Decanter Presents... new event series

Decanter invites you to an exclusive tasting experience delving into the wines of celebrated Sicilian producer, Cantine Pellegrino.

For over 140 years, Cantine Pellegrino has told the story of western Sicily through its wines. From Marsala to Pantelleria, six generations have cultivated the region’s finest terroirs shaped by land, sea, salt, and wind. With 160 hectares of organically managed vineyards across five estates, Pellegrino produces expressive wines that reflect the richness of their origin.

The tasting will be hosted by Pietro Russo MW and Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW. The event will begin by comparing two expressions of Grillo: the sea breeze influenced Il Salinaro and the rich, textured Senaría. Next, two types of Zibibbo from the windswept island of Pantelleria will be tasted: Isesi Pantelleria Doc, an aromatic, dry white, followed by the more traditional sweet version, Nes Passito Naturale di Pantelleria Doc.

The evening will conclude with Pellegrino’s iconic Marsalas, the beating heart of its production. The tasting will feature Old John Marsala Superiore Riserva and Ambra, followed by N°018 Single Barrel Marsala Vergine Riserva. These historic wines pay tribute to the illustrious names of Sicily’s past.

Pietro Russo is an Italian winemaker from Marsala with a strong international background in viticulture, oenology, and wine strategy. He holds a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Conegliano and a Master’s degree from Bordeaux, and has built extensive hands-on experience through multiple harvests across France, Spain, New Zealand, Piedmont, and Sicily, working in diverse climatic, cultural, and production contexts. In February 2024, he became the third Italian Master of Wine.

Today, Pietro works as a strategic and technical consultant for wine companies and distributors, supporting projects that integrate vineyard management, winemaking, portfolio development, and brand positioning.

Michelle is a dual Italian/Canadian citizen who left corporate life in Toronto and moved to London to pursue her passion for wine.
Today she is a highly respected and sought-after wine lecturer, having taught wine industry professionals since 2004 at WSET in London where she is a consultant tutor, specialising in Italy, France and the New World. She has authored articles on wines, wine regions and wine-related events in trade publications and WSET journals. She became a Master of Wine in 2015.

Utilising her specialist knowledge of wine regions, Cherutti-Kowal is a consultant to restaurants and wineries and also acts as an ambassador for trade bodies.

Michelle joined the DWWA as a judge for the first time in 2020 and is currently the Regional Chair for Tuscany.