History
Don Valentín Bianchi came to Argentina from FASANO, Italy. He started his struggle with great discipline and effort, a period of sacrifice, fully devoted to his job. He worked for the State Railway Administration and the French Bank. He was also an auctioneer in San Rafael and General Alvear, located in the province of Mendoza. Thanks to his enthusiasm and dedication he graduated as a Master Builder. He was a representative of diverse factories which manufactured agricultural machines, trucks and cars, among others, as well as a pioneer in the wood industry, in San Rafael.
In 1925, he founded a bus company in order to cover the distance between the department of San Rafael and General Alvear district. In 1921, he served as a Councilman at the Honorable City Council of San Rafael.
He finally realized his dream of having a vineyard and his own winery, called at that time "El Chiche", producing fine wines like the Super "Medoc", followed by the "Riesling". In 1934, after overcoming several difficulties, he managed to obtain recognition in Buenos Aires thus getting the award "Maximum Exponent of Quality" at the Official Exhibition and Contest of Wines held in Mendoza. His sons were incorporated to the firm, which resulted in a constant growth. The company became VALENTIN BIANCHI S.R.L, on October 6, 1951 and VALENTIN BIANCHI S.A.C.I.F on December 9, 1960.
His spirit, passion and outstanding personality left a memorable mark in the company. The amazing creation of the exquisite wines Don Valentín Bianchi started in the sunny vineyards located at San Rafael, Mendoza. Wines are based on imported vines, which were adapted to climatic conditions and regional soils, and undergo rigorous controls to satisfy the most demanding palates. A key aspect in order to keep the incredible qualities of Bianchi wines is our family teamwork, a "staff" of young and vibrant people craving for excellence and modernization within the classic and thorough outlines and following the path of Bianchi Winery prestige.
In 1966, the President of Italy decorated him with the "Gran Cruz del Cavaliere Ufficiale", in recognition of his distinguished services and nobility. He devoted the final years of his life to the development and integration of the Company "El Nihuil S.A.", to build the "Gran Hotel San Rafael". Unfortunately, he could not make this dream come true. He died on August 12th 1968, in his hometown, Fasano. It is important to highlight that, together with his work at the winery, Don Valentín participated in diverse Works regarding the improvement and development of San Rafael, showing a profound care and love for this land.
Enzo Bianchi, an icon of the enology in Argentina, created Don Valentín Lacrado, in honor of his father and launched Particular, from the family wine cellar.
After 20 years of search, in order to build a Champañera that could meet all our expectations and several trips to the most captivating areas in the world, we came back wondering where and when we could fulfill our dream. Then, as if by magic, the ideal estate for this project appeared. The model was going to be somehow original: the facade of a typical Venetian palace. As for the technological guide, we got the advice of a French expert, the owner of an excellent Champagne Winery in France and a student of Dr. Emil Peynaud, the utmost authority on the subject worldwide.
Therefore, we only had to apply the Champanoise Method: Handling during harvest is very careful, trying not to break the grains so that the bunch can reach the winery in the same way as it is in the plant. Bunches are placed in plastic cases. Once the grape enters the winery, it is immediately placed in the pneumatic press. The following step is bottling, in order to perform the second fermentation (fermentation in bottle). The base wine is mixed with sugars, yeasts and clarifiers. This fermentation process lasts about one month and finally, the bottles are left for a year aging on lees thus getting the characteristic aroma and flavor of this champagne. Later, the process of lees removal (remuage) must be done.
In this way, we deliver a genuine product of optimal quality, taking into account all the necessary details, from the harvest up to the moment to place it in the market. This is also possible thanks to the exceptional microclimate of our area favored by the sandy-calcareous soil.
Casa Bianchi, a well known winery recognized for its excellent wines, started to pay special attention on a market that appealed more and more followers: sparkling wines. During their many overseas trips, Mr Enzo and Valentín, his son, realized that these wines were becoming very popular, mainly in Europe. In 1994, after many considerations by the Board of Directors, they decided to create a new product, a Sparkling Wine called New Age. The design was done by Sergio Pérez Fernández. The search: a completely different and original label, aimed at women and young people.
After more than 20 designs with diverse characteristics and a long discussion, the final one was approved, highlighting at the back the fire of youth, represented by flames. In the center, the name of the new product: NEW AGE, which means NEW GENERATION. The most outstanding feature is the shape of a woman at the back of the bottle, a unique concept regarding graphic design.
This original product was launched on November, 1995.
Since the launching was so successful in the market, the Board of Directors decided to present NEW AGE in all kinds of events, principally in tourism resorts. Valentín Bianchi (Third Generation) keeps developing the winery. He creates the Enzo Bianchi Gran Cru wine, in honor of his father.
Raúl Bianchi (Third Generation) promotes the innovation and modernization of the winery and launched the wines LEO.
After the launch of Enzo by Valentín Bianchi, in honor of his father and head of the Winery for over 50 years, Casa Bianchi presents María Carmen, to pay homage to his mother and Enzo´s inseparable partner.