Gianni Sinesi, who began his journey in the hospitality industry before rising to the position of head sommelier at Ristorante Reale in Italy’s Aquila province, has made a significant mark in the wine world. After training and becoming certified as a sommelier in 2008, Sinesi won multiple awards, notably the title of Best Sommelier Under 35 at the Food & Wine Italia Awards in 2020. That year, he also launched his own wine line, Impressioni di Gianni Sinesi, collaborating with select winemakers. Today, he works with the online wine retailer Tannico, curating a collection of wines from Abruzzo.
Memorable Wine Experience
Sinesi recalled a blind tasting event in Germany featuring some of Burgundy’s finest wines. Being the youngest sommelier in the group, surrounded by esteemed sommeliers and journalists, it was a moment of profound learning and appreciation.
Go-To Everyday Wines
Sinesi emphasizes variety when selecting everyday wines, tailoring his choices to the day’s mood and the season. He values wines for their clean aromas and character, ensuring they are enjoyable until the last drop.
Supermarket Preferences
Interestingly, Sinesi opts for Peroni beer over supermarket wines, indicating a distinct preference.
Embarrassing Moments
In the world of hospitality, Sinesi recognizes that even mistakes, like serving the wrong wine, can be softened by the comforting nature of good wine, turning awkward blunders into shared laughter.
Pet Peeves
He expresses disdain for arrogance and superficial criticism from customers, emphasizing the importance of respect in wine appreciation. Sinesi also admits to a dislike for excessive superficiality, noting that everyone has unique stories to tell, regardless of their appearances.
Ideal Pairings
On his desert island, he dreams of grilled dishes paired with a Manhattan cocktail. He believes one of the best matches he created at Reale was an artichoke dish with gin and tonic, where the balance of flavors created a memorable tasting experience.
Quick and Easy Pairings
After a busy shift, he enjoys simple fare such as bread, cheese, and cured meats alongside a refreshing glass of rosé.
Pride in Wine Selection
Sinesi takes special pride in showcasing lesser-known Italian grape varieties and small producers, with a particular fondness for a selection of Valpolicella wines from those who are often overlooked.
Surprising Regions and Styles
Currently, Sinesi is excited about Emilia Romagna and its underappreciated grape varieties. Despite his enthusiasm for many wines, he admits to a personal aversion to excessive maceration in wines, which can obscure their true character.
Value for Money
He firmly believes that Italy offers exceptional quality wines at undervalued prices across all its regions.
Favorite Wine Destination
His favorite region to visit is Tuscany, especially Montalcino, where he enjoys visiting the restaurant Caino and catching up with Maurizio Menichetti, who profoundly influenced his understanding of wine tasting and appreciation.