LifestyleAugust 26, 2018August 26, 2018

VINTAGE FLOWS: Rocky Marciano Wine Wins by KO

by John Michael

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie

That’s amore
When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine
That’s amore
-Dean Martin, That’s Amore

Rocky Marciano is a name in boxing that has become synonymous with greatness. With Floyd’s s retirement in question at times, Rocky Marciano is known for being the first boxer to have ever retired undefeated. You would think that would be enough to immortalize him till the end of time. However in the circles I run in, mention Marciano, and 8 out of 10 times you are sure to get a reenactment of the Coming to America shop scene.

Saul: What about Rocky Marciano?
Clarence: Oh, there they go! There they go! Every time I start talking about boxing, a white man gotta pull Rocky Marciano outta their ass! That’s they one! That’s they one! Rocky Marciano! Rocky Marciano! Lemme tell you something once and for all! Rocky Marciano was good, but compared to Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano ain’t shit!
Saul: He beat Joe Louis’s ass!
Morris: That’s right, he did whip Joe Louis’s ass!

So, when I saw this beautiful bottle of Rocky Marciano wine, I had to buy it! If you follow my content, you know that I am a sucker for cool and interesting wine labeling. A wine label that taps into my soul, tells a story, brings happy memories is a must have for me. Sometimes they suit the occasion, or just make me laugh, but whatever it may be they can have my money for sure. Labeling, along with the wine itself have the ability to create an “out of body experience”. It can take you back to a certain time in your life which I find amazing. It has the ability to magically whisk you away to a certain place in the world. Hell it may put you front and center of the conversation in “My T Sharp”. I call this “raising the value outside the bottle”, because of the value creating emotional connection has.

This Rocky Marciano wine comes from Abruzzo, Italy, the birthplace of Rocky’s father. Its no secret, wine is as deep rooted in Italian culture as breathing. As a child, Rocky would turn the wheel of his grandfathers wine press that the family would drink at their Saturday dinner and wine gatherings. When I get a wine with a label that has the draw of a celebrity or a “gimmick” (if you will), I can’t help but slightly adjust my expectations for the wine itself. For me that alone has brought the value, if the wine is drinkable I’m even happier with my purchase. When I got to the Marciano, this was more than just a drinkable wine.

Like Rocky’s fighting style, this wine has strong, elusive flavors from beginning to end. Its finish really packs a punch that is refreshing. But be clear, it can definitely be an early round knock out if you’re not too careful. With immediate flavors of chocolate covered cherries and licorice, it rope-a-dopes you into thinking this is a fun, playful wine. It then hits you with flavors of rich leather and spicy tobacco that may be reminiscent of getting a boxing glove smashed in your face in the smoke-filled boxing halls and arenas of Rocky’s fight era.

As mentioned I initially went with this wine for pure entertainment and nostalgia. However this wine exceeded all of my expectations and was a true tribute to the amazing career of boxing legend Rocky Marciano, and truly one I recommend.