On a recent unforgettable afternoon, over 100 guests gathered for Essenza Italiana, a tasting event that brought together nearly 50 of the most exceptional premium and fine Italian wines from the Agency Brands of Enotria’s portfolio. This was more than a tasting — it was a deep dive into Italy’s wine soul, a rare opportunity to experience the country’s rich viticultural heritage in a single setting.

From the volcanic slopes of Sicily to the alpine purity of Trentino, from the historic hills of Tuscany and Piedmont to the sun-drenched coasts of Sardinia and the Veneto, each wine offered a window into a unique Italian landscape, culture, and tradition. Guests journeyed through Italy’s most renowned regions, guided by the craftsmanship of some of its most respected estates.

The lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Featured wines included:

2023 Gorgona Bianco, Frescobaldi – a compelling wine born on a remote prison island, with purity, minerality, and a story like no other.

2021 Barbaresco Gallina, La Spinetta – refined Nebbiolo elegance from a prestigious single vineyard in Piedmont.

2021 Barolo Cannubi, E. Pira (Chiara Boschis) – a Barolo of great depth and precision from one of the appellation’s most celebrated crus.

2021 Didacus Chardonnay, Planeta – Sicily’s answer to fine white Burgundy, with complexity and poise.

2015 Amarone della Valpolicella, Bertani – the definition of classic Amarone, rich, layered, and age-worthy.

Each wine wasn’t just selected for its excellence, but for its ability to tell the story of its land, its people, and its legacy. The event painted a vivid portrait of Italy’s terroirs and traditions, with wines that echo both history and innovation.

As Nella Alberti, Buyer for Italy at Enotria, perfectly put it:

“The Enotria Italian portfolio is more than a collection of wines – it’s a tribute to Italy’s great terroirs, a harmonious chorus of tradition and innovation, and a testament to generations of passion and vision.”

“These are wines that do more than fill a glass – they command attention, inspire pride, and celebrate heritage.”

“Enotria’s Italian portfolio isn’t just wine. It’s a legacy in a bottle. A story told through taste. A celebration of Italy’s soul.”

Essenza Italiana was a night to remember — a toast to Italy’s enduring winemaking excellence and a showcase of the remarkable stories that lie in every pour.

While guests explored a walk-around tasting of exceptional wines from across the country, two intimate round table sessions ran simultaneously — featuring none other than Alessio Planeta, Chiara Boschis, and Giorgio Rivetti. With the Thames glinting in the background and Italian flavours filling the air, the stage was set for a day of discovery, conversation, and, of course, world-class wine.

Here’s the tale of the day, as told by Charlie Carter:

Essenza Italiana, bringing together some of Italy’s finest, most iconic wines and wine makers. A winning combination if ever there was one. The moment I stepped into the room, I knew we were in for a treat. An open attic space with a balcony overlooking the Thames, sun streaming through the windows with just enough breeze to create a bright, warm but not oppressive environment. A wonderful trestle table full of Italian goodies spanned the heart of the room.

I kicked things off with Frisino’s Frammenti Chardonnay — in magnum, no less. After a hot and cramped London commute, this refreshing white was the perfect antidote. Not your typical warm-climate Chardonnay either: while it whispered of melon and pineapple, it was all balanced by flinty minerality and a refined, creamy texture. Toasted hazelnut added a savoury edge, and the finish was long, pure, and complex — but crucially, still refreshing.

Working my way around the table, it was immediately clear: the calibre of wines was exceptional. I was savouring Frescobaldi’s Gorgona when the special guests began to arrive — but before I get to them, Gorgona deserves a moment.

This wine is a collaboration between Frescobaldi and the inmates of Gorgona, a prison island off Italy’s west coast. The residents work the vineyards, with guidance from the Frescobaldi team, producing a white blend of Ansonica and Vermentino. The story is moving, and the wine more than lives up to it: vibrant citrus and stone fruit from the Vermentino, layered with Ansonica’s subtler nuttiness and a touch of honey. Complex, textured, and deeply expressive.

Then it was time for the masterclass.

Alessio Planeta — award-winning winemaker and CEO of Planeta in Sicily — took the floor, with long-time friend and moderator Sergio DeLuca guiding the conversation. Set in a private dining room overlooking the river, the session was intimate, relaxed, and utterly engrossing.

Alessio dove straight into the history and philosophy behind Planeta. In the early days, when many Sicilian producers were chasing international varieties and bulk wine markets, Alessio looked inward — to Sicily’s native grapes and the unique territories that define them. His goal? Wines that speak clearly of place.

A quick regional breakdown:

Menfi: 250ha under vine. A diverse viticultural area with vineyards sweeping from 400m hillsides down to the sea. Home to three key estates: Dispensa (the original family seat), Ulmo, and Monte Cirami.

We tasted Didacus Chardonnay and Didacus Cabernet Franc — two elegant expressions that balance structure with finesse.

Vittoria: 30ha. The only DOCG in Sicily, known for its red sandy soils that give Cerasuolo di Vittoria its name and character. Planeta’s Dorilli estate produces wines bursting with cherry fruit and freshness.

Noto: 41ha. Nestled among almond, olive, and carob trees, this region suits Nero d’Avola particularly well. Herbs growing between the vines seem to infuse the wines with wild, Mediterranean charm. The Santa Cecilia is a standout expression.

Etna: 30ha. Planeta’s Sciaranuova and Feudo di Mezzo estates sit at 890m+, just above the Etna DOC limit. The Eruzione 1614 range — named after the historic lava flow — showcases the incredible terroir here.

Standouts from Etna:

2021 Eruzione Bianco 1614 Carricante: Volcanic white with ripe stone fruit, flint, and dried herbs. Textured yet lively.

2021 Eruzione 1614 Riesling: A Riesling lover’s dream. Volcanic, floral, citric, and silky. Unforgettable.

2022 Eruzione Pinot Nero: Altitude keeps it fresh: floral, berry-driven with great texture and earthy nuance.

2020 Eruzione 1614 Nerello Mascalese: Herbaceous, violet-scented, cherry-rich, with chalky tannins and minerality.

Alessio’s commitment to sustainability was a recurring theme. All vineyards are certified organic. Biodiversity is encouraged: olives, almonds, native plants, and herbs flourish between the vines. Forgotten local varieties are being revived, preserving a deep agricultural heritage. Planeta’s impact on Sicilian wine cannot be overstated — they’ve not only lifted quality but paved the way for others to follow. Their partnership with Enotria&Coe introduced indigenous Sicilian varietals to the UK over 30 years ago — a true turning point.

Piemontese Icons: Chiara Boschis & Giorgio Rivetti

Enter Chiara Boschis of E. Pira and Giorgio Rivetti of La Spinetta — two titans of Piemonte, reunited after years apart. Both were early revolutionaries in the Barolo Boys movement, and the chemistry between them was palpable.

Chiara kicked things off with a story: one of her earliest encounters with Giorgio, who told her she was “sitting on a Ferrari but driving a Fiat 500.” Inspired by his vision — green harvesting, new oak — she changed her approach. Initially met with scorn by neighbours, she’d discreetly remove the green-harvested grapes in sacks to avoid their judgment. Today? It’s standard practice.

Their shared philosophy is clear: wine begins in the vineyard. They consider themselves farmers first. Both follow organic practices. Chiara, in particular, is leading a remarkable effort — turning Cannubi into the first fully organic hill in Barolo. It’s a grassroots revolution requiring the cooperation of her 26 neighbours. Thanks to her charm and persistence, she’s nearly there.

Giorgio shared reflections on climate change — once a struggle for ripeness, now the challenge is avoiding over-ripeness. Dry vintages have improved consistency, but wetter years still demand vigilance. Organic farming here is high-risk, high-reward — and they both agree, it’s worth it.

He also voiced concern for Barbaresco: with increased demand, there’s pressure to bottle lesser wines under the prestigious DOCG rather than Langhe Nebbiolo. A slippery slope, if left unchecked.

Tasting Highlights: Barolo & Barbaresco

From Chiara Boschis (E. Pira):

2021 Via Nuova Barolo: A blend from various plots. Supple, floral, cherry-led with forest floor notes. Firm yet balanced.

2021 Mosconi Barolo: More structured and powerful, with clay-rich soils imparting density and depth.

2021 Cannubi Barolo: From Chiara’s prized vineyard. Delicate aromatics of rose and mint, vibrant red fruit, crunchy acidity, long balsamic finish.

From Giorgio Rivetti (La Spinetta):

2021 Vigna Gallina Barbaresco: Rich, ripe, layered. Soft tannins, mint, eucalyptus, tea leaf — a generous, expressive wine.

2020 Starderi Barbaresco: More lifted. Redcurrant, cranberry, pomegranate, herbs. Builds to a crescendo on the palate.

2009 Valeirano Barbaresco: Matured gracefully. Earth, mushroom, leather, dried mint, tea. At its peak, yet still vibrant.

Final Thoughts

These moments — intimate discussions with the minds shaping the future of Italian wine — are rare and unforgettable. From the volcanic slopes of Etna to the storied hills of Barolo and Barbaresco, this event showcased not only world-class wines but the visionaries behind them. Each story, each glass, was a reminder of the passion and persistence that defines great winemaking.

We’re endlessly inspired by our producers — and we can’t wait to share more moments like this with you. Keep an eye out for future events. You’ll want a seat at the table.