Italian Embassy organizes sommelier course in Manila
THE Embassy of Italy, in collaboration with the Italian Association Sommelier (AIS) and Winehub Inc. and with the sponsorship of Etihad Airways, successfully concluded on Friday the second level of THE fiRST ITALIAN CERTIfiED SOMMELIER COURSE in the Philippines.
Divided into three distinct levelsL the first level unfolded from August W to 11L RPRS …hile the second level took place from February 5 to 9 at the premises of the newly opened Italy Visa Center in Taguig, showM casing the commitment of the EmM bassy to fostering cultural exchanges through enriching experiences.
The intensive training was faciliM tated by Luca Radicchi, instructor from AIS, who travelled from Italy to share his extensive knowledge and to mentor the participants with the secrets of the fine art of wine appreciation. During the five-day program the enthusiastic participants had the opportunity to learn about the intricacies of wine evaluation. They delved into the nuances of wine assessment, exploring both olfactory and flavor perspectives. The initial three days centered on the exploration and tasting of wines from Northern, Central, and Southern Italy, while the fourth day broadened horiM zons with wines from other EuM ropean countries (such as France and Spain) and other countries around the world (United States, and South Africa).
The culminating fifth day saw all participants involved in a …ritM ten and practical test to evaluate the acquisition of the skills and information shared during the week. They all successfully passed the final test paving the way for the third and concluding level of the course.
On the final day of the course, Ambassador Marco Clemente preM sented its compliments to the parM ticipants with a special certificate of participation, underscoring the uniqueness of their educational journey under the guidance of a high-caliber instructor. AmbassaM dor Clemente highlighted the vaM riety and complexity behind wine production and the rich tradition of Italy as one of the world’s most ancient and prolific winemaking
countries. Ambassador explained how this initiative stems from the consideration of the growing market for high-quality wines in the Philippines and aligns with the potential increase in trade between Italy and the Philippines in this flourishing sector in the years to come. The Embassy, by fostering such cultural initiatives, seeks to capitalize on the expanding interM est in premium wines within the Philippine market, paving the way for increased collaboration and economic exchange between the two nations in the dynamic landM scape of the wine industry.
The third level of the course promises a distinctive focus on food-wine pairing. Radicchi reM vealed that not only the traditional pairing with Italian dishes will be
explored but also Filipino cuisine will be incorporated showcasing the rich tapestry of culinary expeM riences. This inclusive approach aims to highlight the varied flavors and nuances that emerge when combining exquisite wines with both traditional Italian and FiliM pino gastronomic delights, offerM ing participants a comprehensive understanding of the art of food and wine pairing.
Upon successful completion of the three levelsL participants …ill receive an internationally recogM nized certificate acknowledging their expertise in this field.This initiative reinforces the deepening ties between Italy and the PhilipM pines, a connection continually strengthened through the EmbasM sy’s vibrant cultural activities.