The FICB Executive Committee has decided to award its Diploma of Honour to Bianca Vetrino, in recognition of her long-standing service as Vice-President representing Italy, and her prominent role as head of the Order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wine of Alba.
The ceremony took place on the occasion of the Order’s 331st chapter, known as the ‘Tulip Chapter’,
in the majestic setting of Grinzane Cavour Castle.
The president of the FICB, Marc Lesk, had been invited for this purpose, and said the following:
« Dear Bianca,
We are here to thank you and honour you for your work in support of the wine brotherhoods.
Serving the Order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wine of Alba – your own brotherhood, of course, of which you were Grand Master for many years. But also, and above all, serving the International Federation of Wine Brotherhoods, where you represented Italy as Vice-President.
Together with President Alain Bryden, we have greatly appreciated your constant presence, your willingness to listen and your advice.
Under your leadership, your association undertook to organise a congress which, unfortunately, could not take place due to COVID, but which nevertheless culminated last year in a remarkable wine discovery tour that was unanimously praised by all participants. My wife Chantal and I took part and were able to appreciate the richness of your terroir.
‘For all these reasons, the FICB Executive Committee has unanimously decided to award you the FICB Diploma of Honour, which I am happy to present to you now.’
The chapter drew a full house in the Masked Ball Room at Grinzane Cavour Castle. A large Dutch delegation had come from the Netherlands for the occasion.
Several inductions took place, led by Grand Master Tomaso Zanoletti (centre) and by the head of the Dutch delegation, Wouter Butzelaar (second from the left in the photo).
A film that vividly and pictorially recounts the history of the castle was shown.
Lunch was prepared by Chef Alessandro Mecca, showcasing a style of cooking that ‘interprets the local region with a contemporary sensibility, whilst remaining true to tradition’.
It gave us the opportunity to taste white wines (Alta Langa Brut Bianc ‘d Bianc 2019 sparkling, and Langhe 2024), red wines (Langhe Pinot Nero 2022, Barbaresco 2021), as well as a Moscato d’Asti 2015. All these wines were winners of the 50th selection by the Order’s Tasting Committee.
During lunch, Grand Master Tomaso acknowledged Bianca’s contributions and thanked her.
A vocal ensemble performed several Italian songs that were familiar to the audience.
Guarda il calor del sol che si fa vino, che dalla vite cola ! (See how the sun’s heat turns into wine, [blended with the nectar] that flows from the vine!). This quotation from Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy (Purgatory, Canto XXV, lines 76–78) is the Order’s motto.
The Order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wine of Alba is a lively organisation; its terroir enjoys worldwide recognition; it has numerous delegations around the globe; the FICB is proud to count it among its members!
Thank you once again to Bianca Vetrino for her actions on behalf of the wine brotherhoods, and to the Alba Brotherhood for its warm hospitality.
Ph. Credits: Maurizio Milanesio Photography
Read the chapter’s account
See the diaporama
