Giorgio

Almost every host here in Italy would brag about their best wine. Some have hundreds of different bottles in their cellar with different brands and howling price tags. But only one has served the best wine so far: Giorgio.

He lived in a less than 30 sq. meter country style apartment filled with what are essential and hundreds of VHS and cassette tapes of classical and modern concerts. He's an old friend of my brother Tootsie. He received us with warmth, sincerity and humble enthusiasm. And then served us his best salami, nuts, fresh cheese and wine.

For the first time, a total stranger felt at home. I sat comfortably on his old wooden chair and we started talking about his little collection and travels. I drank his wine with total faith that he won't translate it into an "utang na loob" or debt of gratitude. And he gave us a gallon of his best Extra Virgine Olive Oil before we left.

I believe that the best wine  is not in brands or price tags or in the elegant glasses. It is in the one who serves it. And therefore, anybody could serve the best wine, only if served with sincerity, genuine friendship and total self giving without a threat of ‘utang ng loob’… Cin cin :)

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photo: Tootsie and Giorgio | posted by john b. bejo