Jason Grant noticed an older, distinguished-looking man having dinner at a restaurant in Il Borro, Italy.
Grant asked the maître d’ to pass along a message that he wanted to say hello to the man — Ferruccio Ferragamo of the luxury Italian footwear brand family.
A few minutes later, Grant and Ferragamo met.
The next day, Ferragamo gave Grant a private tour of Il Borro, a 1,750-acre farm estate in the Arno Valley, which includes 100 acres and a vineyard that produces a variety of grapes. The area is a passion project for Ferragamo and his family.
The grapes that become hand-crafted wines can be purchased in restaurants and businesses in Western Pennsylvania.
“I already had a vision for what I was looking for, and who I wanted to partner with, so it was simply a matter of making contact and building a relationship built on trust and passion,” said Grant.
In March 2023, Grant founded Medici Importers Global, a luxury boutique wine and food import company with specialty Italian products. Medici imports from the home country exclusive high-end foods, ingredients, and wines for use by both home cooks and professional chefs.
Grant has partnered with growers, manufacturers, producers and vintners — wine merchants — who are dedicated to preserving the gastronomic heritage of the Italian people and land, he said.
Even before his trip to Il Borro, Grant said he realized something was missing in the wine and food vendor and distributor sector. He brings more than three decades of studying wine to the table, which included a time as wine director for Il Pizzaiolo in Marshall.
Grant represents 17 wineries and 57 wines — of which he said he promises to be an ambassador and is committed to doing everything first class.
Grant has made several trips to Italy, including for Vinitaly, an international wine and spirits exhibition where he met Ferragamo’s son Salvatore. The two collaborated on an event last year and have another one planned for Nov. 1 to feature Italian food and wine, like the bottle of red Grant grabbed on a recent Monday.
He poured a little, swirled it around, and then smelled it to ensure its quality and integrity.
“This is perfect,” Grant said without tasting it.
Grant, of Blawnox, doesn’t drink. He is in recovery but said with his experience of studying wine for more than three decades, he can profile and characterize wine more effectively now. He said his olfactory sense increased in acuity and he can determine a good wine without tasting it.
“There are many factors that go into making a good wine, but ultimately, a good wine creates a lasting memory,” he said.
Italian wine is just the beginning of authentic products for Grant, who supplies more than 50 accounts, some with food, some with wine, and some with both.
Grant represents Smeraldina Water, Venchi Chocolate, Casa Marrazzo, Pasta Zaffiri and is in discussions with olive oil producers, flour producers, hard candy producers and balsamic producers.
Grant said prices for the items reflect similar pricing in the market. The rules for importing are the same as anyone in this business requiring federal and state licenses.
The products are available at Labriola’s locations, Local Provisions in O’Hara, Pennsylvania Macaroni in the Strip District, select Shop ‘n Save stores, Bridgeside Market in Sewickley and Groceria Merante in Oakland.
“Pittsburgh has become a food town and that doesn’t happen without quality ingredients,” said Dave McMullen, who runs Pennsylvania Macaroni Distribution. “Jason supports Pittsburgh’s quality food scene. We want to be a part of what Jason is doing. He has escalated our industry. And that is great to see. His products are high quality. He is bringing Italy to Pittsburgh.”
McMullen compares what Grant is doing to building a house on a solid foundation.
“If you have that, you will have a good, strong home. If the pasta sauce is built on good tomatoes, it will have a spectacular taste,” McMullen said.
Another customer is Rico Lorenzini, owner of Rico’s restaurant in Ross, which Grant calls “a gem in this city.”
“Jason is a wonderful guy and he has wonderful things that are good for my restaurant,” Lorenzini said. “I think I was one of the first people to buy his products.”
Featured Local Businesses
A second-generation Italian American, Grant is dedicated to preserving the Italian dining experience of his grandfather, Nicola Russo.
“Superb food, wine and conversation are synonymous with the beloved Italian culture,” said Grant, who recalled from an early age sitting on the lap of his grandfather, who taught his grandson about the beauty of Italian food and family.
“Part of my genetic coding is to share joy through food and wine,” Grant said. “An important component to those people who put their heart and soul into producing quality food is love.”
Medici director of operations Francesca Ritchie-King said this is a labor of love for the winemakers and for Medici. She said they are reimagining how wine and food importers represent their partners and interact with their domestic clients.
“We only partner with small producers making family recipes that maintain the heritage and traditions of their ancestors,” Grant said. “We will transport you to Italy.”
Medici Importers Global is hosting its second annual “Italian Affair” featuring two winemakers, including Salvatore Ferragamo of Il Borro Wines and eight wines for a seated wine dinner and tasting. The date is Nov. 1 at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown.General admission tickets are $275, $500 for VIP and can be preordered here.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.