#Italy #Pasqua Wines #Verona #Hey French #Verona Culture

Pasqua Wines Launches Fifth Hey French Edition, Celebrating Verona's Rich Artistic Heritage

On March 18, 2026, Pasqua Wines conducted its annual press conference at the beautiful Museo Archeologico at Teatro Romano. During this event, the renowned Verona-based winery unveiled the exciting fifth edition of its standout wine, Hey French You Could Have Made It But You Didn't. This release not only marks a significant milestone for the winery but also reinforces its commitment to cultural engagement in its hometown of Verona, aligning with its sponsorship of the Estate Teatrale Veronese 2026.

A Bold Vision in Winemaking

Pasqua Wines is distinguished by a relentless dedication to creativity and innovation, a philosophy exemplified by Hey French. This wine stands as the boldest representation of the winery’s experimental ethos, pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking. The annual press event highlighted the evolution of this iconic wine since its inception, showcasing its unique multi-vintage blending technique rarely seen in Italian still wines.

The provocative name of the wine challenges conventional norms, while the craftsmanship behind it embraces a spirit of play and boundary exploration. The integration of multiple vintages serves not only to enhance the wine's complexity but also to foster a deeper appreciation for the terroir of Monte Calvarina, where high-altitude parcels lend a distinctive characteristic to the final product.

Distinctive Characteristics of the Fifth Edition

The fifth edition features an innovative blend of six vintages (2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024) crafted using a joint maceration technique employed since 2019. The wine then undergoes extensive aging in barriques and tonneaux for 6-8 months before being meticulously refined in stainless steel prior to final blending.

This process results in a wine with remarkable complexity and aging potential, characterized by a bouquet of exotic fruits, chamomile, and sage, harmonizing beautifully with notes of rose buds. The palate reveals a delightful interplay of almond nuances from Garganega, herbaceous hints from Sauvignon Blanc, and hints of subtle volcanic minerality. This intricate layering invites wine enthusiasts to savor each sip fully.

Riccardo Pasqua, CEO of Pasqua Wines, stated, "With the fifth edition of Hey French, we are making strides in our innovation journey. The six vintages blend, interact, and strengthen each other, creating a contemporary masterpiece. This project is the result of our passionate team's expertise, underlining that creativity requires dedication and skill to achieve realization."

Commitment to Cultural Heritage

Pasqua Wines has strategically bolstered its cultural investments in Verona, becoming a key sponsor of Estate Teatrale Veronese, while also reinforcing its support for the 67 Colonne project at the iconic Arena di Verona. Riccardo Pasqua expressed pride in contributing to the cultural vitality of his hometown, emphasizing the importance of cultural ties and the winery's active role in nurturing artistic growth.

The winery’s commitment entails not just leadership in the global wine industry but also active participation in fostering the cultural landscape of Verona. This year, Pasqua has commissioned visual artist CB HOYO to create a site-specific installation on the Teatro Romano’s external panel, encouraging engagements between citizens and the world of theatre, all set to unfold from April 1 to 15.

This patronage initiative underlines an extension of Pasqua's Corporate Social Responsibility strategy — over the last decade, the winery has invested approximately €6.7 million in cultural projects in Italy and other countries. It has also continually supported young artistic talents and facilitated meaningful dialogue between the worlds of art and wine.

Moreover, immersive installations have become a signature of Pasqua's brand identity, designed to engage audiences and incorporate the broader context of the urban environment. By sponsoring initiatives like Estate Teatrale Veronese, the winery champions the interplay of wine and art — a universal language that transcends barriers and accessibility, thereby reinforcing Pasqua's commitment to innovation, cultural inclusivity, and Italian heritage.

Building Towards the Future

Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025, Pasqua aims to expand its support internationally, having already sponsored exhibitions such as Metamorphosis Innovation in Eco Photography and Film at London's Saatchi Gallery. The winery continuously seeks new ways to merge art with enology, inviting contemporary artists to envision site-specific installations as part of significant wine projects.

In early 2026, Pasqua initiated an international open call that drew in nearly 200 artists to explore new site-specific installations. The culmination of this endeavor will be unveiled during Vinitaly, emphasizing Pasqua's ongoing dedication to intertwining the worlds of art and winemaking. This strategic outlook not only anchors Pasqua Wines’ operations in cultural relevance but also showcases its pivotal role in revolutionizing the wine experience for audiences worldwide.