Mario: Even as a child, you were always curious. I remember you would sneak everywhere, constantly discovering the world. You couldn’t be distracted for a second, that you were already climbing some tree, so that you could look better beyond the horizon. And it makes me immensely happy to know that, years later, you have not lost this fire that leads you, today, to explore the frontiers of wine.
Michelangelo: You are right dad, I was quite “lively” as a child, but, deep down, it was hard not to be enchanted by the vineyards and the work in the cellar. To this day, I still fondly preserve a small family picture: you and grandpa, with your hands folded walking among the barrels, assaying the must and discussing the future evolutions of the must. And along with the wine, my passion for this world matured, born of daily contact with the earth and the grapes. Over time, I became more and more interested in the entire supply chain, from the grape to the marketing of the wine, with the satisfaction of a parent who follows his child throughout his life.
Mario: This gives me food for another thought. Said entre nous, what did you think of the company before you set foot in it?
Michelangelo: In all honesty, seen from the outside, Piccini appeared to me as a difficult mountain to climb. I thought I would not be lived up to its history and its heavy legacy. Yet, when I joined the company, everything found its place and fears of not succeeding turned into challenges and opportunities. After all, my sister Benedetta is right when she says that we brothers together form the fingers of one hand. However, this does not mean that every day is always rosy; on the contrary, I try to maintain a critical attitude, trying to flush out any flaws and imperfections in my work. This path, as you have always taught us, comes through listening to each other and constantly exercising transparency toward others. And that is how we took our first steps in the company: with our heads down and assimilating the tools of the trade, but always driven by the desire to learn to the best of my ability to be able to pedal with my own legs.
Mario: And, in fact, that’s one of the most genuine qualities I give you credit for: your strong sense of competition. You don’t really like to come second. Here, though, how do we put it?
Michelangelo: Eh, it’s very tough this time, also because it’s not a sprint in the hundred meters, but a marathon. And marathons, Baba, are not won by eagerness to win right away, but by perseverance and strategy, by dosing your strength and understanding when the time is right to lunge.
Mario: And, most importantly, it is the youngest who win them!
Michelangelo: I didn’t want to say that (laughs, ed.). At the moment, we are still a long way off, but you will see that we will slowly catch up with you!