Led by our Head of Wine, Dario Barbato, members of the San Carlo team recently travelled to the renowned Piedmont region in northwest Italy to further refine and finalise the next evolution of our house wine collection, including Remigio Bianco and Remigio Rosso.
Known for its celebrated vineyards, rolling hills and exceptional winemaking heritage, Piedmont is home to some of Italy’s most respected wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera d’Asti. The visit formed part of San Carlo’s continued commitment to delivering authentic Italian wine experiences across our restaurants.
Exploring Piedmont’s Winemaking Heritage
Throughout the trip, the team visited a number of respected vineyards and producers across the Piedmont countryside, gaining deeper insight into traditional Italian winemaking techniques and regional production methods.
One of the highlights of the journey included a visit to Pico Maccario, where the team explored the production of Barbera d’Asti, one of Piedmont’s most distinctive red wines, known for its vibrant character, freshness and versatility when paired with food.
From vineyard management to fermentation and ageing techniques, the experience offered valuable insight into the craftsmanship and attention to detail behind every bottle.
The Craft Behind Every Bottle
During their time in the Langhe region, the team witnessed first-hand the precision and dedication involved in modern Italian winemaking.
Among the techniques explored was “pumping over”, a traditional process used during fermentation where wine is circulated over the grape skins to enhance colour, aroma and depth. Techniques such as these play an important role in creating balanced wines with structure, complexity and character.
The visit also allowed the team to better understand evolving consumer preferences, with increasing focus placed on lighter, fresher wines with lower alcohol content and more expressive aromatic profiles.
As Dario explained:
“This shift reflects changing dining habits and guest preferences, with wines becoming increasingly versatile for pairing across a wide variety of Italian dishes.”
Piedmont Cuisine & Italian Hospitality
Beyond the vineyards, the team immersed themselves in Piedmont’s celebrated culinary culture, experiencing regional dishes and local ingredients that continue to influence Northern Italian dining traditions.
Traditional Piedmontese cuisine, known for its rich flavours, seasonal ingredients and deep connection to the land, provided further inspiration for the future direction of San Carlo’s wine offering and wider dining experience.
From local trattorias to vineyard dining experiences, the trip highlighted the close relationship between Italian food, wine and hospitality that continues to shape the San Carlo experience today.
The Future Of San Carlo House Wines
The insights gained throughout the trip will help shape the future of San Carlo’s house wine collection, with a continued focus on balance, drinkability and wines designed to complement modern Italian dining.
From elegant whites to expressive reds, the new collection has been carefully selected to pair effortlessly with the flavours found across San Carlo menus throughout the UK.
We look forward to sharing these wines with guests across our restaurants in the months ahead and continuing our journey through Italy’s rich winemaking heritage.
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