NEW YORK, June 29, 2011 — Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene, a family-owned boutique winery, today announced the launch of “Giuliano Bortolomiol: Dreaming of Prosecco,” a newly published biography of the company’s iconoclastic founder. The book, written by acclaimed journalist Ettore Gobbato and published by Veronelli Editore, will be available in the U.S. in the fall. The book, translated into English, debuted at a special event at the Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City. It featured a Prosecco tasting by Elvira Bortolomiol, a Prosecco expert who is continuing Giuliano’s Prosecco-making legacy, together with her mother and three sisters.
The book, which is the first to honor a Prosecco maker, chronicles the life and accomplishments of Giuliano Bortolomiol, who transformed what was once a simple local wine into an internationally acclaimed sparkler. Giuliano was the first to use the Charmat method to create Proseccos in a brut style. This was controversial at the time, but was later widely adopted. He also spearheaded the region’s efforts to attain the DOCG designation. It is part of the “Bold Series” by Veronelli Editore that spotlights men and women who valued the lands in which they lived and worked, were able to influence people’s behavior and, through their work, changed the status quo.
“We are honored to have my father’s life documented and celebrated,” said Ms. Bortolomiol. “He was a man of action who was passionate about making Prosecco a true star. He was also very modest and personally shunned the spotlight. I think he would be very proud of this sensitive and insightful depiction.” Ms. Bortolomiol showcased and poured three different Proseccos, Brut, Banda Rossa Extra Dry and Superiore di Cartizze Dry, which are renowned for their finesse, complexity and distinctiveness. While Americans have in recent years come to appreciate Prosecco as a fun and lively aperitivo, these Bortolomiol Proseccos, with their DOCG designation, will introduce them to the highest level of quality. Classic Italian dishes, prepared by the chef of the Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel, accompanied these exceptional Proseccos.
Ms. Bortolomiol discussed the scenic Valdobbiadene region as one of Italy’s increasingly popular travel destinations and signed copies of the book, which was given to all attendees.
About Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene
Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene is a family-owned, boutique winery with winemaking roots that date back to 1760, when Bartolomeo Bortolomiol began cultivating vines on the hillsides of Valdobbiadene. The company itself was founded in 1949 by Giuliano Bortolomiol, who revolutionized how Prosecco was made and elevated it to a worldclass bubbly. A master of the Charmat method, he created the first Prosecco in the brut style in 1960. Today, Giuliano’s daughters—Maria Elena, Elvira, Luisa and Giuliana—together with their mother, Ottavia, carry on Giuliano’s legacy by producing award-winning Proseccos.
Hanna Lee