Ep 2320 Karla Ravagnolo interviews Alessandro Nigro Imperiale | Next Generation

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2320 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo interviews Alessandro Nigro Imperiale, Best Sommelier in Italy 2022 (AIS) and Best Sommelier in France 2023 (Gault&Millau Guide). They discuss Alessandro’s journey into the world of wine, his career highlights, and what’s next on his horizon. More about today’s guest: Born in 1991 in Puglia, Italy, Alessandro Nigro began his career in a humble trattoria in Foggia, where a job soon became a passion. He earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Foggia, specializing in spontaneous fermentations in natural wine. His journey took him to Bordeaux, Stellenbosch, and France, gaining hands-on winemaking experience before shifting focus to sommelier expertise. In Paris, he refined his skills at the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic, rising quickly to Assistant Head Sommelier. He later joined Four Seasons Hotel George V, recognized as the "Best Hotel in the World" (2019), before moving to the French Riviera in 2022 to lead the wine program at Four Seasons Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat. That same year, he won Best Sommelier in Italy (AIS), followed by Best Sommelier in France (Gault&Millau) in 2023. Now Wine Director at the Grand Hotel, Alessandro oversees wine programs for multiple restaurants and venues. He also founded ANI Consulting, offering masterclasses and F&B coaching to Italian and French brands. Connect:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alenigroimperiale/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alessandro.nigroimperiale/?locale=it_IT  Linkedin: https://fr.linkedin.com/in/alessandro-nigro-imperiale-41390482  More about the host: Born in the Dominican Republic, Karla Ravagnolo holds the WSET Level 3 Certificate and has an endless curiosity for all things wine and beverage. Her never-ending quest for knowledge has led her to multiple international beverage experiences in Italy, the USA and Japan. During her time at Colangelo & Partners, a New-York based wine PR agency, she recognized the challenges of conveying the cultural, geographical and historical value of Italian wine to an international and inter-generational audience. Her goal has always been to make wine more approachable and inclusive, through sharing authentic experiences and making real interpersonal connections! Connect:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlamassielravagnolo/  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!