carlo ferrini :
By Lia Tolaini-Banville
NEO-RENAISSANCE MAN
Carlo Ferrini , Italy ’ s celebrated enologist
Lia Tolaini-Banville is a central figure in the growing Tolaini family wine legacy : she is an emerging star on the Tuscan wine scene with her Donna Laura wines , and a successful North American wine importer through Banville & Jones Wine Merchants . On behalf of The Cellar Door , Lia caught up with celebrated Tuscan wine consultant , and good friend , Carlo Ferrini . In this feature , Carlo discusses his accomplishments and philosophies about modern winemaking , and reveals what some winemakers are willing to do in order to maintain tradition .
No focus on Tuscany is complete without an introduction to Italy ’ s most recognized enologist , a modern viticultural da Vinci or Michelangelo ( and perhaps as talented ), Carlo Ferrini .
Carlo was born in Florence in 1954 and graduated from the Faculty of Agronomy at the University of Florence in 1978 . Starting in 1986 , he worked in the technical office of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium where he was in charge of the lab . He acquired a deep knowledge of viticulture and enology , especially regarding the Sangiovese clones grown in Chianti , for which today he is undoubtedly recognized as the regional expert . In 1991 he earned the title of Academic of Vines and Wines , and in 1992 he started his career as a consulting enologist .
Carlo is tall and distinctive yet approachable and always ready to talk about his passion , wine . Carlo does not use email or carry a Blackberry and he doesn ’ t even have an office , which means the only way to contact him is by cell phone . He does not speak English ( so he says ) and his Italian , with that suave Florentine accent , combines with his wonderful sense of humour to make
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