We interviewed three of our Italian producers who visited London to showcase their wines at the Definitive Italian Tasting at Lord’s.
Giovanna – La Tunella
Which of your wines are in currently your fridge at home?
La Tunella Sauvignon Blanc. It is fresh, fruity and easy to drink. I also chill the Pinot Nero in the summer – it is perfect with chicken
What would you typically eat with it?
Fish or a light risotto with vegetables. In Friuli we have a traditional dish of deep fried herbs ‘frittata’ with a very light batter. The herbs complement the wine brilliantly
What would you say is the key focus to La Tunella’s winemaking?
For us, our aim is to show the importance of regionality in Italy. Our pinot grigio, for example, shows great minerality, typical of our terroir; it is a far cry from the cheaper versions you get in some of your pubs!
What advice would you give to English wine lovers who find Italian wine hard to understand?
Italian wine is all about discovering diversity and regionality. So if you ever go to Italy, always ask for something local and typical of the region. That way, you will begin to understand the wines in their correct context
Your desert island wine?
Right now, I would Passopisciaro – it is tasting delicious!
Click here for more information on La Tunella
Sara Vezza – Josetta Saffirio
Which of your wines are in currently your fridge at home?
Our new Langhe Bianco, although my husband just loves the nebbiolo and I always find he has opened a bottle when he is cooking carbonara
What would you typically eat with it?
We love it with guinea fowl and salad. Otherwise, as an aperitivo with parmesan, olives and salami. I often serve it with sushi when we have sushi and pizza evenings!
What would you say is the key focus to your winemaking?
This is accessible wine that will age well. It is perfect for young people who are starting to lay down wines
What advice would you give to English wine lovers who find Italian wine hard to understand?
Trust your palette – that’s what I did. You don’t need to be trained academically. (Sara studied Ancient Greek and Communication!) Wine is only good wine and bad wine. Trust yourself to tell the difference.
Your desert island wine?
Champagne Salon –a lot of Barolo produces love champagne because it is so refreshing after the heavy Barolos!
Enrico Santini
Which of your wines are in currently your fridge at home?
Campo alla casa
What would you typically eat with it?
A whole range of things – from mushroom risotto to steak. We love it with anything
What would you say is the key focus to your winemaking?
These are wines to be drunk and enjoyed and not to be overly meditated on
What advice would you give to English wine lovers who find Italian wine hard to understand?
To compare – buy two bottles within the same price points and taste them both. The diversity will always give you something to remember!
Your desert island wine?
The Landonne 1991 from Guigal
Great article. Love the interview format.
Sara, I women after my own heart!
Very good article, more of these please!