Thirty Years of the Brescia-Confraternita del Groppello Wine Society
Certainly none of the founding «brothers» would have thought that the initiative would last over time, gaining ever new members (currently 91), and remaining one of the most popular in the Brescia wine association scene.
Thirty years ago, on October 27, 1970, the «Confraternita del Groppello» was founded in Padenghe, at the Bosatta house. It’s easy to imagine the aims, which remain unchanged—primarily focused on promoting and disseminating, as well as rediscovering and enhancing, the cultural and gastronomic riches of the area—of one of the best red wines not only from Valtenesi but from Garda.
A type of vineyard cultivated exclusively in Valtenesi with three biotypes: the Mocasina grape variety, the Gentile grape variety, and the Santo Stefano grape variety. Two versions are produced: the young and the Reserve. Thirty years old but without showing signs of age, one could say about this confraternity, which is the «oldest» on the Brescia side of Lake Garda and among the «grandmothers» of our Brescia province.
The Guide and the Members
The president, elected a few months ago and who will lead the association for two years, is Diego Pasini, a longtime member and supporter of the society. Alongside him sit the board of directors: Adelmo Predari as vice president, Paolo Pancera as secretary, Franco Vollono as treasurer, Renzo D’Attoma as cellar master, Bruno Tedeschi as ceremonial officer.
The original members of this confraternity, which over the years has served as a model for many other enological associations, were Claudio Botturi (president), Giulio Bosatta (vice president), Enzo Dellea (secretary), Ernesto Bonomini (treasurer), Ennio Avigo (cellar master). «In labore fructus et in triclinio laetitia», meaning «In labor, the harvest; in the feast, joy of the senses»: this has always been the motto the confraternity has chosen as its emblem, displayed on every promotional object, including diplomas.
Celebrations and Recognitions
Recently, during the thirty-year celebration evening, President Pasini distributed a new collar with an engraved silver medallion to all members, which each member is required, according to the statutes, to wear at every official meeting, under penalty of a fine of L. 5,000.
In these thirty years, 29 Groppelli varieties have been selected through the «Palio del Groppello», each officially labeled. These have, and still do, accompany every official evening of the confraternity.
In the current year, the official Groppello, chosen by a completely secret vote, is from Azienda Masserino of Puegnago. It’s responsible for producing 500,000 bottles which will be sold at a special price to members and supporters, and served at the society’s dinners.