The Istituto Grandi Marchi honored the founder and director of DoctorWine in Rome for his contribution to the story of Italian wine. Daniele Cernilli is the first Italian to receive this award, which has previously been given to international figures such as Burton Anderson, Jens Priewe, Monica Larner, James Suckling, and Isao Miyajima.
Daniele Cernilli received the award that the Istituto Grandi Marchi dedicates to leaders in wine communication. The award ceremony took place yesterday, September 29, in Rome. During an evening event at the Vizio Rooftop Restaurant that brought together the Institute’s member companies and industry professionals. This is the first time the award has gone to an Italian. In previous years, it was presented to Burton Anderson, Jens Priewe, Monica Larner, James Suckling, and Isao Miyajima.
A lifetime dedicated to telling the story of Italian wine
A Life Dedicated to Wine A co-founder of Gambero Rosso and, later, the founder of the DoctorWine network—of which he is the director—Cernilli has been chronicling Italian wine for over forty years. His work has tracked the sector’s evolution. From changes in production to the growing international focus on wine regions and their distinct characteristics. In 2015, he was inducted into the Wine Writers’ Hall of Fame by the Wine Media Guild in New York. Decanter has named him one of the fifty most influential people in the wine world for three consecutive years.
“Awarding this year’s award to Daniele Cernilli means paying tribute to a figure who has shaped—and continues to shape—the history of Italian wine”. Said Piero Mastroberardino, president of the Istituto Grandi Marchi. Highlighting Cernilli’s ability to interpret changes in the industry while maintaining an authoritative and discerning perspective. “He has thus demonstrated just how much high-quality storytelling is an integral part of promoting our country’s productive heritage.”
“A tribute to the job of wine journalism”
In thanking the Institute’s member companies, Cernilli looked back on the meetings, trips, tastings, and discussions that have marked his career. He then broadened the significance of the award to include the work of those who write about wine. “It is a recognition of the craft of the wine journalist: to narrate, explain, delve deeper, and strive to convey to readers—as seriously as possible—the complexity and beauty of a heritage that is part of our history and our culture.”
The evening also provided an opportunity to discuss the relationship between the quality of wine and the quality of the stories told about it. This is a central theme for the Istituto Grandi Marchi, which brings together eighteen family-owned wineries. Committed to promoting Italian wine around the world. The award presented to Cernilli recognizes the role that competent and independent journalism has played in raising awareness of this heritage, both in Italy and abroad.
The following are part of Istituto Grandi Marchi: Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari, Antinori, Argiolas, Ca’ del Bosco, Carpenè Malvolti, Col d’Orcia, Donnafugata, Jermann, Lungarotti, Masi, Mastroberardino, Michele Chiarlo, Pio Cesare, Rivera, Tasca d’Almerita, Tenuta San Guido, Tenuta San Leonardo, and Umani Ronchi.
