AIS / Villa Sandi Prize 2009: Young Ambassadors of Italian Wine

source AIS Italia 

Creativity, professionalism and a great initiative are the characteristics that the International Prize “Innovation of the profession” jury has taken into consideration when choosing the winners of this prestigious recognition, in cooperation with the Italian Sommelier Association. Now at the 9th edition, since last year the competition has been extended to all the young Sommeliers that work outside of Italy . Indeed, 2 of the 3 winners of this year are active outside the Italian borders: Daniel Marzotto is ‘assistant manager and head Sommelier’ at the Osteria dell’Angolo in London, England; Diego Meraviglia covers the role of Vice President and Italian wine Director for Fourcade & Hecht Wine Selections, an importer and distributor of fine wine in the United States, with headquarters in Los Angeles, CA; Riccardo Sgarra is ‘chef Sommelier’ at the Locanda del Borgo Antico, in Barolo (CN) Italy. The prize will be awarded during a prestigious ceremony and gala at the winery Villa Sandi, Crocetta di Montello (TV) Italy , on September 7th. Amongst the illustrious guests attending, there will be the full jury, AIS President Terenzio Medri, Villa Sandi President Giancarlo Moretti Polegato and various journalists amongst which Nicola Dante Basile, Mauro Remondino, Paolo Pirovano and Alberto Schieppati.

“The inclusion of Sommeliers that work outside of Italy - says President Terenzio Medri - was a brilliant idea that was embraced with great enthusiasm by our young associates around the world. We received a great number of resumes and never before has our choice of winners been so difficult, due to the fact that the majority of participants possessed extremely high qualifications and assets”. 

The competition is aimed at professional Sommeliers aged 29 or below, that have particularly emerged from the crowd thanks to initiative and originality in their profession.