It’s official: the most elegant man in the world is Italian. The prestigious French “Prix The Best 2009” has been awarded to Gianluca Bisol, of the Bisol Prosecco family, for his “elegance in lifestyle and work”. The prize was presented to Mr Bisol by Princess Marina of Savoy at a star-studded ceremony in Paris on Monday evening. Among those present were Pierre Cardin, Ivana Trump, Claudia Cardinale, Ursula Andress and Joan Collins.
The Prix The Best is awarded by an international committee of artists, writers, politicians and business people and this year it was chaired by the Italian publisher and self-confessed playboy Massimo Gargia.
Mr Bisol is President of the family company, which has been making Prosecco for five generations in the steep vineyards between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano north of Treviso in the Veneto. Prosecco is named after the grape variety used in its making. DOC Prosecco has to contain 85% Prosecco grapes. Prosecco is made by the Charmat method, in which the secondary fermentation takes place in tanks. 60%of all Prosecco is now made in the Valdobbiadene and Conegliano area.
“Prosecco”, says Mr Bisol, “is the only sparkling wine with character that isn’t Champagne.”
Mr Bisol commented on his prize, “It’s a great honour for me, but also for the Prosecco zone, to receive this recognition in France. My work is my passion and my life.”
His hopes for the future are that
“One day Conegliano will have the prestige of Reims, Valdobbiadene will hold the same fascination as Epernay and Prosecco will be as famous as Champagne.”
