Marsala, Italy (February 23, 2024) — Pietro Russo is Master of Wine, following Gabriele Gorelli and Andrea Lonardi, with whom he shared his studies. 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 most authoritative and oldest wine organization in the world.
Pietro Russo was born in 1985 in Marsala (Sicily). From a young age, he was able to gain an intimate understanding of the world of wine 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 terroir of Pomerol.
He had work experiences in Languedoc, Sicily, Spain, Bordeaux, Tuscany and New Zealand. In 2010, he returned to his native land to begin his career as a member of the Donnafugata winemaking team.
“We are delighted with this result achieved by Pietro Russo – comments 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.”
ABOUT DONNAFUGATA
Donnafugata, founded in 1983 by Giacomo and Gabriella Rallo, is a family-owned winery and leading example of authentic and sustainable winemaking in Sicily. Donnafugata produces tailor-made wines at the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship, focused on small, prestigious productions from unique territories and vineyards across the island of Sicily. Their trademark labels illustrate the vibrant, colorful culture and storied history of Sicily in a distinctive and sensual style that makes their wines a natural choice for those drawn to the world of art. Today, Donnafugata is led by Giacomo and Gabriella’s children, Antonio and José Rallo, who represent the fifth generation of Rallo family wine production in Sicily. Donnafugata’s range of wines aims to showcase the extraordinary potential of Sicily, hailing from over 488 hectares of vineyards in Sicily across five estates in Contessa Entellina, Pantelleria, Vittoria, Etna, and Marsala; including the flagship wines Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria, Mille e una Notte Sicilia DOC, Fragore Etna Rosso DOC, and Tancredi Terre Siciliane IGT. For more information, visit donnafugata.it.
