Born in Barletta on July 20, 1984, Gianni's path meandered through various experiences, ultimately leading him to become a distinguished sommelier known for his unwavering dedication and impeccable taste.
Discovering a Passion
Gianni's early years were immersed in the world of gastronomy, thanks to his parents' restaurant. Despite his initial passion for classical music, fate had other plans. His journey took a significant turn when he decided to pursue his studies at the Catering College in Roccaraso, located in the picturesque region of L’Aquila, Abruzzo. It was here that he discovered his true calling—sommellerie.
The Reale Restaurant: A Turning Point
After completing his high school education, Gianni stumbled upon Reale Restaurant in Rivisondoli in 2004. Niko and Cristiana, who had recently taken over their family's trattoria, were in the process of shaping a unique identity for their establishment. Gianni's passion for sommellerie continued to grow as he worked at Reale. In 2006, he embarked on an enriching internship at "Da Caino" restaurant with Maurizio Menichetti, solidifying his decision to wholeheartedly devote himself to the world of wine at Reale Restaurant.
Recognition and Expertise
Gianni's dedication bore fruit in 2008 when he was acclaimed as the "Best Sommelier Abruzzo and Molise" in a regional competition. Over the years, he meticulously crafted his own wine cellar, featuring a diverse range of well-known and boutique producers, with a penchant for unearthing hidden gems. His quest always led him in pursuit of elegant wines with remarkable drinkability, perfectly complementing and enhancing the culinary delights at Reale Restaurant.
A Trailblazing Career
Gianni's remarkable career reached new heights in 2016 when he received the prestigious "Sommelier of the Year" award from Zonin 1821 in the "Young Stars section" of the Identità Golose Guide. In 2018, he was honoured as the "Best Sommelier of the Year" by Food & Travel Italia, and the same year, witnessed his consecration as "Best Sommelier 2018" by the esteemed jury of experts at TWS_BIWA - Best Italian Wine Awards.
The accolades continued to pour in as Reale Restaurant received the "Leccio d'Oro" award in 2019 for its exceptional selection of Montalcino wines from the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. Gianni's prowess earned him the title of "Best Sommelier under 35" at the inaugural Food&Wine Awards Italy in 2020.
"Impressions of Gianni Sinesi"
In 2020, Gianni embarked on his first professional project, "Impressions of Gianni Sinesi," a collaborative endeavor with select winemakers. His wines reflect a dedication to qualitative cornerstones, including the recognizability and typicality of grape variety and terroir, elegance, pleasantness, and a focus on aging capacity, for, as Gianni believes, "it remains one of the most fascinating characteristics of a wine."
Gianni Sinesi's journey in the world of sommellerie is a symphony of passion, dedication, and expertise. His artistry in curating wines has not only enriched the dining experience at Reale Restaurant but has also earned him acclaim and admiration on a national and international scale. Gianni's unwavering commitment to the world of wine continues to inspire, making him a luminary in the realm of sommellerie.
