This Ticino winegrower follows a consistent line

Piermarco Soldini, when was the last time you drank a foreign wine?

It was a fortnight ago, when I was on holiday in Sardinia. I particularly remember a Vermentino di Gallura and a Cannonau.

How do you explain to your customers why they should choose local wines over foreign ones?

Mainly because of the terroir. Excellent work is done in Switzerland and especially in Ticino. As a result, the quality of our wines is truly exceptional.

What factors mean that your wines are more expensive than those from a foreign winery, for example in Spain?

A large Spanish winery probably has different quantitative and qualitative requirements than we do.

Is it therefore worth spending a little more on Swiss wine?

Basically, it's a question of taste. I know people from Ticino who absolutely don't drink Merlot, and Swiss-German or French-speaking customers who only drink Merlot.

Can Swiss wine match the flavour of wines from the famous wine regions of Italy or France?

In my opinion, absolutely!

Climate change is bringing higher temperatures and lots of sunshine to Switzerland. To what extent is this an advantage for viticulture?

I don't know whether this will bring advantages or disadvantages for viticulture. That remains to be seen in the long term, because climate change brings with it heavy rainfall, among other things. There will probably be new challenges due to new diseases, so the way we grow grapes will have to be adapted.

What effects of climate change are you feeling in your own wine?

Due to the drought, the grapes have had very high sugar levels in recent years, which has affected processing in the cellar. This year, on the other hand, we have a very rainy season and will have a normal harvest or even slightly below average.

Does your Piccola Vigna winery produce its wines conventionally or organically?

We practise integrated production. We have not used weedkillers for over ten years. This is in line with our philosophy, which we want to pursue consistently.

Why did you decide to do this?

In my experience, it is best to work with common sense and not use products in the vineyards without any reason.

In which direction would you like to develop your wine cellar in the coming years?

As we are a little older, we will soon be negotiating the handover of the wine cellar.

What is your favourite grape variety?

Can I say Merlot, even if it's obvious?

Of course you can! What food do you like to pair your favourite wine with?

My favourite is the cuvée of Merlot, Cabernet and Gamaret, because it's a very fascinating blend. I would serve it with typical dishes from our region, especially risotto with game and mainly red meat.