The labels of the range “Il Velluto” show one of the many dedications of the poet Barbarani Berto, who often stayed in Sant’Ambrogio and was connected the Meroni family by a great friendship. The poet's verses emphasize the Amarone he received as a gift in 1943, during the war, complimenting its smoothness as if it was almost like velvet. He described it as the “family pharmacy” considering the difficult period and praising its quality in a witty rhyme: 

 

"Meroni dear we received

The Sant’Ambrogio made of Velvet

that we have drunk and cheered to you...

In this universal confusion

we assure you that your bottles

 

are the pharmacy of the families! "

Berto Barbarani (1872-1945) is a Poet from Verona and known for its poetry in local dialect. He is recognized also nowadays as the second Italian Poet for his verses in dialect. He began his career as a journalist at a young age and then became editor of the local newspaper “L’Adige”.

Some of his works:

 In 1895 he published the booklet "El rosary of my heart"

 In 1897 "The pitochi"

 In 1900 "The montebaldine", in the same year "Canzoniere Veronese" then republished in several editions

 In 1911, "Nuovo Canzoniere Veronese" here in the "San Zeno laughing" is touched one of the highest pinnacle of his art

 In 1922 "Dreams"

 Finally in 1936, "The Autumn of the Poet"

Barbarani celebrated Verona like no other, talking with intensity and passion about every aspect of the city: history, legends, popular traditions and culture.

Barbarani's poems are a real guide to discover Verona step by step. The beautiful river Adige, "which goes / looking for villages and cities", its bridges, San Pietro castle, the ruins of the Roman Theatre, the places and legends of Romeo and Juliet, St. Zeno's church, which Barbarani described how no art historian could ever do, letting the church itself speak like an old and benevolent lady.

Barbarani wrote his poems using the dialect of Verona, which is why his fame has never crossed the city borders. But the city reciprocated his love by celebrating him as the greatest poet. Barbarani's verses are studied in schools in Verona and the places that were dear to him bear visible signs of his memory, such as the large bronze sculpture in the central Piazza Erbe or the bust in front of St. Zeno.

If you want to know more about Barbarani and Verona in this web site you will find a lot of useful information.