Branimir Vukšić is sommelier at Pelegrini in Šibenik, Croatia. His journey began 14 years ago as a teenager working as a dishwasher, before a wine tasting with Chef Rudolf Stefan sparked a passion that would shape his career.

Experience at restaurants including Arzak, Quadri, Per Se and The French Laundry has since broadened his perspective on wine and hospitality. His approach to pairing considers the season, the weather and the personal preferences of each guest, always connecting the wine to the moment in which it is enjoyed.

“My journey with wine began unexpectedly, when Chef Rudolf Stefan took me to a wine tasting during my early years at Pelegrini, and that moment changed everything. Since then, experiences in some of the world’s most renowned restaurants have shaped the way I approach wine and hospitality. When it comes to food and wine pairing, I always consider the season, the weather and, most importantly, the personal preferences of each guest. For me, the right pairing is never only about what is on the plate, but also about the moment and the person experiencing it.”

Produced by Castello della Sala in Umbria, Bramìto della Sala is made from Chardonnay. The 2024 vintage combines a fresh, expressive fruit profile with lively acidity, subtle oak notes and a lasting mineral finish.

Branimir recommends serving it at 10 to 12°C in a Zalto white wine glass or a Riedel Chardonnay glass.

“A medium-bodied yet beautifully balanced 2024 Chardonnay from Castello della Sala in Umbria. Its fresh, expressive nose reveals lime citrus zest and ripe yellow stone fruit, complemented by notes of fresh butter and brioche. On the palate, ripe citrus comes together with lively acidity, gentle oak and a subtle touch of toast, giving the wine both smoothness and character.

Decanting is not necessary, although a brief 10 to 15 minutes can allow the wine to open up further. Best enjoyed young, ideally within one to three years of the vintage, it leads to a graceful, mineral-driven finish that lingers beautifully.

Lasting, smooth and memorable.”

Bramìto della Sala has the freshness to accompany seafood, but Branimir also sees opportunities in pairings that combine richness, salinity and tangy flavours. Its balance and mineral character lend themselves to both delicate dishes and more unexpected combinations.

“This wine is equally suited to fine dining, a relaxed dinner party or a summer evening outdoors, showing at its best during the warmer days of spring and summer. Its freshness and lively acidity make it a beautiful companion to fresh oysters topped with a thin slice of green jalapeño and baked beetroot foam.

For a more unexpected pairing, try ‘Sardines in saor’: delicately grilled sardines marinated with onions, lime, vinegar and olive oil, where richness and gentle salinity meet bright citrus freshness. For a vegan alternative, chickpea purée with marinated zucchini, roasted eggplant and toasted sunflower seeds beautifully complements the wine’s fresh, balanced and mineral character.”

Castello della Sala is located in Umbria, a short distance from the Tuscan border and approximately 18 kilometres from the historic city of Orvieto.

Built in 1350 by Angelo Monaldeschi della Vipera, the medieval castle stands at the heart of an estate covering 600 hectares, including 229 hectares of vineyards. It is here that Bramìto della Sala originates, bringing the estate’s Umbrian setting into this final edition of the Wine Guide series.