by David Dominé, the Bluegrass Peasant

Situated at the corner of Fourth and Broadway, The Brown Hotel has been a Louisville tradition for more than 80 years. Although it is home to the four-diamond English Grill and two casual dining venues offering a wide array of dishes, most guests associate it with Louisville’s legendary “Hot Brown” sandwich. But a new legend recently came to town.

Kentuckiana wine lovers got the chance to taste a bit of Tuscany July 7 when the Brown hosted renowned Italian winemaker Lionello Marchesi, the philosopher entrepreneur who has devoted himself to the vintner’s art for the last 30 years. Today, aficionados of the vine celebrate his vineyards as some of the noblest in Italy. Wines from Marchesi’s estates are enjoyed in some 22 countries.

Marchesi showcased three of the finest wines from his vineyards at the Brown: Castello di Monastero Chianti Classico 2005 vintage, Castello di Monastero “Infinito” 2003 vintage and Coldisole Rosso di Montalcino 2006 vintage. Executive Chef Laurent Géroli rounded out the evening with a selection of specially prepared Tuscan hors d’oeuvres that complemented the wines. The exclusive tasting took place in the elegant Lobby Bar from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Marchesi is known the world over as a passionate connoisseur, whose vineyards employ the latest technologies and centuries-old methods to bring out the best of the grape. His production methods focus on territory and grapes, recognizing that the best wines crafted embody these two components.

Three decades ago, Marchesi, a successful industrialist, decided to devote himself to his great passion: grape-growing and the production of fine wines. His endeavor would culminate in the acquisition of three significant Tuscan estates. The restoration of the thousand-year-old Castelnuovo Berardenga monastery in the heart of the Siena Chianti Classico area led to the creation of a prestigious agricultural and residential complex known today as Castello di Monastero.

Montalcino, the homeland of one of the most famous wines in the world, saw the acquisition and renovation of the Coldisole estate, and later, Poggio alle Sughere would join the Marchesi ranks in the Tuscan Maremma area. Marchesi speaks about his wines the world over, and the July 5 tasting counted as his first appearance at the Lobby Bar at the Brown Hotel. Watch Lionello Marchesi talk about his wines here.