Shanghai, 16 July 2024 – East Meets West Fine Wines (EMW) and Lamole di Lamole, a historic winery located in the heart of Chianti Classico, Tuscany, signed an exclusive import and distribution agreement for Greater China area. Following its success in the Hong Kong and Macau markets, EMW is expanding its partnership with Lamole di Lamole to include the entire Greater China region, looking forward to delivering more premium Chianti Classico wines to customers in a wider range of areas.
"One arrives at the village of Lamole following a short, picturesque ride through a forest of beech, oak and conifer trees ascending from the valley floor of the Greve River. Atop the village, one can admire exquisite views, including the square featuring the romantic San Donato church. The Lamole di Lamole winery is located nearby, amidst olive trees, vines and dry stonewalls – an idyllic place where old and new merge. It is here that history is made, where the secrets of Lamole rest amongst ancient bottles and keepsakes of past harvests."
Lamole is a diffuse but once heavily populated hamlet, which has always formed a single entity with the surrounding countryside, modeled over the centuries by the strenuous work of man and where iris and broom insinuate themselves between the vine rows and in the olive groves. It is also where Lamole di Lamole originated.
The Lamole di Lamole Estate was founded shortly after the Second World War. It lies in the commune of Greve in Chianti, in the heart of Chianti Classico. This historic winery, in which one still finds today the aging cellars and the vinsantaia (aging rooms), dates from the mid-14th century. It used to be one of the storehouses of Lamole Castle, which was progressively extended in the 17th and 18th centuries. Vineyards are located in one of the highest parts of the denomination, at altitudes between 350 and 655 meters above sea level.
One's gaze, from the top of the vineyards, embraces a horizon of wonderful scope, as one looks towards the sunset; in late spring, while the wind spreads the perfume of iris and blooming furze, the vines also flower. Moment of the age-old hamlet.
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The scenery of Lamole
The Lamole di Lamole Estate covers a total of 37 hectares of vineyards. The average age of its vineyards is around 25-30 years, with a "peak" of 74 in the upper part of the Il Prato site.
The soils of Lamole, which offer very good drainage, are made up of ocher-colored sandstones, known as "macigno toscano" ("Tuscan boulder") to underline their texture and weight; mingled with them are inserts of alberese (hard white limestones) and galestro (clayey schist, in blocks or split into flakes). The mixture of soils is rich in nutrients and minerals, resulting in the completeness of the local reds, which are perfumed and extremely elegant, vigorous and persistent.
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Macigno Toscano & Galestro
The kilometers terraces of dry-stone walls, constructed by hand for centuries with the local rocks, have a vital function for the vines: they reflect sunlight during the day, thus stimulating the photosynthesis of the vines; and they retain heat, which they then give back at night. At Lamole, the painstaking maintenance of these precious walls is part and parcel of protecting the countryside: it is a duty that they consider a privilege.
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The dry-stone walls & terraces
For Sangiovese, which has always been the ruling grape in this zone, this chaotic polychromy is paradise. Sublimating this exceptional location in wines that are equally complex is the task that fascinates Lamole di Lamole.
Lamole di Lamole was acquired by the Santa Margherita Wine Group in 1993. Since 2005, the estate has begun a process of sustainable conversion of the land. To underline the importance of terroir in their wines, they use sustainable farming methods in the vineyards, reducing reliance on copper and sulphur.
This includes, for example, the use of sustainable compost, derived from vine prunings and stalks from the harvested grapes as a natural soil improver; the utilization of "resistance inducers" based on seaweed, aloe and propolis, in order to stimulate the vines' self-protection systems and make them more reactive to external attacks; and recourse only to natural substances, without having to use chemical products in the vineyards.
All of these practices have as their objective the enhancement of their wines’ territorial characteristics. They are convinced that everything that derives from a healthy environment, managed in an intelligent, measured manner and with respect for the life cycles of its various components, leads to a unique value.
Olivier Six, CEO, EMW Fine Wines
"When I first tasted Lamole di Lamole wines, I was struck by its extreme elegance and uniqueness. The exceptional quality of Lamole di Lamole stems from its distinguished terroir, and every drop of the wine delivers the region's centuries-old heritage, with the grace of Chianti Classico bursting through. EMW uncovered this jewel in the heart of Chianti Classico, introducing it to the Greater China market. I'm confident it will reignite a Chianti Classico trend. Lamole di Lamole wines communicate a story of time, and EMW brings it to life across domains, which is the ultimate goal of this partnership."
Giacomo Marzotto, Export Director, Santa Margherita Wine Group
"We are proud to announce Lamole di Lamole's new milestone on the Greater China market, handled by an exceptional and exclusive partner, East Meets West (EMW). Lamole di Lamole is a winery that was created 500 years ago in the heart of Chianti Classico, in one of its most historic and also highest zones. Our terraced vineyards lie at up to 655 meters above sea level, which contributes to the distinctive elegance of our wines. Lamole di Lamole's Chianti Classicos are produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes from estate-owned vineyards: of the 98 hectares of vines that comprise the UGA, we possess 37. We are delighted that our wines are now available to wine lovers in this part of Asia, thanks to our partnership with EMW Fine Wines."
Lamole di Lamole "Duelame" Chianti Classico DOCG
Lamole di Lamole "Lareale" Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Lamole di Lamole, "Vigneto di Campolungo", Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
Lamole di Lamole'Lam'Oro', Toscana IGT (available in Hong Kong & Macau)
EMW is a leading importer, distributor, and brand builder in the Greater China market, working closely with more than 110 family-owned and premium wine estates, sake breweries, and craft spirit producers from 16 countries worldwide. EMW has an unequaled distribution network to top restaurants, hotels, wine shops, online VIP customers, and an exclusive network of distribution covering over 160 cities in China. EMW has been awarded "Best Wine Importer" for 12 consecutive years since 2011 by China Sommeliers Wine Challenge, WINE100 Challenge and Golden Prestige Awards.
Leo QI Brand Manager, Greater China
E-mail: leo.qi@emw-wines.com
Juanita YU Marketing Director, Greater China
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020
E-mail: juanita.yu@emw-wines.com
Shanghai Office Address: Unit 202, No.664 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai
