“IL Borro represents my life-long dream,” says Salvatore Ferragamo (as quoted in Sommelier India). “It has always been my family’s desire to own a wine estate with its own identity. A place which is nurtured by love and the passion we feel for this territory, and in doing so, we are happy to offer our clients good wines and beautiful holiday surroundings.”

Salvatore Ferragamo has been making wines since 1999. IL Borro estate in the Arezzo area of Tuscany is run by son Salvatore and presided over by his father, Ferruccio Ferragamo. Today IL Borro estate extends over 40 hectares and production includes a top label, IL Borro, which is a blend (50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot) while the second label Polissena is 100% Sangiovese and more representative of the region in that it is Tuscany’s indigenous grape variety. The entire production is overseen by one of Tuscany’s most reputed winemakers, Nicolò d’Afflitto who is also winemaker to Marchesi de’ Fescobaldi.

Il Borro’s spacious underground cellars which extend well below the magnificent villa and gardens are like the meandering vaulted passages of a cathedral. This is where the wine is stored and aged over the years. Until you plan a visit to IL Borro, sample the wines at home.

FineWinesnMore is importing five labels from IL Borro and Castiglion del Bosco, two Ferragamo family estates. The FWM portfolio includes the white wine, Lamelle and four red wines, IL Borro, Pian Di Nova, Rosso Di Montalcino and Brunello Di Montalcino, which will retail for between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000, and be available in Mumbai to begin with.

At the launch in Mumbai, Dharti Desai, Founder & CEO FineWinesnMore said, "Salvatore Ferragamo is a true wine enthusiast and the family Estate wines personify the Ferragamos’ rich legacy and excellence. We are happy to provide wine enthusiasts with better choices."

According to a company release, 25% of the FWM portfolio falls in the luxury segment. The luxury wine market in India is estimated to be 12 – 15% of the total wine industry. In India for the launch, Salvatore Ferragamo said; “We are extremely delighted to enter this robust wine industry. Our IL Borro and Castiglion del Bosco wines are of the finest quality and will be a treat for true Indian wine connoisseurs who have been used to excellence and luxury."

So you have it now from the horse's mouth! Although we haven't actually tasted the wines, the wines I'm sure won't disappoint. Italian wines, when good, are very good, indeed.

— Reva K. Singh