YOUNG GUNS OF ITALY

The next generation of Italian winemakers are taking up the mantle of their predecessors, but also want to carve new paths. Michaela Morris highlights a dozen young individualists whose innovation, energy and commitment are leading their country’s wines into the future

- Michaela Morris

Much deference is paid in Italy, justifiably, to the matriarchs and patriarchs who broke the mould and have long been crafting quality wine. Yet the wine scene is far from static here. Established estates evolve as the next generation takes over, and new trailblazing wineries are constantly popping up, too.

Italy currently boasts an abundant crop of dynamic young wine personalities. The faces on these pages are among the country’s brightest, and are representative of many more. They range in age from 30 to mid-40s. Some were sure of their path from a young age, while others took longer to find their footing.

Nevertheless, there are a number of threads in common. All have great respect for their parents and grandparents, who paved the way. They each recognise their fortune in terms of what they have inherited and have immense regard for the past, yet they are equally confident about what they bring to the table. They have travelled, studied and are full of youthful energy.

Many, like Angela Fronti and Riccardo Baldi, run their own properties rather than rely on outside consultants. Some had the same mentors – both Dario Pieropan and Cristiano Garella reference Paolo di Marchi, for example. Others, such as Carlotta Rinaldi and Lorenzo Piccin, went to school together.

Above all, they value working together to exchange ideas, taste wines and promote their regions. The future of Italy’s wine is securely in their hands.

Riccardo Baldi

LA STAFFA – CASTELLI DI JESI, LE MARCHE (BORN 1990)