The new Blumea Prestige, Vermentino aged in barrique, from the Pagani de Marchi agricultural company represents an important innovation: what is the process and what is the idea behind this wine?
«The introduction of the Blumea Prestige marks another milestone for our production. The idea stems from a dual need: on the one hand, the desire to respond to an international market still oriented towards full-bodied white wines, capable of evolving over time; on the other, a personal desire to explore the potential of Vermentino in contact with quality wood.
The journey that led us to this wine was guided by the pursuit of balance. We didn't want the wood to overwhelm the typical freshness of Vermentino, but rather to act as a support, enhancing its creaminess and persistence. Blumea Prestige isn't just a "test"; it's the expression of our Casale Marittimo terroir, interpreted through a more complex vinification process, which delivers notes of vanilla and sweet spices complemented by hints of Mediterranean scrub. It's a wine designed for those seeking a profound sensory experience, perfect not only as an aperitif but also as an ideal companion to rich fish dishes or white meats.
You've created a new rooftop area for tastings and aperitifs. How important is it to create moments of conviviality within the company today?
«Today, wine is no longer just a shelf product, but the core of an experience. The creation of our Prince's Terrace It was born from the desire to offer a unique perspective on our world. Those who come to visit us in Pagani de Marchi aren't just looking for a glass of wine, but a moment of beauty and relaxation.
From our terrace, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the village of Casale Marittimo, one of the most beautiful in Tuscany: it's an evocative setting that makes the tasting unforgettable. We chose a deliberately rustic decor to maintain an aesthetic coherence with our production philosophy: authenticity and respect for tradition, but with a contemporary approach. Conviviality is a strategic tool for us: it allows us to tell our story directly to the consumer, creating an emotional connection that goes beyond the simple purchase of a bottle.
Among the new features is the home tasting service: how did this offer come about and what kind of response are you getting?
This service was born almost spontaneously, listening to the needs of the local area. Casale Marittimo and the surrounding areas are dotted with wonderful estates and villas, home to tourists from all over the world. The initial request came from a group of guests who wanted to experience the winery from the privacy of their own summer residence.
The response has been overwhelming. We've realized that there's a segment of the market—large families, groups of friends, or couples seeking exclusivity—that greatly appreciates the convenience of having the cellar at home. We bring not just our wines, but the entire Pagani de Marchi story, transforming a simple aperitivo into a cultural and sensorial evening. It's a service that bridges the gap between producer and consumer, bringing the company right into the heart of our guests' stays."
More generally, what is the current state of wine production in the Casale Marittimo area, and what are the main challenges you face?
The area around Casale Marittimo is experiencing a period of great turmoil. Being a small producer in such a well-suited area is a privilege, but it presents us with significant daily challenges. Competition is fierce, and to stand out, we must focus on quality, territorial identity, and our historical heritage: our winery's connection to the Etruscans is very strong and informs our strategic decisions.
However, the greatest challenge today is climate change. Rising temperatures and drought are requiring bold agronomic decisions. We recently made the decision to uproot some of our historic Sangiovese vineyards: a difficult but necessary decision. In their place, we are introducing varieties that are more heat-resistant and adaptable to the new seasonal cycles. The goal is to continue producing elegant, fresh wines, preventing excessive heat from compromising the quality and quantity of our production. The viticulture of the future, at the Pagani de Marchi winery, must be resilient and dynamic.
How strategic is it today to invest in events and initiatives to open the company to an ever wider audience?
Investing in events is no longer an option, but a fundamental strategic necessity. In a globalized world, consumers have access to thousands of different brands; what makes the difference is a company's ability to stand out through unique experiences.
Opening the cellar doors daily, offering personalized tastings, creating the Terrazza del Principe for private events, being among the producers who organize "sunsets in the vineyard," and opening the cellar doors to private events organized in the barrel room—all this allows us to showcase the "behind-the-scenes" of our work and follow our wines from their birth to their maturation. We don't just sell wine, we sell the Casale Marittimo region, our passion and our care for the environment, always focusing on organic production. Every event is an opportunity to educate the public about conscious, quality consumption. Our strategy is to differentiate ourselves: we want everyone who passes through Pagani de Marchi to go home not just with a case of wine, but with the memory of having experienced an authentic piece of our land.
