Interview With Luana Monterosso – Export Manager at Bortolomiol
3rd May 2024
We at Glass of Bubbly got the opportunity to speak with Luana Monsterosso, the wonderful and skilled Export Manager at Bortolomiol, she shared with us a little about herself, her journey into the wine industry, her thoughts on the future of Prosecco and speaking about the award winning range at Bortolomiol, that she helps export to people all around the world.
It’s Great To Speak With You, Luana, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & Your Journey Into The Wine Industry?
“I’m currently working for Bortolomiol Brand as Export Manager. I joined the Company in February 2018 and I’m responsible for all international sales.
My journey into the wine industry started in 2012, just after my master’s degree in Chinese and English Interpreting and Translation at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice.
I worked as Brand Ambassador and Export Manager for important wineries in the Italian wine scene for five years and then as a Wine Buyer in Australia, where I moved in 2016, working for Hyatt Regency and Italian fine-dining restaurants in Sydney as well.
My passion and knowledge for wine developed working for several years as Sommelier AIS (Italian Wine Association), in Italian restaurants and during wine events in Italy and abroad.”
How Do You See The Future Of Prosecco?
“Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG has always been a favourite drink worldwide, thanks to its freshness and versatility. There is no doubt that bubbles represent a popular category, especially in markets such as the USA. However, competition is always very strong and the risk of losing market share is always around the corner.
This is why it is essential for us to build solid and long-lasting partnerships with our distributors, carry out branding activities and support customers with our presence in the market. As far as we are concerned, we give great importance to training activities, which are essential to understand the value of Prosecco Superiore DOCG, but also to masterclasses, wine dinners and incoming events.”
Can You Tell Us Which Country You Export The Most To And Which Country Would You Most Like To Introduce Bortolomiol To?
“Our export sales are increasing year after year and we’re very satisfied with all the partnerships we’ve built during the years.
The countries where we export the most are Hungary, Ukraine, Switzerland, Germany and USA.
We’re now focusing on improving our presence in APAC area and we would like to introduce Bortolomiol to Latin America markets.”
When It Comes To Pairing A Bottle Of Bortolomiol With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?
“Representing a producer from the UNESCO World Heritage site, Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills, gives me the possibility to explore all the exclusive characteristics of different terroirs and single vineyards, resulting in a wide possibility of combinations between food and Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
Just to mention two of my favourite pairings, I would say fried prawns with wasabi mayo paired with Audax Zero. 3 Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Brut or risotto with typical Venetian spring herbs paired with Bandarossa Special Edition Vigna di Collagù Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry.”
For Anyone Getting Married This Year, Looking For A Perfect Glass Of Bubbly, Which One Of Your Labels Would You Put Forward For That Very Special Moment?
“For a special occasion, I’d recommend a special wine: Bortolomiol 70th Anniversary Rive Col San Martino Extra Brut. Bortolomiol Family launched this unique Cuvée in 2019 on the occasion of the celebrations of 70 years of the foundation of the winery.
The grapes come from a single vineyard surrounded by woodland and located on a steep slope in the DOCG denomination. The wine follows lengthy ageing on the lees, which brings out the extreme characteristics of a land that is difficult to cultivate, where everything is done ‘by hand’. Zero residual sugar and produced just 8.000 bottles per year.”
Where’s The Most Memorable Place You’ve Enjoyed A Glass of Bubbly?
“Thanks to my job, I have had the possibility to collect thousands of good memories.
I can mention one of the best moments I had in Mexico, Los Cabos, in 2022, where our partner organized a Bortolomiol wine dinner on an exclusive boat ‘Animalón by the Sea’. We presented Bortolomiol bubbles paired with local gourmet dishes while cruising along Cabo’s scenic coastline. An unforgettable experience for myself and all our guests!”
Thank you, Luana, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!
Photo Credit belongs to Luana Monterosso, Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.
Oliver Walkey
Champagne and Sparkling Wine Writer, Focused on Bringing the Exciting and Fascinating World of Bubbly to You.