Lino de Vrede is sommelier at Au Coin des Bons Enfants in Maastricht, The Netherlands. An early interest in wine, inspired by the bottles his parents enjoyed at home, led him to start working in a Michelin-starred restaurant at sixteen. Professional tastings and the opportunity to develop wine pairings helped shape his palate and approach.

His philosophy combines balance with curiosity, exploring unexpected combinations and choosing each wine to serve the dish, without following a fixed progression in colour or body.

“I am always searching for balance in flavour. Wine should complement a dish, never dominate it. For me, the most exciting combinations come from contrast: freshness against creaminess, sweetness alongside richness, and acidity as a counterpoint to earthy flavours. I prefer to explore beyond safe or predictable pairings, without following a fixed progression in body or colour. Each wine is chosen to serve the dish in that moment, rather than the wine that came before it.”

Produced by Castello della Sala in Umbria, Conte della Vipera is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The 2024 vintage combines the freshness and aromatic expression of Sauvignon Blanc with the roundness and depth contributed by Sémillon.

Lino recommends serving it at 8 to 10°C in a medium-sized Riesling glass.

“A vibrant and expressive 2024 white wine from Castello della Sala, combining Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Its aromatic nose reveals pronounced grapefruit and citrus notes alongside grassy aromas, while the palate brings hints of lychee, ripe pineapple and fresh lime. The Sémillon adds roundness and depth, balancing the wine’s crisp acidity and subtle green character.

Dry and lively, it leads to a long finish with hints of fennel and sage. Decanting is not necessary, and the wine is best enjoyed young, ideally within two to three years of the vintage, while its freshness, herbal notes and vibrant tension are at their best.

Aromatic, fresh and playful.”

Conte della Vipera has the freshness to accompany seafood and light dishes, but Lino also sees it as a wine that invites more unexpected combinations. Its bright acidity and the texture of Sémillon open the door to pairings that balance richness, creaminess and herbal flavours.

“This wine is made for sunny afternoons with friends, relaxed conversation and light dishes, particularly during spring and summer. It is an excellent aperitif with oysters and a natural companion to grilled sea bass or dorade with lemon sauce, green asparagus and zucchini risotto, or lobster and langoustine salads with grapefruit vinaigrette.

For a more unexpected match, lightly sautéed veal sweetbread with Savoy cabbage, shallots and lemon juice brings together richness and freshness. The wine’s acidity balances the sweetbreads, while the Sémillon supports their creaminess. For a vegetarian alternative, pasta with fennel, pine nuts and Pernod sauce echoes the wine’s herbal character, with the pine nuts complementing its rounded texture.

For the ultimate pairing, scallops with cauliflower flan, black truffle, hazelnut and beurre noisette bring out its balance and versatility. The wine’s freshness lifts the dish, while the roundness of Sémillon supports its creamy and nutty elements, allowing richness and freshness to shine together.”

Conte della Vipera comes from Castello della Sala in Umbria, where vineyards situated between 250 and 350 metres above sea level grow on soils rich in marine fossil deposits.

First produced in 1997, the wine takes its name from the original owners of Castello della Sala. Its label features San Giovanni’s chapel, a small 13th-century chapel located on the estate, connecting the wine to the history of its surroundings.