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32

WINES OF NORTHERN ITALY

Maculan

For three generations the Maculan family has been selecting and vinifying the best grapes in Breganze,

an enchanting village at the foot of the Alps in Italy’s Veneto region. While the surrounding mountains

protect the area from cold winds, creating a perfect microclimate for the cultivation of wine grapes, it

is Fausto Maculan’s drive and commitment that sets these wines apart and distinguishes Maculan as an

innovative, dynamic winery. Continually at the forefront of any dessert wine discussion, Fausto Maculan

has received numerous accolades from the world’s most esteemed wine critics.

It can be said that Fausto Maculan was born to make wine, having been birthed in the very building that

today houses his office at the Maculan winery. At age 13, he began working at the winery during school

vacations and visiting customers with the assistance of a driver (he was too young to have a license).

At the age of 14, Fausto enrolled at the famed School of Enology in Conegliano, where he graduated

with honors in 1970. He then completed an obligatory year of military service as an official of the valiant

Alpine Corps, a division of the Italian Army known to have a long-standing affinity for wine. Finally, Fausto

realized his true calling—managing the viticultural, productive, and commercial aspects of the family

business, under the credo of “a small winery making great products.”

Despite a particularly difficult period for winemaking in the Veneto region during this time, Fausto made a

courageous decision to invest in improving the quality of his wines, dedicating all his energy and resources

to this endeavor. He studied diligently, traveled to the best winemaking areas in the world, including

Bordeaux in France, and boldly experimented with his wines—at times arousing incredulity among

observers. These efforts bolstered the Maculan winery image, bringing the company to its highest levels

and enabling Fausto to offer his customers a complete selection of high-quality whites, impressive reds,

and delicious dessert wines.

Since 1985, Fausto has been the course director for the Association of Italian Sommeliers (AIS). He is also

recognized as an expert taster, nominated to judge both national and international wine competitions. In

2007, Angela and Maria Vittoria, Fausto’s daughters, officially joined Maculan’s operations. Angela travels

the world to represent the winery and Maria Vittoria graduated from the Oenological and Viticulture

Science University of Padua to follow in her father’s winemaking footsteps.

“Pino & Toi” Veneto IGT

The name references the varieties from which it is made: “Pino” for the Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio,

and “Toi” for the Tai as it is now referred to in the Veneto (formerly Tocai Friulano). All the grapes are

sourced from various vineyards in and around the town of Breganze, where the Maculan family winery

is located. This unique white wine is fermented and refined in temperature controlled, stainless steel

tanks to preserve its crisp freshness.

Chardonnay Breganze DOC

Maculan Chardonnay combines the pleasant weight of the Chardonnay grape with the freshness of

this cool climate growing zone at the foot of the Alps in northern Veneto. Fermented in stainless

steel and rested only briefly in tank before release, this is a wine to be appreciated for its zestiness

and vibrant character.