Can you tell us about your background, where are you from, your origins...your family but also your professional biog?

My background is Italian with my father being born in Italy and my mother is of Italian background as well. I was born in Griffth, NSW Australia. My professional background is former manager of some of Sydney's best clubs and former restaurant owner (Il Fagiano) which I owned and operated for 6 years in Potts Point. I also hold an economics degree.

Can you tell us about the other “Italian boy”?

Myself and Nick Guglielmino are the ‘Two Italian Boys’ both born and raised in Griffith, a town built by first and second generation Italians, Nick is a former Footballer (soccer player) with family roots in the wine and food industries as well.

How was Two Italian Boys born?

Two Italian Boys was born from our desire to do something fresh and fun with wine that represented who we were, where we come from that was a little cheeky. Our goal was to create a brand that was focused on great wine-making but that spoke to a market that wine companies/brands weren’t speaking to the 25 something market, with our goal to establish a brand of wine that would get this market drinking wine and create some brand loyalty.

  

Why and how did you develop it, from the idea to realisation?

We developed the product with our family friends and business partners that own a vineyard in the Riverina that were making fantastic wines for over 20 years but were looking for a new approach and brand to storm the market , this was the realisation of Two Italian Boy.

Can you explain to us the meaning of your logo?

Two Italian Boys (pick us up tonight) cheeky, fun and in-your-face was what we wanted to achieve which represented who we are, the way we were perceived and where we come from.

  

Do you have any future projects you’d like to recount to Swide?
To be discussed

Which wines do you produce? How/why did you pick those varieties?

We currently produce and make 3 reds – Sangiovese, Shiraz and Cabernet, 2 Whites – Pinot Grigio and Semillon, 1 Rose – Sangiovese Rose, 2 desert wines – a Moscato and Botrytis Semillon (Sticky Italian) we are currently looking at sourcing and making more Italian varitials, of which we will be realising our Nebbiolo and Fiano in the coming weeks as well as a Prosecco from Italy.

  

What do you love most about your job?

I love that I have the opportunity to grow and sell a brand that I am completely proud off and consumed by and that every body is really excited by and has such a great opportunity to do some really cool things in the future.

What do you want to achieve with your firm?

To get Two Italian Boys onto as many tables as possible all around the world.

Do you feel Italian? If yes, how much?

I am Australian but have grown up with a mix of both cultures, Griffth having a very large Italian community.

Why do you like about Italy? And how much are your wines “Italian”, meaning how much of your Italian origins is there in your wines?

Italy to me is like a second home and a place that inspires me with its beauty and culture but also seems very familiar due to my upbringing. Our wine maker is Italian and our wine making style is also Italian as we aim to make our wines very food-friendly and elegant which is a big reason for our wine’s success to date.

Do you visit Italy? How often? Your favourite place?

I have visited Italy 5-6 times and lived in Florence for 6 Months. I love Tuscany and Sardegna and they have had a big influence on us both.

What would you like to see happen in the Italian wine world in the future?

I love the tradition of Italian wine making and am happy for it to stay just the way it is.

Do you think there is something special in Italian wines? If yes, what?

I think there is something very special in Italian wine-making and that all different provinces specialise in different varietals.

Italy to you is...give me three words to describe it

My inspiration.

Australia to you is...give me three words to describe it.

Heart and Home

Wine to you is...give me three words to describe it 

My love and passion. 

 

Interview by Elisa della Barba