Perlage Winery – Interview With Anna Nardi

The love of sparkling wine is infinite, a language that everyone can understand, a sparkle that can shine in anyone’s glass, it can connect people, brings them together and places a smile on faces around the world.

In this exclusive feature on Glass of Bubbly, we speak with Anna Nardi, a Brand Ambassador at Perlage Winery, let’s discover a little about her life, her journey into the industry and one of her favourite bubbly memories.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Anna. Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How Your Incredible Journey Into The Wine Industry Began?

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to be here! My name is Anna, and I proudly serve as the brand ambassador for my family’s wine business. My journey into the wine industry has been both organic and deeply rooted in my love for gastronomy. I studied at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, an institution founded by Slow Food, where I spent three transformative years immersed in the world of food and wine. This experience, combined with interactions with experts in the eno-gastronomic field, solidified my desire to work in the wine industry. After completing a master’s program, I began my career as a communication and marketing specialist for a small winery in the Langhe Region, Piedmont. However, the call to return to my family’s business became undeniable. On May 1st, 2022, I found myself on a plane to Boston, embarking on a journey that has turned out to be the best decision of my life.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When Was It, and What Kind of Label Was It?

“Growing up in Veneto, particularly in the Prosecco region, many children’s first experience with wine is often a sip of their parents’ glass mixed with sparkling water. I vividly remember that taste—not exactly my favorite! A more recent and profound experience was with Crémant de Limoux Nature Blanc de Blancs by Jean Louis Denois. It became my go-to wine during quarantine, always accompanying deep conversations and inspiring ideas. It served as a true meditation teacher for me.”

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Acting As The Brand Ambassador For Perlage?

“This role is a dream come true. As the Brand Ambassador for my family’s business, I have the privilege of traveling the world, sharing our wines, and connecting with people who share the same passion for excellence in wine. One of the most challenging aspects, however, is overcoming the biases that still exist around Prosecco.

Unfortunately, many people associate Prosecco with low-quality, cheap wine, a misconception fueled by the mass production of inferior wines sold for just a few euros in supermarkets.

My mission is to educate people about the true quality and diversity of Prosecco. It’s important to convey that Prosecco is not just Prosecco—there’s a world of nuance influenced by the region of production, its denomination, organic cultivation methods, the dedication in the vineyards, and the expertise in the winery.

What has truly helped me reach this level of understanding is the experience of tasting a wide range of Proseccos side by side. This approach, combined with the opportunity to taste wines in fermentation under the guidance of our expert enologist, Andrea Gallina, has been instrumental in deepening my appreciation and knowledge. It’s through these experiences that I’ve come to fully grasp and communicate the unique qualities that make each Prosecco special.

Helping people appreciate these distinctions is both a challenge and a rewarding experience.”

When It Comes To Pairing Your Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favorite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“Pairing wine with food is all about the occasion and the company. For an aperitivo with family or friends, I often choose our Canah Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut or Tiziano Nardi Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra-Brut Millesimato. Both are excellent with seafood, pasta, and risotto, and their green apple and pear notes are a refreshing end to a busy day.

On the sweeter side, I adore our Col di Manza Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra-Dry Millesimato from Biodynamic grapes. It strikes the perfect balance of richness, sweetness, acidity, and minerality—like a favorite song that fits every occasion. Its complexity and elegance make it my go-to for festive celebrations, and it pairs beautifully with Italian Panettone during Christmas.

For summer sunsets, Afra Prosecco DOC Rosé is my top pick. The blend of 15% Pinot Nero with Glera offers a burst of red berry flavors, making it ideal for relaxed aperitivos.”

If You Could Choose A Person In The World, Past Or Present, To Have A Glass of Bubbly With, Who Would It Be And Why? What Would You Drink And Why? What Would You Discuss And Why?

“If I could share a glass of bubbly with anyone, it would be my grandparents, Afra and Tiziano. Naturally, I’d choose the wines dedicated to them: Afra Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Millesimato and Tiziano Nardi Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Brut Millesimato. I’d ask them if the wines truly embody their essence and then dive into stories of their lives, their passion for wine, and the early days of Perlage.

Grandparents are a treasure trove of wisdom and tales, and I’d relish hearing more about their journey and views on the wine world. I know they’d be proud to see the third generation carrying forward their legacy.”

Can You Share With Us Some Of The Countries And Locations Around The World Where You Can Enjoy A Glass Of Perlage?

“Perlage is well-represented across the globe. In the UK, you can find our wines at The Venetian in Cambridge and Jamboree in London, as well as at Gwin Dylanwad Wine in Porth Marchand, Dolgellau. In Ireland, we’re present in the Cork area, including at the Montenotte Hotel and the Electric Bar and Restaurant.

In Switzerland, our wines are enjoyed at Café-Restaurant du Grütli and the Ritz-Carlton Hôtel de la Paix in Genève, among others. You can also find us at Proseccoshop in Budapest, Prosekárna bars in Prague, and various restaurants in Helsinki and Tallinn.

These are just a few examples, but anyone interested in finding Perlage near them can reach out to me at anna.nardi@perlagewines.com, and I’ll be happy to connect them with the nearest venue.”

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts Of Perlage Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

“We are always innovating and developing new products. Currently, we’re working on a non-alcoholic wine, as well as a couple of high-end still wines with unique ageing techniques. There’s always something exciting on the horizon at Perlage!”

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“One of my most cherished memories involves sharing a glass of bubbly with a couple of long-time customers who visited our cellar. They brought with them a purchase document from 1989, recounting the time they first bought our wine, shared a meal, and had coffee with my grandparents. It’s moments like these that underscore the incredible relationships we build through our work—connections that span decades and generations.

In my role, I also have the pleasure of meeting people who are full of kindness, and that’s incredibly fulfilling. Every interaction, whether with customers, colleagues, or wine enthusiasts, enriches my experience and reminds me why I love what I do. These genuine connections and the warmth of the people I encounter are what make my job so rewarding”

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

Images belong to Perlage. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.