The project ‘Mosaic for Procida’ (which I introduced here) proceeds and grows not only regarding the logistic steps in view of the blend of the wines coming from all over the region (Campania, Southern Italy), that will contribute to defining the final product but, in the meantime, it is also enriched by varied supports.

In fact, the Moral Patronage of the Italian Sommelier Association of the Campania region led by Nicoletta Gargiulo has just been confirmed and I have had the pleasure to interview Nicoletta to get more about the spirit behind this significant support.

A few lines are enough to present her: Best Sommelier of Italy in 2007, President of AIS Campania since 2010, current Restaurant Manager of the Le Agavi Hotel in Positano.

Nicoletta, which has been your approach to the Presidency since you started, more than 10 years ago?

First of all, to create solid relationships with producers and hence to encourage collaboration with the aim of promoting the culture of local wine and more. So, we started with specific focuses. For example, the vertical tastings of white wines to spread the culture of whites for ageing and then a series of events also to promote Campania wine outside the regional borders as much as possible. “Campania 100” came to underline the ampelographic richness of the region as well as a ‘supply chain project’ to support wineries in this difficult time due to Covid, as well as social initiatives.
I definitely focused on teamwork by involving the most suited members to this purpose. I was also very keen to create a serene environment so that this climate could also be breathed from the outside.

And what is the spirit behind this project, ‘Mosaico per Procida’?

We wanted to express our support since the very beginning by offering maximum availability: our sommelier will follow the tastings that will take place all over, from the first presentation in Procida to all the others that will follow. I believe this is a commendable initiative in terms of cohesion and dissemination of the Campania wine culture. On the other hand, in the past it would have been impossible to think of the collaboration of 25/30 producers and this is obviously an important expression of maturity. What’s more, this is a great opportunity for visibility.