To put this in perspective, there are winemakers all over Italy who produce wine year after year and never even get a mention from the Gambero Rosso. Some might have a good year and receive a one-glass or a two-glass award. But, it’s a rare breed of winemaker who receives the Tre Bicchieri even once in their lifetime. Thirteen times Elena has received Tre Bicchieri!
A few years ago, a wine buyer I work with asked me who Elena consulted with to make her wine. “Her wine is so good. Who is her wine consultant?” he asked. Although I had never heard Elena discuss working with a wine consultant. I owed it to my customer to get an answer. Trying not to insult Elena due to the obvious sexist tone of the question, I asked her as delicately as I could and received this answer. “Brian,” she said, “I do everything. I drive the tractor. I prune the vines. I fertilize. I harvest. I MAKE THE WINE!” In my opinion, she is the wine. Her indomitable spirit carries through to the glass.
Hats off to Elena! She is one of the hardest-working women in the wine industry. She more than deserves this amazing recognition.
(Elena Fucci, Titolo, Aglianico del Vulture DOC is currently available at South Lyndale Liquors in Minneapolis. www.southlyndale.com )
You can also buy Elena’s olive oil directly from Grand Pere Wines: Elena Fucci, “Titolio”, Extra Virgin Olive Oil