The Specialty Wine Co.
Importer of Fine Wines
by
Terry Sullivan
Claudio Salvador, partner and winemaker at Firelands Winery in Sandusky, Ohio, started The Specialty Wine Co. Importer of Fine Wines. Claudio wanted to introduce people in America to the rich heritage of well-crafted Italian wines. Their portfolio consists of artisan level estate bottled wines that showcase the diversity of Italian grapes and winemaking.
Claudio’s grandparents owned 28 hectares of vineyards in Veneto a small town northwest of Venice, Italy where Claudio grew up. He received degrees in fermentation sciences and chemistry from the University of Padua. He began his professional winemaking career with Zonin. The Zonin family has been making wines in Italy since 1821. They own Barboursville Vineyards in Barboursville, Virginia where they sent Claudio to make the first wines. He later went to Ohio and planted vineyards on Bass Island.
Close ties to the Italian wine industry make Claudio a perfect person to introduce Americans to artisan Italian wineries. He carries wines from over twenty producers including his wife who owns a winery in Italy and his brother who also owns a winery in Italy. When asked who is the better winemaker, Claudio is quick to point to his brother.
At the time of our visit, we had the opportunity to taste a couple of the Italian wines. The 2006 Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG from Di Filippo Winery in Cannara, Italy was a wine worth discovering. The tannins went beyond bold to outrageous, something to be cherished with food. Sagrantino is an Italian grape indigenous to the Umbria region of Montefalco. The soils in these vineyards are sand, limestone and clay. The aroma and tastes offer plum and cinnamon. The finish has outrageous tannins. One can feel the tannins on your teeth as your lips begin to pucker. This is a great wine paired with beef dishes. Although this variety is relatively unknown, make an effort to check it out.
The Montefalco Rosso 'Sallusito' also from Di Filippo was a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 25% Barbera and 15% Sagrantino. The ruby red color had dark fruit on the aroma and taste and offered bold tannins on the finish. The wine would pair well with red meats and aged cheeses.
Claudio’s background provides him with the expertise and knowledge to import quality Italian wines.
Read about Firelands Winery.
Visit these Ohio wineries and restaurants that partner with Wine Trail Traveler.
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