Meet Dominic Nocerino Jr.
Many of you have delighted in his wines - one example is the Ros di Rol - the remarkable "Cru" Merlot that people ask for everyday. Or perhaps you have tried the Pinot Grigio that Robert Parker rated 93 points - a Best Buy at $14.
Mr. Nocerino will be here to sample the latest offerings of his wine, sign bottles, share stories, meet with you, and extend an invitation to visit his vineyards.
Included in the Friday lineup:
2009 Chardonnay
2009 Pinot Grigio - Rated 93 Points by Robert Parker
2007 Mil Rosis - white blend
2006 Ros di Rol - Rated 92 Points by Robert Parker
And perhaps a surprise or two.
In addition to the wine we have a perfect selection of Italian cheese to share with you. This is a great opportunity to meet one of Italy's charismatic wine makers. Start this weekend off here with your friends, share a glass of wine with Senore Nocerino, and perhaps have dinner in New London.
Dominic must leave by 7PM - please arrive early.
BACKGROUND:
Situated in Gradisca d'Isonzo, the estate of Sant'Elena was established by the Klodic, a dignified and powerful family of the region, in the late nineteenth century. At the intersection of North-Eastern Italy and the Slovenian border, in years past Gradisca d'Isonzo was a site of political turmoil, having changed hands from the Hapsburg dynasty, to the Venetians, the Austria-Hungarian empire, the Slavs, and finally becoming a part of Italy post-World War II. To this day, one hears numerous languages spoken in the area, including Italian, Slovenian, Friulian, and German, as reflects the region's storied history.
Exactly why the Klodic family chose the name "Sant'Elena" remains a mystery, as no surviving documentation exists. It might have been in honor of Flavia Julia Helena Augusta, mother of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, credited with having discovered the fragments of the True Cross and the tomb of Jesus at the rock of Golgotha. It also might have been after the mythological figure of Helen of Troy, known for her stunning beauty, and whose abduction brought about the Trojan War.
Acquired by Dominic Nocerino in the late nineteen-nineties, Sant'Elena now finds herself on the path to modernity, with the singular goal of producing wines of the highest caliber. With over a century of growing history, Sant'Elena became fully dedicated to wine production as early as the nineteen-sixties, yet significant improvements of the past decade have taken the product's quality level to new heights.
Entirely new vineyards were planted in 2000, and a state-of-the-art cantina now exists, constructed in 2004.
Sant'Elena's ceaseless pursuit of quality is monitored from vineyard to cantina under the guidance of Friulian Winemaker Maurizio Drascek and Enologist Stefano Porcinai.
Dominic's schedule brings him to New London for just two hours. This is a rare opportunity to meet and drink with one of the important winemakers of our time. Don't miss this special evening.
Please Join Us. 
