and more:
• It All Began With Chaos...
• Bob Dylan Collector's Case
• IWM's Gift Center

The Times They Are A-Changin'...

The iconic, bohemian folksinger/poet meets the eccentric Le Marche winemaker and groupie. Bob Dylan’s latest release, Fattoria Le Terrazze 2002 Planet Waves, is not made of poetic verses placed on vinyl, but of powerful, concentrated juice from Italy’s indigenous Montepulciano grape and the noble Merlot. This time the support does not come from rhythmic efforts of The Band, but instead from the passion of veteran winemaker Antonio Terni and the Le Terrazze estate.

Terni is Le Marche’s most celebrated producer of quality Italian red wine, most notably the classic Montepulciano-based Rosso Conero and the super-Marchigiano blend of Montepulciano/Merlot/Syrah labelled as 'Chaos' (an IWM favorite). Consistently breaking new ground, Antonio looked to create a spiritual wine that paid homage to his childhood hero. In 1997, Terni released the vintage driven Rosso Conero “Visions of J.,” titled after the Bob Dylan song. The wine went on to win critical acclaim, capturing the coveted Tre Bicchieri award and the palate of Bob Dylan himself. The result is the joint venture release of "Planet Waves." The maverick winemaker does not compromise quality for celebrity status; Terni creates the wine and Dylan endorses it. The limited production of high quality fruit yielded just over 400 cases of this new wine, a testament to Terni's commitment to quality. Please note that only 100+ cases will arrive in the States.

We are pleased to introduce "Planet Waves" and the difficult-to-find "Visions of J." as well as two additional ready-to-drink crowd pleasers from Le Terrazze. If you are interested in learning more about these wines or would like to make a purchase, please contact our Portfolio Managers at 212.473.2323.

NB: Bob Dylan albums not included.

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Quality, Not Mere Quantity

To understand these new wines, it is important to understand Antonio Terni’s commitment to quality. The dynamic producer has brought much acclaim to the historically underrated reds of Le Marche with the production of his reserve Rosso Conero and powerhouse blends. This can be attributed to more than a century of Terni winemaking and a dedication to cultivating the Montepulciano grape (not to be confused with the noted Tuscan wine area). The grape was, in fact, borrowed from the neighboring Abruzzo; however, it is in Le Marche, under the guidance of Terni, that it reaches its full expression.

In 1882 the Terni family acquired this 150 hectare estate in the heart of the Marche region. Here the vineyard is situated in the ideal microclimate for growing grapes. In the summer months the vines are fanned by the evening breezes from the Adriatic while the winter bite is contained by the slopes of Monte Conero, which shelters the area from the icy, northern winds. It is in this area that the premium red of Le Marche, Rosso Conero, is at its best.

In the early eighties, Antonio took Le Terrazze in a new direction by completely renovating the property and hiring the likes of Attilio Pagli and Leonardo Valenti. Together they experimented with blends that included noble varietals such as Merlot and Syrah. In combination with Terni's signature dense Montepulciano, the team is able to produce some of Le Marche's most sought IGT wines. In the meantime, Terni is also pushing for a DOCG designation for the Conero zone that would limit blending with Sangiovese.

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The Bob Dylan Effect

Antonio Terni’s passion (an understatement) outside wine is music, more specifically the music of Bob Dylan. To pay tribute to his hero, in 1997 Terni released the limited production “Visions of J.,” named after the Dylan song “Visions of Johanna” from the Blonde on Blonde album. The wine went on to capture the top prize at the Slow Food Festival in 2001 while attracting the legendary songwriter after Terni sent a few bottles backstage at a European concert. One taste and Dylan requested to be part of Terni’s next effort, "Planet Waves." The name is taken from Bob Dylan’s 1974 album of the same title. Experience these low yielding, vintage driven selections.

Le Terrazze - Rosso Conero Visions of J.

100% Montepulciano. A brilliant example that displays both the power and concentration of this rustic grape. Even denser than the Sassi Neri, this Rosso Conero is only produced in select vintages. Aged in barriques, it is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with lots of glycerin, thickness, and richness. On the nose sour cherry, vanilla, cocoa, sweet spices. Rich, warm, supple, well structured, ripe sweet tannins, fresh, pleasant and long ending.

2001 Visions of J. $69.69 / bottle

Le Terrazze - Planet Waves

75% Montepulciano and 25% Merlot. This wine represents the debut collaboration of Antonio Terni and Bob Dylan. The grapes come from 20 hectares of vineyards, all part of the estate at Numana. The vineyards lie in the foothills of Monte Conero, about one km from the coast that brillantly fans the late ripening Montepulciano. Terni describes the wine as “a mysteriously Dylan-esque encounter between the severity of Montepulciano and the softness of Merlot.”

2002 Planet Waves $69.69 / bottle

Click to order the Bob Dylan Collector's Case

It All Began With Chaos...

Before the Dylan influence, there were the Terni staples of Sassi Neri and Chaos. The family staked its name on the quality of their wines over a century ago. Clearly they are doing something right: their “Chaos” has single-handedly brought Italy’s Marche region, on the western edge of the Adriatic, into the spotlight of red wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Le Terrazze Chaos

50% Montepulciano, 25% Merlot, and 25% Syrah. This wine is an overwhelming favorite among IWM clientele and it keeps getting better. The 2001 release captured the coveted Tre Bicchieri award. The blend is a powerful package with a deep purple hue, a wildly expressive nose, and a velvety smooth palate. The estate’s high elevation near the sea allows the grapes to deliver a wide range of flavors, including dried field flowers, ripe Morello cherry, French toast, and tobacco. The finish provides a long-lasting impact of unabated vinous pleasure.

2001 Chaos $49.89 / bottle
2001 Chaos $550.79 / case ($45.90 / bottle)

Le Terrazze Rosso Conero Sassi Neri

This is the estate's reserve Rosso Conero. Only highly selected, low yield grapes are used to produce this full bodied, velvety wine. Deep ruby red with garnet reflections. Intense, persistent; black currants and dried flowers with a hint of vanilla. Warm, well structured, well balanced, supple, fresh, long finish.

2000 Sassi Neri $43.73 / bottle
2000 Sassi Neri $482.78 / case ($40.23 / bottle)

Click here to order Chaos and Sassi Neri by fax!

Bob Dylan Collector's Case

To sample the spirit of this renowned winemaker and his joint venture with the legendary songwriter, order IWM's Bob Dylan & Le Terrazze Collector's Case (three of each). It showcases all four bottles featured in this eLetter and is a good way to sample Le Terrazze's limited release "Planet Waves" and "Visions of J."

Experience the full expression of the rustic Montepulciano grape in all four offerings - from the vintage driven "Visions of J." to the powerful blend in Chaos to the super selection of Sassi Neri. These wines are ready to drink and please. An ideal purchase for the approaching festive season. Bob Dylan albums not included.

Le Terrazze 2002 Planet Waves
Le Terrazze 2001 Visions of J.
Le Terrazze 2001 Chaos
Le Terrazze 2000 Sassi Neri

IWM Le Terrazze Case Sampler (12): $677.13*
*Free delivery to NYC residents

Click here to order the Bob Dylan Collector's Case by fax!

IWM's Gift Center

Visit the IWM Gift Center for Italian Wine Merchants’ latest gift offerings. The selections are perfect for corporate gift giving or just getting that perfect bottle for a college buddy. This section will be updated weekly and includes an extensive list of wine books for the enthusiast, antique corkscrews for the collector, wine clubs for the novice to the sophisticated cellar master, gift baskets for colleagues, and IWM gift certificates to alleviate the pain of not knowing what to get. From a vintage Barolo from Bartolo Mascarello to an autographed copy of the Babbo cookbook from Mario Batali, you are sure to find a gem that will make a lasting impression.

Be assured that each IWM gift is of high quality and bears Sergio’s Stamp of Approval. Our selection is unique and includes obscure finds that makes it difficult to duplicate elsewhere. Each featured item includes a detailed description so you can be certain that you are getting the perfect gift. If you want to customize your own gift with Producer and Wine Tasting Notes, explore the site and we will get you what you need to create a memorable gift.

Feel free to order online through our IWM Fax Order Form or to speak with a wine consultant by calling 212.473.2323. If you are interested in setting up a corporate account to handle your gift-giving needs, please call and ask for Chris Deas.

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