The explanation behind Slow Wine not being novel for Gianfranco Sorrentino, a distinguished Southern Italian restaurant owner.
In the heart of New York City, Gianfranco Sorrentino, a Naples-born restaurateur with over 30 years of experience, is making a significant impact on the city's wine scene. Sorrentino, the owner of Il Gattopardo, The Leopard at Des Artistes, and Mozzarella & Vino, has built a reputation for curating an exceptional wine list that showcases the best of Italy's diverse wine regions.
Sorrentino sources wines from notable winemakers across Italy, including Feudi di San Gregorio from Campania, Rallo from Sicily, and Argiolas from Sardinia. His selection process involves visiting wineries in Italy and focusing on artisanal producers from the South of Italy. This approach allows him to offer a unique and authentic Italian wine experience to his customers.
Sorrentino's journey in the wine world began in 1986, when he observed a significant change in the American consumer's wine knowledge level and preference for wine over heavy liquor. This trend has continued, and today, American consumers' preference for Italian wine in Italian restaurants has significantly increased over the past 20 years.
Sorrentino's passion for Italian wine extends beyond his restaurants. He is a fan of lesser-known Italian wines, such as pecorino from Marca and blends from Friuli. He also enjoys drinking big Italian wines like Gaja and Amarone, particularly the Amarone from Dal Forno.
In addition to his restaurant ventures, Sorrentino has worked at prestigious venues such as the Dorchester Hotel in London, the Four Seasons in Tokyo, and the Quisisana Hotel in Capri. His latest venture is a wine seminar as part of the Slow Wine U.S. Tour in New York City on February 3.
Will Budiaman, a former contributor to The Daily Meal, has been instrumental in shaping Sorrentino's wine list. Budiaman, who now consults on digital cookbooks and is the NY Recipes Examiner on examiner.com, spent more than two years contributing to The Daily Meal before trading L.A. for New York.
Budiaman's influence is evident in Sorrentino's approach to wine. Sorrentino prefers to find winemakers who produce more with heart than brain, reflecting Budiaman's belief in the importance of passion and authenticity in wine-making.
The Slow Wine movement, which values wines that express the territory, the winemaker's culture, and tradition, aligns with Sorrentino's philosophy. Today, Italian wines can compete with those from any other country in terms of quality, and Sorrentino's wine list is a testament to this fact.
Sorrentino changes his wine list twice a year to pair with the chef's menu proposals. He offers a selection of wines by the glass from $10 to $30, providing customers with the opportunity to drink high-quality wines without breaking the bank.
With his extensive experience, passion for Italian wine, and commitment to authenticity, Sorrentino continues to be a driving force in the New York City wine scene. His wine seminar on February 3 is an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to learn more about his approach to wine and the Slow Wine movement.
