Valpolicella, the territory close to Verona in Italy where renowned wines like Amarone and Ripasso are produced, is a lucky land: it has both a myth and a legend of the wine world. The myth is Giuseppe Quintarelli. The legend is Romano Dal Forno. Following the representation of Giuseppe Quintarelli, Farsons Beverage Imports Company (FBIC) Limited have gone a step further and been entrusted to represent Dal Forno Romano. 

Romano Dal Forno took control of his Valpolicella estate at the age of 22 and quickly turned for advice to the Veneto’s maestro, Giuseppe Quintarelli. A policy of low yields and an uncompromising drive for quality and selectivity, as well as the use of unusual grapes to back up the Corvina, has established the Dal Forno family as the producers of among the finest wines produced from dried grapes – an otherworldly Amarone, a complex Valpolicella Superiore and a delicious sweet Passito. 

“When I was five years old,” the legendary Dal Forno recounts, “I helped my dad with a mule in the vineyard; I could barely hold its reins. Suddenly, the animal kicked off my small sandals: I still remember the vineyard row where we were. To be born in the countryside means is to feel the umbilical pull that attaches and draws you to your land throughout your life. It’s how to get back to your father’s house every time… the memories are etched in rows.”

The impressive Dal Forno Estate lies in the foothills of Monti Lessini and produces some of the most highly awarded wines in Italy with an international reputation. The winery is very much a family affair with Romano and his wife Loretta working with their three sons Michele, Marco and Luca, as well as their uncle Cesare and cousin Matteo who are all integral to this close-knit operation. Since Romano took over from his father, yields have been dramatically reduced. Production from the 25 hectares of lovingly tended vines is tiny. It takes an astonishing six vines to produce one bottle of Valpolicella and nine for a bottle of Amarone. It is no wonder there is never enough wine here to cover demand.

FBIC, a member of the Farsons Group, proudly imports and distributes Dal Forno Romano wines locally.  Available in selected restaurants, wine boutiques and Farsonsdirect’s The Wine Shop in Mriehel (www.farsonsdirect.com).