Hello and happy Monday! As previously mentioned, this year, I’m absolutely thrilled to be traveling to southern Italy to participate in the twentieth edition of Radici del Sud, a renowned contest and exhibition dedicated to showcasing the very best wines and olive oils from this captivating region. Set against the evocative backdrop of the former Distillery Paolo Cassano in Gioia del Colle, Bari, this event will run from June 4th to 9th, 2025, promising not only a thorough immersion into the region’s wines but also a discovery of southern Italy. In 48 hours, I will embark on what will probably be one of the most exciting experience of my career.
Having spent over two decades as a wine journalist, I’ve had the privilege of attending countless press trips, from tastings at châteaux in France to lunches under olive trees with producers in Italy. Yet, Radici del Sud will also involve one of the most demanding but rewarding exercises in wine evaluation: blind tasting. This intense process strips away labels, reputations, and preconceptions, leaving nothing but the pure expression of the wine itself. Over the course of two days, my fellow jurors and I will taste and evaluate around 220 wines from across southern Italy. These will include everything from the structured, complex reds of Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata to the saline freshness of Vermentino from Sardegna; from the rich, dark fruits of Negroamaro in Apulia to the floral elegance of Fiano and Greco di Tufo in Campania. Radici del Sud takes this process seriously, assembling a national and international jury of wine journalists and sommeliers. I’m honored to be part of this panel of voices and palates from around the world, each bringing their own experience and curiosity to the table.
Southern Italy is home to so many native grape varieties, making each trip to the country and each tasting such a unique discovery. Have you heard of Ottavianello, Susumaniello, Magliocco, Gaglioppo, or Tintilia? These are names that don’t always roll off the tongue in the global wine conversation, but in the glass, they exude character and place. Personally, when experiencing a wine, I’m most impressed by a sense of identity and authenticity. Does the wine express its terroir? Does it tell a story that goes beyond mere technical perfection? To me, it’s also about recognizing and honoring the individuality of each wine and the history and culture it represents. I’m glad this experience will also include visits to wineries and the opportunity to meet producers.
While my career began with a focus on French wines, over the last five years, Italian wines have opened up a whole new world for me, and I am so grateful for that opportunity. In previous trips to Italy, I’ve had the chance to dive deep into Italian culture and experience the cuisine that complements these wines. Some of my fondest memories include learning how to make agnolotti del plin and chocolate-stuffed peaches in a kitchen in Piemonte, dining at a trabocco in Abruzzo, and taking in the beauty of the Festa del Tulipano in Perugia. Wine is, of course, part of a broader cultural experience that encompasses food, history, and human connection.
During Radici del Sud, I’ll also be joining guided tours, exploring local cellars and historical heritage sites, and tasting dishes that represent the very soul of Mediterranean cuisine. Throughout it all, I’ll be sharing glimpses and reflections on Instagram—snapshots of the swirling glasses, the bustling cellars, and the dishes tasted. So if you’re curious about the world of southern Italian wine and about the way these regions come together in the glass, please join me there.
Stay tuned—this is going to be an adventure worth every swirl and sip!