e at Prospero Winery are pleased to introduce Alfredo Veronesi, our new head winemaker. Alfredo has more than fifteen years experience in the wine production industry and has mainly worked in various regions of Tuscany including Chianti Classico, Montepulciano, and Maremma. Alfredo is a strong believer that good wine starts with good grapes. He is eager to work with the fruit we are known to import from the California and Italy regions.

Alfredo is Tuscan-born and spent his childhood helping his father and grandfather tend to the vineyards, harvest, press and bottle. He graduated from the University of Pisa with a degree in Agronomics Sciences. He went on to research plant density in historic Sangiovese vineyards in Chianti. Alfredo worked with a team to plant experimental vineyards and research improved management techniques, plant density, and new clones in the historic Chianti Classico Denomination. He collaborated with wineries like Barone Ricasoli, San Felice, Badia a Coltibuono, Fontodi and Isole e Olena to name a few.

In 1997, Alfredo took the position of Technical Director at Fattoria La Massa in Panzano in Chianti where he focused on Sangiovese and Bordeaux-style reds. He worked closely with winemaker Carlo Ferrini and owner Gianpaolo Motta who together opened the door for Alfredo to Super Tuscans, using not only traditional methods, but also innovative ones. At La Massa, he learned, among many things, the nuances of barrels and the subtle art of blending.

In 2001 that it was time to embark on a new challenge. He chose to move away from Chianti and explore the other parts of Tuscany. He became drawn to the emerging wine scene on the coast. As a consultant, Alfredo spent ten years assisting new wineries with every aspect of start-up from vineyard planting, to cellar design, ageing and bottling. He also stepped in to already established wineries such as Fattoria La Talosa in Montepulciano to improve their production standards.

Looking for a new challenge, Alfredo decided to take on a new world. We are very excited to embark on this new journey with Alfredo as our winemaker. According to Alfredo, ëto make good wine, ìthe work done in the cellar must reflect the work done prior in the vineyard. This means having deep knowledge of terroir, uncompromising respect for the fruit, attention to the smallest details in vinification ageing and finally patience and instinct in the critical, final stages of blending.

 

oots. Just as those of a grapevine that run deep and true, so does the history behind Prospero Winery. Generations of Prospero’s were born and raised in L’Aquila, a charming city set within the Abruzzi region of central Italy. In the rich soils of this rustic and plentiful land, the Prospero’s planted a small vineyard to enjoy with their family and friends as a hobby. Tony, the youngest of three, kept their traditions close to his heart after making the long journey from Italy to New York.

Tony and his wife, Silvana, opened a fruit stand in 1973 in the town of Pleasantville, NY. They began selling fruits, vegetables and California wine grapes. The grapes received enormous attention and were a big hit for Westchester County’s growing population of home winemakers. Ever the visionary, Tony decided to expand his line of products to meet the manufacturing demands of these self vintners. In the years to come, what was once a small fruit stand expanded by supplying home and commercial wine making equipment both here in the U.S. and abroad.

After more than 30 years of harvesting California wine grapes in Pleasantville, Tony and Silvana wanted to share their love of wine with everyone. In December of 1999, a winery and tasting room was opened on the original site of Prospero’s fruit and vegetable stand. Today, Prospero Winery welcomes visitors daily to come in and experience the presence of fine Italian tradition surrounding them. Every variety tastes of the passion that went into its making, and each has “roots” hinting to the cultural lineage leading back to the original small vineyard that was planted to share with family and friends in their small town of L’Aquila. The tradition continues and we invite you to come and share it with us.

Salute!
— La Famiglia Prospero

Click here To see more of one of our grower's vineyards.
The Handal-Denier Vineyards.

La Fontana Luminosa

“The Luminous Fountain” is located in Piazza Battaglione degli Alpini inthe center of the capital city L’Aquila. One of Italy’s oldest cities,L’Aquila is located in the center of the Abruzzi region and is also the birthplace of the Prospero Family.

Created in 1934 by the famous sculptor, Nicola D’Antino, the statue is made of marble and depicts two beautiful women holding the “bronze basin,” which is a typical Abruzzi watering can. In honor of their home town, the Prospero family has chosen this image to adorn its wine labels.

To see more fountain photos, click here.   

April 6th, 2009

L'Aquila was greatly damaged by an earthquake which occurred at 3:30am. La Fontana Luminosa was one of the few fountains which was not damaged.

Our hearts go out to all the victims of this tragedy. We are still working on relief efforts for the area.

 

Wine Talk - New York Times

November 3, 1982
This article from the New York Times gives you the flavor of the winemakng lifestyle. You really get an understanding of making and enjoying your own wine, with atmosphere, comraderie and the gastronomic delights and pleasures that go with it.