VDP: Where and how did you get the wine bug?

Christina Mercuri: I was at the University, studying Law. During the daily news on TV I listened to a sommelier talking about wine. I decided to understand more about it and I started studying by myself. I rapidly fell in love with it and now I can't imagine my life without studying, talking and working to improve the wine industry in Italy.  

VDP: Your first encounter with German wines?

Christina Mercuri: Many years ago, when I moved to Milan from Pisa. I remember it was an old vintage of Pradikat Mosel Riesling. I was astonished about the complexity, the weight and the vibrancy on the palate. 

VDP: What is your favourite story to tell about German/VDP.wine – did you have highly emotional experience with our wines / producers?

Christina Mercuri: The story I like to tell is about my students when they taste a German wine for the first time. I like their reaction since they don't expect such a high quality, they definitely get addicted to them. I had several emotional experiences during the seminar to become a VDP Ambassador: the astonishing landscapes of the vineyards, the passion and humanity of the producers and their sense of community made me understand how profound is the value of VDP into German culture.

VDP: How many bottles of German wine/VDP.wines do you have in your cellar?

Christina Mercuri: Unfortunately less than 10, it's hard not to open a bottle of good GG.

VDP: What is your favourite vineyard in Germany – and why?

Christina Mercuri: I fell in love with Bienenberg, in Baden. Steep slope and terraces for an amazing view and superb Pinot Noir.

VDP: If it comes to German grape varieties, what is your favourite? Riesling, Spätburgunder or other?

Christina Mercuri: I love them all! During the seminar I also had the opportunity to taste some amazing Silvaner other than my beloved Riesling and Spatburgunder.