@avignonesi

KeeperCollection_@KeeperColl Hope to see u at #SommChat 11AM CST @margauxcoimport @lisaadamswalter @foundationspr @jeremysblock @vinobolton @bevmedia @drewbie_g #WW

@hvwinegoddess: @KeeperColl Sorry, I have a meeting. I'll catch you next week. #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl bummer! @hvwinegoddess

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Thanks Katie #SommChat RT @KatieEigel: Terroir speaks. And this lady listens. http://bit.ly/1F5N6rH

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Hope to see u at #SommChat 11AM CST @scottota @travelwinechick @CharlesComm @RachelDriver @caravellechamp @1queenofspoons @MDSomm

Beth _@travelwinechick #WineWednesday #SommChat cheers! @KeeperColl @scottota @CharlesComm @racheldriver @CaravelleChamp @1queenofspoons @MDSomm

Sassodoro _@Sassodoro @KeeperColl @drunken_somm @Winochic @hvwinegoddess @nicktex @mweb @RTRwines @GUSTOTastings Happy #SommChat #WW!

Justin Nguyen _@mychoiceofwine #@KeeperColl: .@Tishwine Today's #SommChat features #Winemaker and Owner of @Avignonesi Virginie Saverys Hope to…

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl Hope everyone's ready to talk w/ #Winemaker Virginie Saverys, owner of @avignonesi on #SommChat today at 11 AM CST, 12 N ET!

Sassodoro _@Sassodoro Sassodoro Yeah! #SommChat

Adam Plotkin _@AdamPlotkin @KeeperColl @KGreenPR @ericawinetrips @dellanimom @jennanorth @kcwineguy @Local913 @roydot #SommChat grtngs frm #Vienna! Chkng in pre opera!

Gourmet Delights _@exceptionalfood Every Wednesday at noon EDT join us for #SommChat hosted by @KeeperColl #wine #wiyg #foodies

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Welcome 2 #SommChat every1! Tell UR friends 2 join us 2 hear from #Winemaker Virginie Saverys owner of @avignonesi

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl We'd like to introduce you to Virginie Saverys from @avignonesi #SommChat #WW

Avignonesi _@avignonesi Thank you @KeeperColl Excited to be here for #SommChat Looking forward to your questions. #WineWednesday

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Abt ready 2 dive in w/ ?s, so S/O 2 Virginie Saverys from @avignonesi 2 say hello & so she knows UR here! #SommChat

Kay Marley-Dilworth _@ATXFoodnews #WW RT @KeeperColl: Today's #SommChat features #Winemaker & Owner of @Avignonesi Virginie Saverys Hope to see you there! 11am-12N CST

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine Thanks for taking the time today Virginie! #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Don't forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order 4 every1 2 C see it! #WineWednesday

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl As we ask Virginie Saverys @avignonesi our Qs, you can ask her Ur Qs as well! She'll do her best 2 answer all Qs in order #SommChat #WW

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl W/so many participants gr8 Q's R asked! Even if u dont ask 1, S/O 2 @KeeperColl & @avignonesi 2 let us know u R here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Let's start talking #Italian #wine w/ Chief #Winemaker Virginie Saverys from @avignonesi #WW #SommChat

Adam Plotkin _@AdamPlotkin @KeeperColl @avignonesi Hello! LOVE your 98 Vin Santo Occhio Pernice! #unique #wine! #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AdamPlotkin Thank you. #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi How did you get interested in #wine and when did it start? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi A love for #Italy, mostly #Tuscany Its a passionate thing to do, making wine #SommChat

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine Do you have a particular wine that is special to you? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AndyOnFarmWine #SommChat A: our Grifi and Rosso di Montepulciano

Judia Black _@enjoielife @avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano can be quite enjoyable & affordable for short-term consumption, especially in the summer. #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi Why #Montepulciano: I started owning only 30% of Avignonesi. Since 2009, I've had full ownership. #SommChat

Judia Black _@enjoielife @KeeperColl @avignonesi Good afternoon. Ready to talk #wine and #Montepulciano on this #WineWednesday . #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS _@SandyWasserman Q. Good morning @avignonesi Who are your winemaking mentors & where did you get your start? Thanks #SommChat

Kay Marley-Dilworth _@ATXFoodnews Great question! #SommChat @SandyWasserman

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @SandyWasserman #SommChat A: I took courses in #Bordeaux but didn't have prior experience in wine before Avignonesi.

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Q fr #Shy #SommChat tweep: how many ppl do U have working @avignonesi FT & do U use PT ppl during harvest? If so R they the same each yr?

Avignonesi _@avignonesi We have about 100 people working for us. We do not hire people during harvest. Those 100 people work more than 180 days for us. #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi Very interesting 2 C that UR 1st decision was 2 introduce biodynamics. Can U explain where this decision comes fr? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi Homeopathy was always used in my family. Biodynamics helps the immune system of the vines and improves the site dramatically. #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat I couldn't bear the idea of spraying chemicals in the vineyard. Biodynamics was the logical step for me.

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine How big is your wine production? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AndyOnFarmWine A: 70,000 cases #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Q fr shy person #SommChat: where do you market your wines in the US - major Cities? R U growing any areas? @avignonesi

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat Our wines are available nationally. Main areas are East Coast. 30 states total. All our distributors are on our website

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Q. @Avignonesi do U have a cellar to hold back your #wines to see the aging? Do you believe your #Bio approach will affect aging? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat We do have an archive of #wine we produce. The Rosso di #Montepulciano is not for long aging so we wont keep many of those.

Katie Eigel _@KatieEigel Q. You brought biodynamics to @avignonesi. How long have you been into it & do you remember your 1st biodynamic #wine? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @KatieEigel A: We started bio farming 25% of the vineyards in 2010. In 2011: all biodynamics. First wine: Elisabetta Foradori #SommChat

Katie Eigel _@KatieEigel @avignonesi Thank you for your response! Bio farming makes a world of a difference. Cheers to your winemaking style and efforts :)

Judia Black _@enjoielife @avignonesi @KatieEigel Foradori is a nice wine! I tried it upon the recommendation of a friend. It's very bold and distinctive. #SommChat

Katie Eigel _@KatieEigel @enjoielife @avignonesi Awesome, Judia! I've only read great things, but it sounds enticing. Quite a story w/ Foradori. Cheers on your #ww!

Judia Black _@enjoielife The Foradori was a memorable wine, Katie, reminiscent of wines from Mt Etna region but with more heft and tannins.@KatieEigel @avignonesi

Avignonesi _@avignonesi There was a lot of tradition of fine wines in my family. First wine I tried was a sip - Vieux Chateau Certan when I was 6. #SommChat

Judia Black _@enjoielife Wow @avignonesi! You were very young. Do you remember what you thought of the Vieux Chateau Certan? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @enjoielife #SommChat I didn't really like the Vieux. I didn't start liking wine until 12 or 13.

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine Is there a certain characteristic that runs through all your wines that make them distinctive? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AndyOnFarmWine A: elegance, seamless tannins, good acidity, nice fruitiness. #SommChat

Cindy Rynning _@GrapeExp_Cindy Better late than never!! #SommChat Hi everyone!

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @GrapeExp_Cindy so glad you can join in - great convo with @avignonesi on #SommChat

Cindy Rynning _@GrapeExp_Cindy It looks that way! Glad I'm here! #SommChat @KeeperColl @avignonesi

ormiga _@ormiga late but timing=see @avignonesi #biodynamic #SommChat @KeeperColl so notice differences in structure taste aroma of #wine? & #climatechange?

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @ormiga hot summers will be great for our cooler vineyards and vice versa for the cool summers. #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @ormiga A: Since I took over we have had hot summers cold summers dry summers and wet summers, which clearly impact the vintage. #SommChat

ormiga _@ormiga thanks both replies @avignonesi had to go do something @KeeperColl

Sandy Wasserman CS _@SandyWasserman Q. @avignonesi Any desire to make wine outside of Tuscany? If so where & what ? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @SandyWasserman A: That's difficult. I think I am busy enough with I am doing at Avignonesi. Burgundy maybe? #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso _@demilove @KeeperColl - How is everyone today in #SommChat land? Suffering from serious #Napa withdrawal!

Davis Smith _@MDSomm @avignonesi Q: I know you recently switched to all estate fruit. Any chance we'll see "Grandi Annate" again? #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @MDSomm great to see you here today on #SommChat - hope all is well

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine Your winemaking style sounds like Bordeaux do your wines have that kind of aging potential? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AndyOnFarmWine Our top wines have definitely an aging potential of 20 years. #SommChat

Marilena Barbera _@marilenabarbera Q. #SommChat how your biodynamic farming is followed at the winery? Any particular choices in winemaking?

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @marilenabarbera A: Trying to work as softly as possible in respect of grapes. #SommChat

Marilena Barbera _@marilenabarbera #SommChat oenological additives? Yeast? Filtering? @avignonesi thanks for your answer

Cindy Rynning _@GrapeExp_Cindy Q: What are your thoughts about dry farming? @avignonesi @KeeperColl #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @GrapeExp_Cindy We don't irrigate. In Europe, we are unable to, unless emergency or on young vines #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm Greetings @avignonesi ! Who has been your wine mentor? #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Hi @CharlesComm she answered earlier :) #SommChat

Davis Smith _@MDSomm.@avignonesi Q: I know you recently switched to all estate fruit. Any chance we'll see "Grandi Annate" again? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @MDSomm #Grandi Annate 2011 is on the market now. Its 100% #Sangiovese - a different style than previously. #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi For the #Nobile, Grifi, Desiderio,Grandi Annate and 50&50 we keep quite a bit in stock for vertical tastings #SommChat

Sassodoro _@Sassodoro @avignonesi I love the Grandi Annate! Still have a few bottles of the 1999. Last time I tried it, it was still doing great! #SommChat

Marilena Barbera _@marilenabarbera Q. can you see a huge difference in vine's health between organic & biodynamic farming? Can u pls explain in which aspects? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @marilenabarbera Biodynamics gives your vines additional tools to get resistant. #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @marilenabarbera Organic is in my view; not doing certain things (spraying chemicals, etc.) #SommChat

RT @TheWineHub: “#Biodynamics gives your vines additional tools to get resistant” @avignonesi via @marilenabarbera #SommChat Yes!

L Alberto #winelover _@TheWineHub “#Biodynamics gives your vines additional tools to get resistant” -> @avignonesi via @marilenabarbera #SommChat 4 #winelover-s

Charles Comm PR _@CharlesComm @avignonesi What's your favorite wine for a night of unwinding? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @CharlesComm #VinoNobile di #Montepulciano #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi U applied 4 organic Cert. N '11? Why taking so long 2 get? What R results of Org. / #biodynamics U C N #vineyards #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi We have been buying additional vineyards until late 2012. The property will be organically certified in 2015 since it takes 3 yrs #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat to clarify 2016 will be the first year with all certified grapes.

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat Our soils went from lunar to lively. Better health in the vines

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat There is more talk about it. @WineSpectator often gives us the label "smart buy

Sandy Wasserman CS _@SandyWasserman Q. @avignonesi Any word on bud break or conditions so far for 2015 vintage? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @SandyWasserman A: It started normal. No worries yet. #SommChat

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine Are your vines planted on slopes, flat land or both? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AndyOnFarmWine A: Slopes, some bigger than others #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi Why did you choose to produce a pure #Sangiovese in an appellation which allows 30% other varieties? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat because I love #Sangiovese and I like to make my winemaker's life difficult :)

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Thanks #SommChat peeps for your great qs of @avignonesi keep them coming as we are learning a lot!

ENO DC @Eno_DC @KeeperColl It's going great so far! #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Thanks @eno_DC we agree #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi Vino Nobile has been underdog of 3 main #Sangiovese appells of #Tuscany. Why so & how can U turn in2 mkt adv/opp 2day? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat I always cheer for underdogs. We are a bargain #Sangiovese #wine

Thomas Perez _@TperezWine @avignonesi I just want thank you for the amazing #wines been following you for a long time @KeeperColl #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @TperezWine Thanks. #SommChat

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine Is there a standard tons per acre that you go by? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AndyOnFarmWine A: No standard tons per hectare. Depends on the age of vineyards. #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi U broke quite abruptly w/ the past, such as new logo, labels, team, winemaking approach. Why did U feel this was nec.? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat Team: I wanted young people with international experience

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat I wanted to put my stamp on Avignonesi The coat of arms was not mine and the labels were a bit dated.

Marilena Barbera _@marilenabarbera #SommChat I admire your strenght: was it difficult to introduce your vision in a quite traditional company? @avignonesi

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @marilenabarbera Thank you! Its been sometimes hard & my staff has been afraid. Now they are loving it #SommChat

Marilena Barbera _@marilenabarbera Q. can you see a huge difference in vine's health between organic & biodynamic farming? Can u pls explain in which aspects? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @marilenabarbera Indigenous yeasts, no additives, yes filtering. #SommChat

Marilena Barbera _@marilenabarbera Q. #SommChat do U think filtration on Sangio enhances aromatic profile, or you just prefer a brighter color? @avignonesi (just curious)

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @marilenabarbera A: we like it to stabalize the wine and we are selling in so many different markets. #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi How do you see the wines at Avignonesi have changed since you took over? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat the wines are more precise, more elegant, with seamless tannins and good fruitiness

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Q fr Shy #SommChat peep: what plans do you have over the next 5 years 4 @avignonesi ?

Avignonesi _@avignonesi Continue to make every year better wine #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi ...and build a new warehouse for bottling and labeling #SommChat

Charles Comm PR _@CharlesComm @avignonesi Which part of the world are you are seeing the most unexpected wines? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @CharlesComm A: Etna from #Sicily in #Italy #SommChat

Judia Black _@enjoielife A: Etna from #Sicily in #Italy These wines are very distinctive and can offer good value. #SommChat @avignonesi @CharlesComm

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi Why was 2011 the first year that you decided to produce a Grandi Annate? What happened to the 2010 vintage? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat 2010 was very good year but not a single parcel that stood out enough to make a #GrandiAnnate

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine Any thought or use of cabernet sauvignon in your wines? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AndyOnFarmWine A: We have the #Grifi which is a #Sangiovese #CabernetSauvignon blend #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi New Grandi Annate #wine is pure #Sangiovese vs. blend N past. How do U think fans of old vers. will react 2 new #wine? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat Some fans of the old #GrandiAnnate may not like it. The wine was very well received when I toured the US in March

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine What is best wine u ever made? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @AndyOnFarmWine A: up to now I would say #GrandiAnnate 2012 #SommChat

Andy Phillips _@AndyOnFarmWine I'm going to have to get that 2012! Thx for all your info! #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @avignonesi Rec. vintages N #Tuscany lk quite diff. & irr. fr weather pt of view. How does #bio help U deal w/ weather chgs.? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi 2014 was a very difficult year - we fared better than our conventional neighbors. #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Q fr shy #SommChat peep: What do you like to do in your time when not working? @avignonesi How did you adjust to living in #Italy ?

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat Hiking, cooking and reading

Avignonesi _@avignonesi Living in Italy: piece of cake ;) Its just the bureaucracy which I hate. #SommChat

Marilena Barbera @marilenabarbera We all hate bureaucracy in Italy ;) things would be so much easier if PA would collaborate w/producers #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl great to see you here on #SommChat _@marilenabarbera - always enjoy when you chime in!

Marilena Barbera _@marilenabarbera @KeeperColl thanks to you :) been away for a while, thanks for calling me in today #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Q fr Shy #SommChat peep: Where do you learn new #Biodynamic techniques - do you have a group that you can talk to about this? @avignonesi

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat I followed coursesfrom Pierre Masson in the Leflaive school in #Burgundy

Avignonesi _@avignonesi #SommChat we also have a biodynamic consultant, Adriano Zago. Also work with some biodynamic producers & exchanging info

Charles Comm PR _@CharlesComm @avignonesi Do you have an absolute favorite food and wine pairing? #SommChat

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @CharlesComm A: white truffles (from my woods) and #Grifi 2011 #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl Q fr Shy #Sommelier - what are the flavor prodiles of #Grifi for blind tasting? @avignonesi

Avignonesi _@avignonesi Blind tasting #Grifi: red fruit, raspberries, violets, some spiciness. Long tannins, full-bodied- dark color. #SommChat

Marilena Barbera _@marilenabarbera #SommChat how many people work at @avignonesi? And how big is the company today? (Btw, love the Vino Nobile)

Avignonesi _@avignonesi @marilenabarbera 400 acres of vineyards - about 100 people (including hospitality staff, export, etc. #SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Great to have Virginie Saverys from @avignonesi join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WW

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Time to wrap up! Hope U enjoyed #wine talk w/ #Italian #Winemaker Virginie Saverys owner of @avignonesi #SommChat

Cindy Rynning _@GrapeExp_Cindy Thank you for a terrific #SommChat! I always learn so much! @KeeperColl @avignonesi

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl Please join us in thanking Virginie Saverys from @avignonesi for her time #SommChat #WW #Winelover

Marilena Barbera @marilenabarbera #SommChat thanks Virginie for your answers, great chat today!

Sassodoro _@Sassodoro @KeeperColl @avignonesi Thanks for a great #SommChat!

Vino Travels _@VinoTravels21 Sorry I missed this. Would have loved to chat! #SommChat @avignonesi @marilenabarbera https://twitter.com/avignonesi/status/595997311374913536 …

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl @VinoTravels21 hope you can chime in on #SommChat in the future!

Marilena Barbera @marilenabarbera @VinoTravels21 every wednesday is a #ww with @KeeperColl #SommChat always interesting!

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl Thanks @marilenabarbera #SommChat

@drewbie_g: Totally missed out today... Thanks 4 reminder tho! Those R invaluable! @KeeperColl __#SommChat

KeeperCollection _@KeeperColl HX Drew - we missed you!

Gourmet Delights _@exceptionalfood Perfectly, elegantly cut wine capsules every time. #kitchen #SommChat #WineWednesday

Avignonesi _@avignonesi Thank you to everyone who participated in the #SommChat yesterday. Hope to see you in #Montepulciano. Remember: drink only wines you love.

Kimberly Toureiro _@KitchenSprout This may be the wine talking, but I love wine! #WineWednesday

Pat Bralick _@pbralick @KitchenSprout - enjoying a @Chappellet_wine Malbec outstanding! #WineWednesday #wine #SommChat #winechat