They are the third generation to lead Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine, the family winery founded in Italy’s Veneto region in 1925. Focused on raising the brand’s profile in the United States, the winery produces roughly 1.5 million cases annually and exports to about 50 countries. Since the third generation assumed leadership in 2014, the family has worked to refresh Pasqua’s image and expand its presence in the American market.
At a luncheon tasting with two members of that generation, brothers Alessandro and Riccardo Pasqua, I asked about the Romeo & Juliet Passione Sentimento sub-label appearing on the first two wines we sampled. “Verona is in the Veneto, and so many visitors to Verona want to see Juliet’s balcony,” Riccardo explained. The Romeo and Juliet story remains one of the most romantic tales tied to the city, and a house in Verona claims the balcony that inspired Shakespeare’s heroine. Whether or not the claim is historically accurate, the story continues to draw visitors and inspire the label.
The wines themselves were the measure that mattered. The Romeo & Juliet Passione Sentimento Bianco Veneto 2017 ($16) is an appealing, flavorful white made primarily from Garganega. It shows hints of peach and other delicate fruit notes, finishing clean and lingering—an excellent choice as an aperitif. The Romeo & Juliet Passione Sentimento Rosso Veneto 2016 ($16) blends roughly 40 percent Merlot with Corvina and Croatina, delivering a spicy, graceful profile with bright berry character and a round, approachable texture.
From the family line, the Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella 2013 ($46) offered a deeply colored, full-bodied expression with subtle leather notes woven into rich, concentrated flavors. Mai Dire Mai Valpolicella 2013 ($46) proved forward and full-flavored, demonstrating generous fruit and an immediate appeal. We ended the tasting with Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella 2011 ($100), an opulent, well-structured Amarone that revealed layered complexity and impressive depth.
Overall, the current Pasqua leadership appears to be continuing the family’s long winemaking tradition while successfully presenting wines that are both expressive and accessible. Their efforts to modernize the brand while maintaining quality show that the third generation is steering Pasqua in a promising direction.