Italy’s most celebrated wine and food critic Luigi Veronelli died at his home in Bergamo. He was 78.
Gino Veronelli was among the first to celebrate the men and women who dedicated their lives to viticulture and agriculture.
His pioneering guide to Italian wines, first published in 1959, set the standards for wine writing and wine guides around the world, and his television series on cooking and wine in the 1960s introduced millions of Italians to Italy’s regional specialties.
He held a degree in Philosophy but dedicated most of his life to writing about Italian wine and gastronomy.
His classical training was evident in his writing, and he was often described as “the bard” as he coined many of the common phrases used to describe wine.
Veronelli was also an active campaigner in many of the reforms which now govern Italian wine production and was the first to advocate the now common use of cru or vineyard names on label.
His advice on wine and viticulture was not only for consumers. The critic also influenced Italy’s top wine producers.
By Kerin O’Keefe