentose. •Cluster: large, long, pyramidal, winged. •Ripens: third decade of September-first decade of October. •Average cluster weight: 350 gr. •Wine characteristics: yields a deep straw-yellow wine, very light bouquet, savory, with a bitter finish. It is usually blended with other grapes.
VarietalsUva di Troia•Place of origin: Asia Minor according to some; according to others, the commune of Troia (Foggia). •Growing area: provinces of Foggia and Bari •Leaf: medium-size, 5-lobed, dark green upper surface, ash-green under surface, wooly. •Cluster: medium size, fairly compact, simple or with wings •Ripens: third decade of September-first decade of October •Average cluster weight: 240 gr •Wine characteristics: deep red tending to purple, low fixed acidity, dry, with good body, harmonious, generous alcohol.
VarietalsPrimitivo•Place of origin: Some believe it to have been introduced by Benedictine monks into the hill area of Gioia del Colle. •Growing area: provinces of Bari, Brindisi, Lecce, and Taranto (in Taranto, particularly in the commune of Manduria). •Leaf: medium size, 5-lobed, dark green upper surface, light green under surface, wooly. •Cluster: medium size, conical-cylindrical, winged, fairly compact. •Ripens: third decade of August-first decade of September •Average cluster weight: 230 gr •Wine characteristics: pleasant, full, smooth, tending towards sweetish, red tending towards purple, high alcohol and medium acidity.
VarietalsAglianico•Origin: Greece, according to some; according to others, ancient Phoenicia, more precisely Euboea. •Growing area: Campania, but it found its ideal habitat on the slopes of Monte Vulture in Basilicata, and later spread into Puglia as well.•Leaf: medium size, rounded, dark green upper surface, light green under surface, wooly.•Cluster: medium size, medium compact, simple or winged, conical-cylindrical. •Ripens: third decade of September-first decade of October.•Average cluster weight: 250 g.•Wine characteristics: yields a good wine, with excellent ageing potential; used also as a base wine for sparkling wines. Dry, neutral taste, lively garnet, measured tannins.
VarietalsMontepulciano•Area of origin: According to some, it originated in Asia Minor, while other believe its origin is in the commune of Troia, in the region of Puglia.•Growing area: Provinces of Foggia and Bari.•Leaf: Medium-sized, 5-lobed, dark green upper surface,•ash green on under surface, woolly.•Cluster: Medium-sized, fairly compact, simple or with wings•Ripening period: 3rd decade of September to 1st decade of October.•Average cluster weight: 240 g.•Wine characteristics: Intense red tending to purple, low fixed acidity, good body, dry, harmonious, substantial alcohol.
Key Selling Points
1. Only exporting producer of Gravina DOC2. Responsible for the revival of this small unique DOC and for providing
investment and a better outlet for the small growers who had been a part of the cooperative.
3. Committed to the traditional varieties of the region.4. Elegant package for a value oriented price.
Building The Brand
1. Introduce Gravina for its unique position in the landscape of DOC wine from Southern Italy.
2. Position the wine for freshness and also as an alternative to more expensive Greco based wines
3. Build Primitivo to enhance the image of the winery and provide value and distinction within its category
Gravina Bianco DOP
• 60% Greco and 40% Malvasia• Gravina is one of Italy's most ancient white wines. The grape
varieties that traditionally produced this wine were brought from Asia Minor.
• Playful aromas of green apple, white peach and apricot. On the palate, a tangy vein of acidity unfolds into a long, harmonious finish.
• A perfect wine with oysters, calamari, sashimi, Asian cuisines and grilled seafood.
Gravina Bianco DOC
Distribution Channel On Premise: 65%Off Premise: 35%
Varietal Composition 60% Greco and 40% Malvasia
Competitive Set
no DIRECT competitive setOnly generally related to other southern Italian whites. Should be sold on its unique position and value
Pricing
SRP: $11.99 Min. SRP: $10.99 BTG: $8-10 Wine List: $25-30
Gravisano Passito di Malvasia Murgia IGT
• 100% Malvasia Lunga• Traditionally, these were made from ancient Gravisano
grapes leftover from the regular harvest that were dried on the vines. Not wanting to waste anything, the farmers used these leftovers to make a limited batch of sweet ambrosia.
• Seductive aromas of orange zest, candied apricots, caramel, toffee and toasted almonds. Sweet on the palate but perfectly balanced by its zesty acidity.
• Pair with hard cheeses, marzipan or honeyed desserts, almond cakes or cookies
Gravina Bianco DOP
• 60% Greco and 40% Malvasia• Aromas of green apples and pears are
underscored by notes of white peaches and apricots.
• On the palate, tangy acidity unfolds into a long, harmonious finish.
• A perfect wine with oysters, calamari, sashimi, Asian citrus salads, and grilled seafood.
Nero di Troia Murgia Rosso IGP
• 100% Uva di Troia• Uva di Troia is an ancient grape, named after the mythical
city of Troy, that has recently been rediscovered by the D’Agostino family.
• Fruity aromas of wild cherries, cinnamon, sage and tobacco leaf. On the palate, the wine is elegant and vibrant with velvety smooth tannins and boasts a very long length.
• Serve with charcuterie, medium-aged cheeses, roasted lamb or wild game.
Pier delle Vigne Murgia IGT
• 60% Aglianico and 40% Montepulciano• The namesake of this wine, Pier delle Vigne, was the right-hand man
of Frederick II of Swabia and the one who is credited with introducing the first red wine grapes to Apulia.
• Aromas of wild red berries, vanilla, black pepper, tobacco leaf, cinnamon and bittersweet chocolate. On the palate, the wine shows expressive notes of ripe berries and blackberries and boasts a velvety, elegant texture.
• Pair with roasts or marinades, aged cheeses, or serve it all by itself as a “vino di meditazione.”
Poggio al Bosco Gravina DOP
• 60% Greco and 40% Malvasia• A distinctive cru wine grown in an ecologically
pristine area on the border of the Bosco Difesa Grande. It was planted in 1991 with the specific goal of producing grapes of exceptional quality.
• Aromas of apple, peach, melon and honey. On the palate, the fruity flavors persist and the wine offers a racy acidity, making the wine quite versatile in terms of food pairing.
• Pair with spicy soups, Asian cuisine, grilled salmon or tuna, bouillabaisse or tomato-based pastas.
Primitivo Puglia IGP
• 100% Primitivo• Due to its naturally low yields, Primitivo requires
special care in the vineyard and ripens best when bush-trained.
• Aromas of black cherries and baking spices complement undertones of tobacco and mint. On the palate, this substantial red is smooth and velvety with balanced acidity and a long, pleasant finish.
• Pair this wine with barbecue, demi-glaces, orange-glazed duck, and slow-braised beef.