I begin this 2025 in search of an answer to a question I have been asking myself for a few days now. Having a son involved in tasting panels and about to graduate in oenology, the question comes naturally: how will a young enologist, newly licensed, be able to work calmly without risking anything serious?
For days now, the issue has been discussed in chats and groups of journalists and sommeliers. However, I do not intend to stop at this category, as the situation, although it causes considerable inconvenience, is simple: either you get picked up, or take public transport, or take a taxi. One could argue that in Rome – for example – thinking of taxis and public transport as a resource might be like playing the lottery, but we’ll make do…
The problem, however, remains. Personally, I feel less clear-headed after two glasses of wine at dinner than after having tasted – and spit out – 80 samples of Brunello. Hard to believe, but it’s true, and in any case, if the law says this, we’ll accept it and behave accordingly.
However, I want to focus on my “household problem.”
My son is 21 years old and has just gotten his driver’s license. By law, for three years he must drive with zero alcohol in his body. After graduation, he will probably go to gain experience at some company. Just as likely – I would say certain – this company will not be located in the city center but in the countryside. Equally likely, Federico will have to try and taste. At this point, the question is: how does he get home?
I would like to pose this question to Dr. Cotarella, president of Assoenologi. While the initiative “Portami a casa” (Take Me Home), which proposes taking unfinished bottles from the restaurant to limit on-site consumption, may be an idea for the consumer, I wonder what the solution is for a case like the one I’ve highlighted.
Undoubtedly, the enologist does not have the same mission as a food and wine journalist, but if the limit is “zero alcohol,” for the next three years, will Federico only be able to watch and not try? Can the profession of an enologist be thought of by only watching?
I don’t see a solution. If anyone has ideas on this, please step forward.”
Let me know if you need further adjustments!
