Donnafugata’s winemaker, Pietro Russo, has become just the third Italian to receive the prestigious Master of Wine title.
Pietro Russo, Winemaker at Sicilian winery Donnafugata, has obtained the prestigious Master of Wine title. The 38-year-old Sicilian oenologist is the third in Italy to have obtained the prestigious title from the Institute of Masters of Wine, the oldest wine organization in the world.
Born in Marsala, Sicily in 1985, Pietro Russo gained an intimate understanding of the wine world thanks to his grandfather, a winegrower, and his father, an agrifood inspector. After completing his scientific high school diploma, he moved to Conegliano Veneto (Treviso) where he obtained a three-year degree in Oenology and Viticulture. He then moved to Asti for his specialist studies and continued his international education with studies in Montpellier and Bordeaux, where he conducted a thesis on the various terroirs of Pomerol.
Over the course of his career, he worked in Languedoc, Sicily, Spain, Bordeaux, Tuscany, and New Zealand. In 2010, he returned to his native Sicily to begin his career as a member of the Donnafugata winemaking team.
“We are delighted with this result achieved by Pietro Russo,” commented Vittorio Ruggieri, President of Donnafugata. “He is an example of dedication, competence, and passion for the richness and diversity of Sicily, of which our vineyards and wines express the essence well. We have worked together over the years on projects aimed at enhancing and accrediting Sicilian wines worldwide, allowing Pietro to also dedicate himself to his growth path.”
For more information, head over to Donnafugata’s official website.