White wines by Jermann are iconic in the modern winemaking world: Vintage Tunina is the permanent headliner of the Italian wine ratings. Complex and rich, the wines by Jermann are sold in 40 world countries. 3 generations of Italian winemakers work in the company. The younger generation and the future of the great Italian winery is represented by Angelo Jermann.
- Is the Jermann winery in for change now that you’re on board? What are your plans for the future?
- I’ve been working for my company for 2 years now. The most exciting thing about our business is that 3 generations in our family work side by side: my grandfather, father and I. My grandfather is a winemaking expert, father is a genius winemaker, and as for me, my task is mostly destributing and promoting our wines internationally. I spend only 3 months a year at the wineries seeing after the winemaking process (August, September amd October), and for the rest of the year travel around the world, promoting the brand and representing Jermann.
The company is growing. We opened another winery in 2007. At the moment our wine is sold in 40 countries. Only 60% is sold in Italy and 40% goes abroad. What I do now is what I want to do in life: distributing the wine in the world. We have a large and versatile portfolio featuring many labels. However, I focus on several wines characteristic for Jermann: the white Ribola Gialla, Vinnae, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignot, Capo Martino and W… Dreams, and the 3 reds: Blau&Blau, Red Angel and Pignolo. 10 wines all in all. My task is for Jermann wines to be recognised in all parts of the world.
- Is your manner in business often compared to that of your father Silvio?
- My childhood wasn’t easy because my parents divorced when I was 7. I moved to Lombardy, a place not far from Milan. Me and my father had a difficult relationship when I was little. Now when we are in the same business we have more of a partnership of friends than father-and-son relationship. He’s my boss and the best advisor in many issues. I’d say he’s more of an artist and creative mind while I’m more practical, and grandfather is a man of tradition. These 3 features of ours bring success in winemaking.
- Tell us about your enological experience in Germany, Argentina, Chile and New Zealand.
- I started studying enology when I was 14 and since then moved away from my parents and has always been alone. At 18 I continued my studies and started working. I wanted to set up my own winery, but without experience it’s impossible. That’s why my father told me, “Graduate and go travelling around the world, and after that I’d be glad to give you a job.” My first job was at the Bella Vista winery in Lombardy, it was in 1996. We made one of the best sparkling wines, the Italian champagne. After that I worked in Germany. I decided to study and get as much experience as possible before starting to work for my father. It took me 10 years. I graduated from the enologists’ high school, Instituto di San Michele, and had travelled and visited various wineries across the world. After that I was ready to work for Jermann and told my father, "Now I’m ready to work with you and share my experience." Now I have a great advantage over our competitors because of the experience that I gathered not only during studies but also while travelling to different corners of the world. I think that as far as brand promotion is concerned we are beyond comparison.
I went to New Zealand 5 years ago to visit the winery at Pegasus Bay. There I discovered the interesting taste of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon. These wonderful wines can be made due to suitable climate and excellent soil. In September, during the harvest, it’s very warm during the day (24-25 above zero) and cold at night (0-2 degrees). The aftercrop is in February. Temperature drops allow creating flavourful wines.
One of the best and most beautiful places I’ve been to is Argentina. There are many Italian people who are in winemaking. As you know, after the WWII many Italians lived in poverty and emigrated to the United States and South America in search of a better life. Argentinian red wine is very interesting.
Argentinian and Chilean wines are much cheaper because of the cheaper workforce; in Europe, we pay more for traditions and brands. Chilean wines are usually darker and thicker. To my mind, Argentinian and Italian wines are more elegant than wines of Chile.
- What is your opinion on biodynamic and organic wines?
- You know, I’m curious about making organic wines because the focus is on territory and method of production. Biodynamics is more of a philosophy and religion; it’s up to you whether to believe in it or not.
- What are your culinary preferences?
- I’m a big fan of seafood, especially oysters. Seafood goes exceptionally well with white wine. I totally adore Russian black caviar, and I’m terribly sorry that they’ve banned it for 5 years. We make expensive wine, and it should accompany the cuisine that is just as exceptional. Caviar is perfect for that. You know, it’s more important to spend money wisely than to spend much. Paying for good quality is wise. For instance, I’ve bought a Ferrari – it’s the right price for excellent quality.
- Do you like supercars?
- I do, but I’m a terrible driver. They took my license for speeding for 6 months, from September to this April. However, my true passion among others is not cars and not jewellery but clothes. I love fashion and my favourite designers are Dolce & Gabbana.
- Describe the usual day of Angelo Jermann.
- Usually I get up at 7, check my e-mails and visit the wineries – first the old, then the new one. I supervise the work there. The most important thing is working with the right people. There’s a restaurant on the way between the 2 wineries where we usually have lunch with my father. It’s at the family hotel where guests and tourists usually stay. In the evening I usually watch TV. At the weekend I go clubbing; there’s an airport near my house and I can go anywhere: to Milan, Paris and other cities to dance. I often go to Sardinia with its wonderful beaches. I was born in Canada and I’ve been a keen traveller since childhood. Once I went the US to visit my girlfriend for only 3 days. It’s not a problem for me.
- You’re a very busy man, do you have some time left for personal life? What do you like doing at leisure?
- I always travel, whether for work or for pleasure. I go to the fitness club and love playing golf. I play with my father. On the golf course you’re alone with yourself and there’s time to think. I liked the courses on Tenerife. I also like Alpine skiing in Austria. I’m into cycling, too. A couple of years ago when I broke up with my girlfriend I took a bicycle and rode 52 km every day for one month. I went from 74 kilos to 59. Imagine losing 15 kilos in a month. It was crazy, but it was also a great experience.
Natalia Andrianova
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