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Lifetime Achievement: Dr. John F. Mariani, Jr. of Banfi Vintners |
| Dr. John F. Mariani’s vision has helped to raise the quality of the world’s wines and bring them into U.S. homes and restaurants. In the 1950s, John Mariani and his brother, Harry, expanded their father’s Italian import portfolio to Germany, Switzerland and France, eventually becoming a leading Bordeaux and Burgundy négociant. In 1969, John launched the marketing phenomenon Riunite Lambrusco, a remarkable Italian wine that remained the country’s number one import for 26 years. In the ’70s, John planted vineyards and built cellars in southern Tuscany. His work ultimately inspired a renaissance in Tuscan winemaking, helping to elevate Montalcino to new heights, and earning him a knighthood from the Italian government.
The success of Riunite was repeated in the 1980s, when Banfi’s new import, Chile’s Concha y Toro, jumped from 90,000 cases to 2 million, becoming America’s new number one import. In the 2000s, Banfi was recognized for its environmental, ethical and social responsibility. Beyond his tremendous insights, making Banfi a model of wine production and marketing, John has also made Banfi a leader in humanitarian efforts, contributing worldwide for several decades to causes from education and health to disaster relief. |
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