The different parameters that form and influence the basis of a new wine have always had a huge impact on me. From the grafting of the first plants, up to the fine-tuning of the final blendings, all aspects critically account for the quality of the product.

From the different images that come to my mind, the one that I see as the fittest is that of a musician interpreting a piece of music. Grapes come to my mind as the piece itself, written by a composer acoording to his inspiration, culture, and harmonic rules.

Thats what fascinates me in some old vineyards that Ive come to work upon, true classics eagerly waiting and hoping for exciting and vibrant interpretations. Some modern vineyards also inspire me a lot, given their true classical potential, virtually producing the classic wines if the future.

The winemaker is no more than an interpreter of terroir and grape varieties. One knows in the beforehand that the code thats hidden in the parafernalia of variables that have to do with Nature itself, is very hard to unleash. I take it very humbly, the transcendental nature of my work, but also very passionately. I can imagine that a soloist or a conductor feel the same, when they are about to perform a classical masterpiece. Im quite sure that they wont do it before theyve studied every detail thoroughly.

If a performers technical preparation leaves something to desire, no audience will enjoy his performance. Instead, people will be constanly noting his shortcomings.

Technical and scientific background are a key factor in a winemaker. Thats what their clients expect, when hiring him in the first place. I keep studying hard, meeting and sharing experiences with other winemakers, as well as tasting their wines and giving mine to taste. Creativity has to meet craftsmanship.

Although the level of service of a winemaker is closely related to his knowledge of the terroir and grapes with which he works, theres no reason why he should be confined to the limits of his country of origin. The more he works outside his own land, the more he will be able to face new challenges. With experience, he will become a better winemaker.