Stefano di Blasi & Paolo Sacchetto sat down to answer our quick-fire questions on the challenges of Italian wines, favorite food pairings, and, of course, a local’s guide to visiting their favorite corners of Italy.
Why are you proud to make wines in Italy?
Stefano: I'm proud to make wines in Italy because there isn't just one "Italian wine." Italy is probably the most diverse wine-producing country in the world. We have hundreds of native grape varieties, an incredible range of climates, altitudes, and soils, and thousands of years of winemaking history. As a winemaker, that diversity is fascinating. Every vineyard is a different scientific challenge, and every wine has its own identity. It means you're constantly learning, and that's one of the reasons I still love what I do.
Paolo: I’m proud to make wine in Italy because winemaking here is part of who we are. It’s not just a job—it’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Every bottle carries a piece of our history, our culture, and our passion for sharing great wine around the table.
If you close your eyes while drinking your wines, what part of the landscape would you taste?
Stefano: You would taste altitude. Our vineyards in Radda in Chianti sit at around 700 metres above sea level, where temperatures remain cooler throughout the growing season. That allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving freshness, acidity and aromatic complexity. You would also taste the galestro and limestone soils, the surrounding forests, and the balance that comes from a vineyard living in harmony with its environment. Every one of those elements leaves its signature in the glass.
Paolo: You’d taste the rolling hills of our vineyards, the fresh breeze coming down from the Dolomites, and the sunshine that gently ripens our grapes during the day. There’s also a vibrant freshness that comes from the cool nights, giving our Prosecco its lively character and elegant aromas.
What is the biggest misconception about Italian wines?
Stefano: The biggest misconception is when I hear, "I don't like Italian wines." That has never really made sense to me. Italy isn't a single style of wine—it's hundreds of different styles. The difference between a wine from Sicily and one from the Alps can be as dramatic as the difference between two different countries. Italian wine is about diversity. Once people understand that, they usually discover there's an Italian wine they absolutely love.
Paolo: One of the biggest misconceptions is that Italian wines are all about famous regions and expensive bottles. The truth is that Italy is incredibly diverse. Every region has its own identity, and even a fresh, approachable Prosecco can tell an authentic story of place, craftsmanship, and quality.
What makes it a challenging place to make wines?
Stefano: The biggest challenge is understanding complexity. Every vineyard has its own combination of geology, soil, altitude, exposure, rainfall, and temperature. Before making a single decision in the winery, you need to understand how all these factors interact. As winemakers, we study geology, biology, chemistry, plant physiology, and climate, but nature always has the final word. Our job isn't to control it—it's to understand it and work with it. That's what makes this profession both demanding and endlessly fascinating.
Paolo: Many of our best vineyards are planted on steep hillsides, where almost everything has to be done by hand, and we need to choose the correct period, which can change every year. The weather can also change quickly, so every vintage demands careful attention. It’s hard work, but those challenges are exactly what make the wines so distinctive.
What local dish would you recommend with your wines?
Stefano: That's actually a difficult question, because the diversity of Italian wines is matched by the diversity of Italian food. We have an incredible range of cheeses with different levels of ageing, countless cooking methods, cuts of meat, regional recipes and local ingredients. There isn't one perfect pairing because there isn't one style of Italian wine or one style of Italian cuisine. Being in Tuscany, I'd certainly recommend classics like Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Peposo, both of which pair beautifully with structured red wines. But I also love the versatility of barbecue—different cuts, different cooking techniques, and the flavours that come from fire can create wonderful combinations with wine. For me, food and wine pairing isn't about following strict rules. It's about understanding balance, respecting the ingredients and enjoying the incredible diversity that both Italian wine and Italian cuisine have to offer.
Paolo: I’d recommend risotto al radicchio di Treviso, which perfectly balances the freshness of Prosecco. If you love something more traditional, a platter of local cheeses and cured meats or some crispy fritto misto is always a wonderful match. Of course, it is also our favourite aperitivo!
How has Angel support allowed you to make your wines?
Stefano: The support of Naked Angels gives me something every winemaker hopes for: the freedom to prioritise quality. Instead of making decisions based purely on commercial pressures, I can make decisions based on what's best for the vineyard and for the wine. That means harvesting when the fruit is truly ready, experimenting with different varieties and vineyard sites, and focusing on expressing each vintage as honestly as possible.
Paolo: Their support gives us the confidence to focus on quality instead of quantity. Knowing that Angels believe in what we do allows us to invest in our vineyards, harvest at the perfect moment, and make wines that truly express our region rather than following market trends. That means proposing a Prosecco DOCG Valdobbiadene Superiore instead of the traditional DOC is possible at Naked…
How do your regions influence the wines you make?
Stefano: The place where a wine is made is the first and most important influence on its identity. In Tuscany, we have an incredible diversity of landscapes, from coastal areas to mountain vineyards, from warmer Mediterranean climates to cooler high-altitude sites. Every one of these environments leaves a different signature on the grapes. As winemakers, our role is to understand these differences and preserve what the vineyard naturally gives us. Soil, altitude, exposure, and climate all contribute to the final character of the wine.
Paolo: Our hills, the mineral-rich soils, and the unique climate create wines with bright acidity, delicate floral aromas, crisp apple and pear notes, and an elegant, refreshing finish. The landscape shapes every aspect of the wine’s personality. In an aromatic grape, it is very important to have a big difference between the temperature during the day and night in the ripening season…
How would you describe your region to someone who’s never visited?
Stefano: Tuscany is often recognised for its beautiful landscapes, but what makes it truly special is its diversity. It's a mosaic of different soils, altitudes, climates, villages and traditions. You can drive for thirty minutes and find completely different growing conditions. That diversity gives us endless opportunities to match the right grape variety with the right place. Understanding those relationships is what makes Tuscany such an extraordinary region for a winemaker.
Paolo: Imagine a landscape of endless green hills covered with vineyards, small villages, historic churches, and winding country roads. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and deeply connected to wine. This balance between nature and tradition makes it one of the most inspiring places in the world to grow grapes.
What made you fall in love with your region – and what keeps you there?
Stefano: Its complexity. The more I studied vineyards, the more I realised that no two sites behave in exactly the same way. Every vintage teaches you something new, and every vineyard asks different questions. I've always believed that great winemaking starts with respecting what nature gives you. My philosophy isn't about changing the vineyard—it's about understanding it. The better you understand nature, the less you need to interfere.
Paolo: It’s impossible not to fall in love with these hills. Every season transforms the landscape, and every harvest reminds you that nature is always in charge. There’s a real sense of community here, where families have cared for these vineyards for generations, and that connection is something very special. This is what actually happened to me.
If a friend were visiting, what are your top 3 can’t-miss experiences?
Stefano: First, I'd take them up to the highest vineyards around Radda in Chianti. From nearly 700 metres above sea level, you can look across much of the old Florentine territory. Those gentle hills may look peaceful today, but they were once the stage for centuries of battles, political rivalries and the struggle to control one of Italy's most valuable regions. Second, we'd sit down for a long Tuscan lunch with local dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Peposo, opening a few bottles and taking the time to enjoy what wine is really about: conversation, food and sharing. Finally, I'd simply drive through the Chianti Classico countryside, stopping in its small medieval villages. Popes, noble families, merchants, and conquerors all passed through these roads over the centuries. Tuscany has always combined a remarkable culture of beauty with an equally rich agricultural tradition. Wine here isn't just something we produce—it's deeply woven into our history, our landscape, and the identity of the people who have lived here for generations.
Paolo: Walk or drive through the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills at sunrise or sunset—the views are unforgettable. Visit a family-run winery for a vineyard tour and a tasting paired with local specialties – ours would, of course, be at the top of my list! Then to spend an afternoon exploring the charming town of Asolo or Conegliano, and Venice, very close to us, enjoying local food, history, and, of course, another glass of Prosecco.
For Angels planning a trip…
Visit Stefano: In the heart of the Tuscan countryside, south of Florence, you're welcome to Fattoria Montecchio for a tour of the vineyards and winery as well as a tasting. Enjoy an Angel discount in the shop after exploring the beautiful estate.
Phone: (+) 39 055 807 2907
Website: fattoriamontecchio.com
Visit Paolo: No trip to Italy is complete without a glass of Prosecco. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than at the Sacchetto family winery. Paolo and his family have been making wine in Veneto for over 100 years, and visiting their Prapian estate is a chance to step into that history. You can enjoy a tasting and a tour year-round, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Strada del Prosecco. Drop Paolo a message if you're heading that way. He’d love to welcome you for a tasting, a tour, and a glass or two of his world-class Prosecco.
Website: sacchettovini.it
