Anna Fendi discusses her stylishly spirited wine collection
Inspired by the diverse flavours of Italy, the fashion mogul and entrepreneur has released a selection of 26 handpicked bottles
The idea behind the Anna Fendi wine collection came into being while travelling around Italy with my husband, enjoying the great food and drink produced in the country. I thought: "Why don't we do something together that combines your passion – wine – with my desire to create something new?" It is the first time we've collaborated professionally, so for me the business has a very personal and intimate value.
My main goal was to highlight the breadth of Italian wine and I've brought together a handpicked selection of 26 bottles that reflect the variety of tastes and flavours across the regions. I focused on table wines rather than collectors' items because I wanted to create an experience that would bring family around the table and be enjoyed.
We sought out small producers that could guarantee a very traditional approach. Within the collection we have 11 reds, nine whites, one rose, three sparkling and two spirits and it was important every bottle bore the name of the producer. We have since created special suitcases designed to carry the wine, made in a combination of cashmere and suede, with space for beautiful Murano glassware, part of the Anna Fendi tabletop collection, among other complementary items.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
My favourite red wine is Cat's Walk Nero d'Avola – I am probably biased, because I have a particular love of Sicily. For white, I like the fruity flavour of Spina di Pesce Soave; it's very light and is also the only biological wine in the selection.
I've worked in fashion my entire life, so I know it better than the wine world, but I have the same enthusiasm and devotion to both. What I am looking for most is beauty. Fashion is something that belongs to our daily life; it's not only about the clothes but what makes you feel happy and this is something I also want to achieve through the wines.
Just as in fashion, in every single bottle you can see the method and passion because producers spend their entire lives finding ways to make their product better. I understood from the beginning the effort, skills and organisation needed to make a good wine and for this reason, I decided not to become a producer myself, but to put together a collection that I hope can represent Italian wines to their fullest.
ANNA FENDI is an Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur who, along with her sisters Alda, Carla, Franca and Paola, made the Fendi brand famous across the globe. She has since applied her creative talents to industries as diverse as hospitality, homeware and, most recently, wine. Anna Fendi wine is available from Hedonism, starting at £26.10 per bottle; hedonism.co.uk; annafendi.com
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Argos in Cappadocia: a magical hotel befitting its fairytale location
The Week Recommends Each of the unique rooms are carved out of the ancient caves
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
Is Elon Musk about to disrupt British politics?
Today's big question Mar-a-Lago talks between billionaire and Nigel Farage prompt calls for change on how political parties are funded
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
The complaint that could change reality TV for ever
In the Spotlight A labour complaint filed against Love Is Blind has the potential to bolster the rights of reality stars across the US
By Abby Wilson Published
-
Mulled white wine: a 'quirky' Christmas hit?
The Week Recommends Retailers are hoping to tempt shoppers with a 'lighter' version of the classic festive tipple
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
The myth of 'healthy' moderate drinking
Under The Radar The shaky logic that a daily tipple can lengthen your life has been a 'propaganda coup for the alcohol industry'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Put down the glass, Napa and Sonoma. This is where you should drink wine in California.
In Depth Paso Robles is a gem among the oaks
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Jurassic Park: how dinosaurs put wine on your table
Under The Radar The disappearance of the 'lumbering beasts' allowed the grape to 'take over the world'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Orange wines to try this summer
The Week Recommends These amber-hued wines pair perfectly with bold dishes
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Best English wines
The Week Recommends Celebrate a homegrown success story with our pick of the best still and sparkling wines
By Adrienne Wyper Published
-
Guide to Temecula Valley, California
The Week Recommends Temecula Valley offers a feast for the senses with dozens of wineries to visit and menus to explore
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Ca’ del Bosco: a winery with traditional values and vivacious design
Under the Radar Italian brand is adding extra sparkle to the international wine scene
By Kaye O'Doherty Published