Two female wine professionals receive the honor of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic: an acknowledgement of the value of the wine sector and the female contribution in Italian oenology.
The world of Italian wine is celebrating two new appointments as Knights of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Graziana Grassini and Denise Cosentino received one of the State’s highest honors, a recognition that rewards professional paths built with expertise, dedication and the ability to represent the value of Italy even beyond national borders.
Graziana Grassini’s nomination
Grassini’s nomination was held in Grosseto. A longtime oenologist and reference figure for many Italian wineries, Grassini received the title in recognition of a career path founded on technical rigor, listening and sensitivity. Graziana indeed, calls herself an “emotional scientist,” because every goblet must be able to move the drinker. Thanks to technical rigor, territorial sensitivity and deep respect for the winery’s identity, Graziana enhances the expression of the vineyard and the producer’s vision, avoiding any stylistic imposition traceable to the winemaker’s signature. At a time when the risk of homologation is growing, this method reaffirms the primacy of the terroir as a quality matrix, with wines that express precision, balance and consistency without losing authenticity.
Grassini’s words
“This title honors me and is a tribute to all the people who work in a serious, prepared and humble way,” said Graziana Grassini. “Technical expertise, listening and interpretation are the three elements that distinguish a professional. In my work I have always believed in the values of measurement, consistency and sensitivity. I have always thought it was important to bring an emotion into the glass, respecting the territorial identity.”
The recognition for Denise Cosentino
Alongside her, Denise Cosentino was also awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. An oenologist of Calabrian origin, born in Belvedere Marittimo, Denise Cosentino has built an international career in the wine industry.
Cosentino’s path
Hers is a path of a true pioneer, driven by deep passion, talent and steely determination. A path made of study, experiences abroad, confrontation with different production contexts and the ability to measure herself against some of the most important realities of wine. From France, cradle of the winemaking tradition to China, challenging and conquering new frontiers. Experiences in New Zealand, to the precision of Germany. An incredible journey that brought her back to Italy, to one of the absolute temples of world wine. Since 2024, she has been the winemaker at Ornellaia.
Humility, sensitivity and a lot of dedication the real secret of tsuo success.
Congratulations from DoctorWine
The appointments of Graziana Grassini and Denise Cosentino are an important signal for the entire wine sector. In a work that requires expertise, vision and listening skills, these recognitions give value to the role of women in Italian oenology. Professionals who, with seriousness and determination, have contributed to the growth of Italian wine and its authority in the world.
