Tag Archives: Valentina Argiolas

Wine News: Cavalieri Del Lavoro – Francesco Arigolas

There is an Italian honor that many covet: being designated a “Cavalieri del Lavoro” for their work in their sector be it agriculture, commerce or industry. The organization was created in 1901 by Vittorio Emanuele III.

When I worked at an Italian company in Milan, I spent the better part of a year trying to get my boss to be nominated. It was one of his most desired goals. Each year, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano nominates 25 new members right before the annual “Festa della Repubblica,” June 2. This year, a fabulous wine producer Francesco Argiolas from Sardinia was nominated as one of the 25. Argiolas has brought fame and recognition to Sardinia as a whole as well as his family winery, of course.

Here is a Women in Wine post I did on Valentina Argiolas almost three years ago

I love the wines from this winery and found the people who own and run it engaging, kind and available. All great traits in my book. Auguri e tanto di cappello to Mr. Francesco Argiolas.

In other news, I receive Wine News everyday. It’s an Italian website that brings updates on Italian wines and other wine industry news. It is a great resource, check it out.

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Filed under Italian wineries, wines, Memorable Events, italy, Italian regions

Passing of a Patriarch: Antonio Argiolas Dies At 102

I was looking through some websites earlier and came upon the news that wine maker and family patriarch, Antonio Argiolas from Sardinia has died at the age of 102. The Argiolas family is integrally linked to the history of Sardinian wine making. He will surely be missed but his life and achievements leave much to celebrate.

While Turriga is his most famous wine, I had the rare opportunity to try a wine made in his honor for his 100th birthday at Vinitaly 2008.

The wine called Antonio Argiolas is made in very small quantities and I don’t think this wine is imported but if you are in Italy, try to get some. It is made from Cannonau and Malvasia Nera which were left to dry on the vine before being harvested. It is wonderful and would be amazing with chocolate. It was rich and deeply satisfying.

Many of the Argiolas wines are available in the United States however. To see which wines are imported, go to Winebow , their importer.

I have met a number of members of the Argiolas family and interviewed Valentina Argiolas in 2005 and in 2008. She and the whole family were warm and welcoming.

My thoughts are with them.

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Filed under Italian indigenous Grape Varieties, Italian regions, Italian wineries, italy, wines, Women in Wine