Celebrity Interview: Elena Russo

Elena Russo was born in Naples, that alone already sets up someone for a lifetime of enjoying fantastic food and of course amazing wines. She moved to Rome, where she started her career as an actress. Her debut was in the film Finalmente soli (1997), followed by Besame mucho (1999) and Amor nello specchio (1999).

In 2002, she was the lead in the film N’gopp – Lasciatemi sognare. In 2003 she had an important role in Tutto in quella nott. In 2006 she starred, along with Neri Marcorè and Vincenzo Salemme, in Baciami piccola.

She has also worked on a lot of television series & television films.

Elena defines her work as a perpetual “Work in Progress” where one has to continually create a character, build it inside and then disassemble it at the end of the shoot, to begin to interpret a new role and personality, always trying to maintain the mental balance that inevitably Is tested every time, from this complex line of work, beautiful and full of emotions.

Where’s the most memorable place you’ve enjoyed a Glass of Bubbly?

It was a very romantic occasion a few years ago, a young man invited me out for dinner. As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, we had a table booked in a private room where it was the only two of us, surrounded by books and barques. We had Dom Pérignon throughout the dinner and I must say I will always remember the evening as it was a very nice surprise indeed.

Which is your favourite Champagne or sparkling wine?

Talking about Champagne, my favourite Glass of Bubbly is Louis Roederer Cristal, but I must say I do not always drink sparkling wine. In fact, when I am attending a premiére of one of my movies, or an after-party, I am never 100% sure about the quality of the wine and therefore I might end up not appreciating many of them.

Being from Naples, you must enjoy some fabulous food, have you tried the sparkling wine made in Campania?

I am really passionate about food, especially traditional dishes from my hometown. I have recently been to Pozzuoli, near Naples, where I had the opportunity to taste and enjoy a sparkling wine originally from Grotta del Sole. An excellent Glass of Bubbly called Asprinio di Aversa.

What does Champagne mean to you and why?
A: Success
B: Celebration
C: Romance
D: Enjoying great company

I think that Champagne is a bit of everything actually. They say that Champagne is also a low-calorie wine. I am not sure if this is true, but I really appreciate this wine and I always have a bottle ready in the fridge. It is a celebration wine, plus something you drink when you want to wish good luck to someone. Champagne is definitely something more than your usual glass of wine.

Of all the Italian sparkling wines, which do you enjoy the most?

The Cuvée des Blancs and as mentioned before the Asprinio di Aversa.

What is your favourite sparkling wine & food pairing?

For me, the preparation of the table is a ritual. A nice handmade tablecloth, elegant plates and cutlery, beautiful glasses. I like a nice bruschetta with claws, seafood spaghetti or taglioni. When I am not eating pasta I usually order oven baked turbot with potatoes. There is nothing better than enjoying good food matched with a deliciously fresh glass of sparkling wine, to enhance the experience even further.