The Connection Between Le Vigne di Raito, Taranta and Bob
What it is the connection between the three of us? Our relationship started a little over four years ago. While reviewing Luciano Pignataro’s wine blog I read about Patrizia Malanga’s desire to attract an international market for her wine. A small certified organic producer of approximately 5,000 bottles, Le Vigne di Raito was not an attractive company for most American importers. I wanted to meet with
Patrizia to see if I could help her – of course I was not certain how I could. With the assistance of Gaetano Petrillo of The Wine Bus we met Patrizia and her daughter, Vallentina, in 2012.
We discussed our respective heritages; Patrizia was born in the City of Potenza, Province of Potenza, Region of Basilicata. My Grandparents were born in the small village of Corleto Perticara; approximately 30 miles south of the City of Potenza. We are Lucani (plural of Lucano which is the historic name for people whose origin is from the Region of Basilicata). Of course we concluded that we were distant cousins.
We enjoyed her wine so much we put several bottles in our suitcases so we could share with our friends. Fortunately, through my sister Tracey, Ro and I met family friend Nick Mucci, who had started a wine importing business specializing in Italian wines produced by
small producers who abide by sustainable viticulture. Talk about a perfect fit! My Mother arranged a wine tasting at her home; we featured some of our favorite wines from Southern Italy including Patrizia’s Ragis. Nick enjoyed Ragis so much that on his next trip to Italy he met with Patrizia and began importing her wine. http://www.levignediraito.com
One of Nick’s customers is Taranta; a green certified restaurant located in Boston’s North End. It offers a wide selection of wines from Southern Italy that abide by sustainable viticulture, including Patrizia’s Ragis. In the photo at the top Taranta’s employee Maris is holding a bottle of Ragis. We support green businesses, Patrizia’s wines and Nick Mucci; Taranta is a natural destination for us! http://www.tarantarist.com
