Jazz and piano vibes were in the air last Thursday as Camilleri Wines launched Pianoforte, a new range of two wines, the ebony made from a blend of Syrah and Merlot whilst the ivory is a new much anticipated blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, a first for the local market and for Camilleri Wines.

The new Pianoforte range was elegantly launched at “Talk of Town” café at the Palace Hotel in Sliema for guests including members from the media, trade and restauranteurs.

Pianoforte follows the now well-established tradition of Camilleri Wines in that all its wines are produced from grapes grown and hand-harvested in Malta. However, the novelty of Pianoforte lies in the fact that this new range is specially designed for restaurants.

"Our confidence in our wines has now reached new levels and this spurred Camilleri Wines to go a step further by producing a new range specifically designed for the on-trade," explains Camilleri Wines' Head of Sales and Marketing Claudio Camilleri. In fact, Pianoforte will not be ready available from stores and supermarkets but in selected restaurant and wine bars.

But why Pianoforte? "With this wine, we also wanted to portray the concept of contrast. In fact the imagery of the piano with its contrasting ebony and ivory keys, runs parallel with the way this wine is set to contrast with the rest of the wines being offered to patrons in their favourite eating place. It is indeed a classy wine that is set to stand out and this will further sustain the patron's joy and pride whilst seeing his clientele savouring a wine of authentic Maltese character," added Claudio Camilleri.

Commenting on the actual blends, Wine Advisor for Camilleri Wines Joséf Bonello explained how the artfully selected blend of locally-grown Syrah and Merlot of the ebony Pianoforte offers an intense nose of berries lifted by a light smoky hint. "On its medium to full-bodied palate, one finds more red fruitiness including plums and ripe cherries."

Referring to the Pianoforte ivory, Mr Bonello explained how the Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc blend offers a nose of intriguing aromas, dominated by ripe fleshy fruit and flowery perfume despite a firm yet subtle oakiness. "Its impression on the palate is marked, confirming its aromatic style that is further expressed by a well-structured, intense offering. Pianoforte is better suited to accompany fine meals that can match its complexity."