We met Luca Baccarelli from Cantina Roccafiore in Todi, and together we immersed ourselves in the fascinating worlds of wine and Champagne. It is a contribution that guides us from the winery's origins through international territories and new projects, such as the one underlying the partnership with CIAM.
Two Umbrian companies united by shared values representing contemporary Made in Italy, who came together in Milan to create an exclusive tasting experience.
In the varied and rich system of Italian wine, what characterizes Cantina Roccafiore?
Cantina Roccafiore has been around for 21 years and has been guided from the very beginning by a strongly future-oriented vision. As outsiders to the wine world, we tried to forge our own personal path, untethered from past traditions. This took shape in an area—such as the Todi DOC—that lacked its own winemaking history.
This element allowed us to freely interpret touchpoints with the land: the famous Genius Loci, which for us represents the essential foundation for producing good wine. In doing so, we created a new interpretation and narrative free from the formulas and practices of past winemaking. This approach has brought us to today where, despite our beginnings aligning with an era of massive foreign grape imports and plantings in Italy, our identity feels incredibly current.
What is the connecting thread between Cantina Roccafiore and CIAM?
There is certainly a connection to our shared region of origin, as well as a common drive and tendency to look forward, create new possibilities, and experiment.
It was precisely on the occasion of our winery's latest project that the evening hosted at the CIAM showroom in Milan took shape. The event aimed to present Cantina Roccafiore's new side project, "Les Bulles"—an import and distribution initiative featuring small vignerons from Champagne. This marks a shift from a local/national focus to France, discovering new generations of talent who are crafting and interpreting Champagne through an artisanal approach that breaks away from the neo-classical models of big-brand Champagnes.
It is a new piece added to the "Roccafiore" ecosystem. With the "Et Voilà" tasting event held in Milan, CIAM's elegant showroom on Via Pastrengo provided the perfect setting to present this new distribution venture and welcome an exclusive group of guests.
Wine and refrigeration design: what story does this connection tell?
First and foremost, it speaks to proper preservation: if wine isn't kept and served at the right temperature, both the value of the wine itself and the consumer's experience are compromised.
A very current topic in this space is the correct temperature for red wines, which are increasingly being served chilled rather than at room temperature. In the US, for instance, wine lists more frequently feature a "chillable red wine" category alongside traditional sections for whites, reds, sparkling wines, and so on.
Having a dedicated refrigerated cellar for red wines that guarantees appropriate temperatures and humidity levels is becoming indispensable for delivering high-level service and ensuring maximum enjoyment during tasting.
What role do aesthetics and design play in the world of contemporary wine?
Despite their seemingly different domains—design produces solid forms, whereas wine gives life to liquid forms—I believe aesthetics are the true point of convergence between these two worlds. They are two distinct aesthetics that tell different stories: in CIAM's case, with its strongly design-oriented refrigeration, it appeals primarily to the eyes, whereas wine expresses itself through taste.
There is also an aesthetic tied to display. A wine is chosen by its label, but its presentation within a venue carries immense value as well. I am convinced that if high-end restaurants displayed their wines in custom design showcases rather than standard cellars, it would reinforce the customer's perception of a premium product and elevate the venue itself.
This is a crucial factor when discussing Champagne, where proper display can spark curiosity in consumers and generate interest that drives both recommendations and sales.
What can Italian wine share with the world today?
I believe it remains a true ambassador of Made in Italy, expressed through craftsmanship, history, tradition, and culture. Looking abroad, we often forget that in regions without local production, wine is still shrouded in mystery.
The vines, pruning practices, harvest, and winemaking itself carry rich traditions and knowledge that captivate people. That's not to mention the experience of tasting an Italian wine that embodies deep history and quality. Ultimately, wine is increasingly perceived around the world not just as something served at the table, but as the expression of an authentic lifestyle that defines us.
