Understanding Oenology – Interview With Adriana Maio

The World of Wine is marvellously kept in its purest form thanks to the hard work and studies of Oenologists around the world, in this article we speak with a woman who has helped encourage the growth of healthy grapes for the production of wine, her name is Adriana Maio. Now let’s find out a bit about her life as an Oenologist.

Tell Us About Yourself

“Vibrant and bold are the two adjectives which describe me the best. I was born and raised in Italy, in the cradle of Barolo. I have got a Bachelor’s Degree in Oenology and a Master’s Degree in wine and tourism. Wine is the reason why I have been travelling around the globe from France to Australia. Being a wine nomad made me appreciate my roots even more, that’s why I am now back in Italy for a new chapter.”

How Did You Become Involved In The Wine Industry?

“I was in Catalunya at the time when I decided to go for a solo trip among the vineyards. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a man and his horse working the land with an impressive light-heartedness. A year later, I got myself a job as a tour guide for a winery in Priorat and that was just the beginning of my journey.”

How Do You Determine When The Grapes Are Ready To Harvest?

“Grape sampling is one of the crucial aspects of my job. The grapes are not only analysed to check the acidity, pH and sugar content but also the organoleptic screening is essential to see if it’s time for the bunch to be harvested.”

How Do You Keep The Vineyard Healthy Throughout The Year?

“I am currently working for a biologic and biodynamic winery which translates into a full dedication to the vineyards providing the plant with the nutrients it needs. A holistic approach is undertaken, which includes cow horns and green manure to maintain the fertility of the vineyard. I believe in the motto “healthy soil healthy vine”.”

What Part Of The Wine Making Process Do You Enjoy The Most?

“For me, the most exciting part is definitely the blending when you see how a wine is assembled to get the best expression possible in terms of flavour, structure and body.”

Thank you, Adriana, 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 Adriana Maio. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.