Frank Armanetti is the president of The Armanetti Group, a Scottsdale-based company that specializes in business development to the wine and spirits industry. He is a third-generation wine and spirits professional with more than 40 years of experience.
His journey began at Armanetti Liquors, the company his grandfather, Leonardo Armanetti, founded in 1933 and that ultimately became the largest independent liquor retailer in the U.S. with 21 locations in the greater Chicago area.
The current iteration of the Armanetti brand is the culmination of his family's dream. While no longer direct retailers, the company now focuses on importation, acquisition of distribution, brand management and negotiation of sales agreements on a national level.
Frank and his wife, Donna, assist their clients in realizing their goals of national distribution and profitability.
"We pride ourselves in helping our clients achieve results that they couldn't attain on their own," Donna says.
Frank has compiled wines with diverse pricing and distinct characteristics to please any palate. He says he is most often asked, "What is the best wine?" His simple response: "The one you like."
White Wines
2016 Far Niente Napa Chardonnay, $59
This outstanding chardonnay is a blend of superlative estate vineyards, 100 percent barrel-fermented and aged in French oak. Aromas of melon, hazelnut, orange and spice are complemented with toasty shadings. Layered palate of fig and citrus fruit with impressive length and a mouthwatering finish.
2016 Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, $22.99
Bright fruit aromas of kiwi, apple and white peach are followed by notes of toasted nuts and stone fruit, with touches of sweet oak and honeysuckle. The full array of Sonoma's cornucopia of fruit joins a nutty, spicy, lightly oak profile that stakes out a unique territory sure to please those who love chardonnay.
2016 Josh Cellars Chardonnay, $10.99
The grapes are sourced from premium cool-climate wine growing regions throughout the state including the Mendocino and Monterey counties of California. Aromas of apple, pear, vanilla and butter. The fresh citrus and tropical fruit flavors blend smoothly with the creamy butter, vanilla and toasty flavors of barrel fermentation.
Red Wines
"Cabernet sauvignon has always been my varietal of choice in wine," Frank says. "I have always enjoyed the big, bold flavors of a good cabernet. The selection I have put together is a nice variety from California."
2014 Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, $89.99
The distinctive Howell Mountain terroir comes through in this powerful yet elegant cab. Revealing dark mountain fruit, sweet herbs, cracked pepper and warm spices. The solid band of ripe, supple tannins adds beautiful texture to this complex, multifaceted wine.
2014 Frank Family Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, $48.99
This is a wine that should please a wide range of palates in its mix of restraint and hearty structure. Thick red berry and currant dance around integrated oak and leathery tannin, building richness on the palate as it opens in the glass.
2015 Rodney Strong Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.99
This cabernet sauvignon is rich with dark cherry, plum and baking spices. The delicious fruit is accompanied by crushed violet and black pepper notes. The palate has medium tannins, lingering spicy oak flavors and a lush finish.