Moritz-Christian Brand is sommelier at Fachwerk im Hotel Stadt Kassel in Rinteln, Germany. Training and experience in Michelin-starred gastronomy introduced him to outstanding sommeliers and wines, laying the foundations for his approach.

His years working aboard Hapag-Lloyd cruise ships took him through wine-producing countries around the world, allowing him to experience regions first-hand and build lasting relationships with wineries. Today, his approach combines instinct with experience, always placing his own knowledge ahead of passing trends.

“My journey as a sommelier has been shaped by years in Michelin-starred gastronomy and by travelling through wine-producing regions around the world, meeting winemakers and building relationships that continue to inspire my work today. Marchesi Antinori has accompanied me since my early training years, and I have always admired the family’s passion, vision and long-term approach, as well as the character and diversity of Italian wines. When it comes to food and wine pairing, I trust my first instinct, rely on experience and education, and never let passing trends define the pairing.”

Produced by Tenuta Bocca di Lupo in Apulia’s Castel del Monte area, Pietrabianca is a certified organic wine made from Chardonnay with a small percentage of Fiano. The 2023 vintage combines ripe fruit and gentle oak influence with refreshing acidity and a refined mineral character.

Moritz-Christian recommends serving it at 9 to 11°C in a Riedel Montrachet or Chardonnay glass, or a Zalto Burgundy glass. Decanting is not necessary.

“A medium to full-bodied yet beautifully balanced 2023 Chardonnay Castel del Monte from Apulia, made from Chardonnay and Fiano. Its expressive nose reveals ripe peach and pear, complemented by delicate vanilla, subtle oak and a refined mineral character. On the palate, citrus and stone fruit come together with refreshing acidity and a gentle oak influence, giving the wine both focus and complexity.

Ready to enjoy now, it will continue to develop beautifully over the next two to three years.

Elegant, generous and complex.”

Pietrabianca has the balance to accompany delicate poultry and fish dishes, while its generous character also opens the door to richer and more unexpected combinations. Moritz-Christian’s suggestions range from quail and turbot to vegetable dishes and caramelized fruit.

“This wine is a beautiful choice for a romantic dinner or a classic meal with family, particularly during summer and autumn. Its balance and complexity make it a beautiful companion to quail with poultry consommé, Parmesan chip and ravioli.

For a more unexpected pairing, try caramelized figs filled with rosemary cream cheese and crackers. A vegetarian alternative of steamed butternut pumpkin with peanut-saffron sauce and roasted pumpkin seeds brings another interesting dimension. For the ultimate pairing, Breton turbot with beurre blanc foam, risolée potatoes and herb oil beautifully complements the wine’s elegance and generous character.”

Tenuta Bocca di Lupo is located near Minervino Murge, approximately 90 kilometres west of Bari, in the heart of Apulia’s Murgia area. At an altitude of 250 metres, its certified organic vineyards grow on calcareous, nutrient-poor soils suited to producing both red and white wines.

Pietrabianca takes its name from the territory. Meaning “white stone”, it refers to the stones farmers encountered while ploughing their fields, which were crushed and worked back into the soil. The wine combines Chardonnay with the indigenous Fiano grape, reflecting its connection to the landscape of Murgia.