From as long as Flavio Andreatta can remember, wine was always present at the lunch and dinner tables of Italians. Andreatta, who grew up just outside of Rome, is the Caribbean’s regional manager for GioWine, an organisation whose primary task is that of connecting the finest Italian wines and spirits producers with the Americas market. He was in Jamaica recently on the invitation of one of his local importers, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, to present some of his wines at a Jamaica Observer’s Salut! event.

We chatted with Andreatta about wines and here is what he had to say:

Christopher Reckord (CR): How did you get involved in wine?

Flavio Andreatta (FA): Being born into a family of vine growers with Venetian heritage, wine has always been part of my life. I was raised in a home where the stage of the vineyards and the wine-making times dictate your daily routine through the seasons. In addition to this, my family has a long restaurant tradition, in which I was involved since an early age. This was for me an opportunity to discover wines, not only has a grower, but also from a consumer point of view.

CR: Did you ever have an ‘Ah-ha’ wine moment?

FA: I think my ‘Ah-ha’ moment was when I became part of GioWine, over 10 years ago. Working with great wineries that represent history, tradition and culture and being their ambassador so many miles away from their reality is something very special. I love what I do and I believe it’s very important not only for my wineries but also for the beautiful places and people I visit. Doing what I do helps to keep alive years of tradition and encourage people to discover Italy and its wines.

CR: What is your favourite style of wine?

FA: I really enjoy drinking delicate, elegant wines, light-medium body. I enjoy fresh, crisp aromatic white wines especially from Northeast Italy; Friuli, in particular. For red, I usually enjoy a well-balanced wine where fruity notes, acidity, minerality and body coexist in harmony. I usually look for wines that show all the characteristics of the micro-climate and the varietal. I’m usually not impressed by big, oaky wines.

CR: Do you have a favourite wine?

FA: Hard to say. I still have not found the wine that goes with all the occasions and moments of life. I think what makes a wine special is not only the wine itself; the place and the company also make a wine special.

CR: What’s in your wine cooler?

FA: I usually keep in my cooler bottles that can be easily drunk while entertaining friends and bottles that can complement my food at home. Usually nothing too excessive – very casual for everyday enjoyment. I always have Prosecco and Pinot Grigio, a good Chianti, Montepulciano and Valpolicella. They are all very accessible, perfect to pair with an everyday dish like pasta, poultry and any meat.

Also, I like to keep a fun Moscato to enjoy with sweets and Lambrusco for more spicy food. I admit I do also have some high-end wines aging in my cellar – among these are Amorone and Barolo – but I try to forget about them till their time comes.

CR: How often do you drink wine?

FA: Wine is part of my daily life and it is hard for me to enjoy food without wine. Italians are very food-oriented people and every day we make our meals a very important part of our day. It is very rare to see set tables without a good glass of wine. I always say wine is to food as important as salt and spices. A well-paired wine completes your dish and gives you a different experience than just having the food alone.

CR: Which wine countries have you visited? Where else would you like to visit?

FA: Besides Italy I really enjoy France and Spain. I lived many years in California and that also was a great experience seeing what it has done over the last decades. Argentina is in my near future to visit; I’m very curious to explore this country considering the great wines they are producing.

CR: What are your thoughts on the Jamaican wine scene?

FA: Jamaica is an interesting growing market, which I’ve personally followed over the last seven to eight years and I’ve seen positive changes, not only in wine but also in the culinary aspect. I believe wine has become more and more accepted and people have started drinking wines – and not only sweet ones. This is an indication of a growing wine culture. Jamaicans have started becoming interested in tasting different varieties, experiencing different regions and learning about wines. It is never easy to introduce wine in cultures where wine is not produced. The great offer of wine available today in Jamaica, the media support and the many food & wine events are making the world of wine more accessible and inviting to the consumer. I’m sure years from now you will see wine consumption being much higher than it is today, and we already saw this trend for few years back. I also consider Jamaica an interesting market for its food tradition – surely one of the most influential in the region – and usually, where you have good food, there is always going to be good wine.

Flavio Andreatta offers five reasons why Italian wines are on-trend and why we should be drinking more of them.

1. Offering over 650 varietals, Italy surely has a wine for every taste. It is impossible not to find a wine you like.

2. Italy represents one of the oldest wine traditions in the word going back over 3,000 years. It is still, along with France, the major producer of wine in the world and the number one exporter of wine.

3. Italian wines, due to their elegance and easy drinkability, are very well appreciated with food and by themselves.

4. To drink an Italian wine is to experience years of tradition and unique grapes that express all the elements of the area where it is made.

5. Italian wines still offer incredible value considering the quality they have, and a positive experience in every bottle.

GioWine brands in Jamaica include Cecchi, Fantinel, Farnese, Maschio, Masi and Riunite.

Christopher Reckord – Businessman, Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter: @Reckord