Interview With A Sommelier – Federico Lanzi

The World of Wine is beautifully showcased by an army of talented Sommeliers, who help the consumer discover their next favourite bottle, understand the different regions and pair a delicious meal with the right Glass of Bubbly.

In this feature, I speak with a man from Italy, who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, his name is Federico Lanzi, let’s find out a bit about his life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“My name is Federico Lanzi, I’m an Italian sommelier who has traveled worldwide to make my passion as a profession passing through Hampshire, London and Holland. In my career, I had the opportunity to know various culinary contexts, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, 3 Michelin Star, and The Ritz London, 1 Michelin star. While in Holland I had the opportunity to make a race towards Olympus together with Central Park in Den Haag, and in fact, we managed to get various awards: Wine Spectator Grand Award, Relais & Châteaux, Gaült & Milau and finally the recognition of 1 Michelin star.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

“My first experience with bubbles? How can forget it! It was a Lambrusco! I was around 18 years old, it was a tasting with my school (‘Taste’, in Florence, it’s a wine festival) and I will always remember the explosion in the mouth caused by the classic Lambrusco bubbles!“

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“I’ve always wanted to approach the world of wine, understand it and interpret what I drink. But the real push was given, to me, by my family and my partner, telling me: it’s your passion, make your passion something concrete, and that’s where my long journey began, in this emotional industry, traveling around the world with my passion, always looking for the perfect wine.”

During Your Time As A Sommelier, What’s The Most Surprising & Interesting Thing You’ve Learnt?

“I have learned so many things, but the most amazing one is that wine is art, wine is essence and is not only what you drink but also what you see. There are so many winemakers in the world who try to get something across with their wine and that’s what always surprises me. The differences of terroir, of grape varieties, you can study them in books, but the experiences, the emotions of the winemaker, you can only study them with your own wine.“

What Sparkling Wine Producing Countries or Regions Hold A Special Place In Your Heart?

“My country of the heart of course is Italy, but to be honest, the UK has impressed me with its sparkling wines, with the strength and tenacity of the English winemakers who manage to make truly amazing sparkling wine, rich in sensation and full of bubbles, exciting!“

Where’s The Most Memorable Place You’ve Enjoyed A Glass of Bubbly?

“The best place was in a 2 Michelin star restaurant, where while drinking my glass of Franciacorta, on a terrace I observed the vast expanses of vineyards all in the landscape of the Langhe, a land rich in history and, of course, Bubbles!”

Thank you, Federico, for sharing your words, knowledge and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Federico Lanzi (IG: @_federico__lanzi_ & @sowinenot_). Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.