Cristian Specogna among Fortune’s 40 Under 40 Wine Industry Leaders

Fortune’s Italian wine-industry 40 Under 40 selection included Cristian Specogna among young figures associated with courage, persistence, identity, innovation and entrepreneurial vision.

Cristian represents the family’s third generation, continuing the work begun by his grandfather Leonardo at Rocca Bernarda in 1963. He grew up accompanying his father Graziano and brother Michele in the vineyards, learning the progression of the seasons and agricultural tasks. After studying viticulture and oenology, he pursued study experiences in major Italian and French wine regions. He returned with knowledge applied to pedoclimatic study, vineyard zoning, organic agronomy and process sustainability.

The feature also highlighted the estate’s environmental and social programs: organic vineyard management; photovoltaic systems that cover its electrical needs; beehives and honey production; and expanded woodland intended to support biodiversity and ecological balance.

The same social outlook informs Coltura e Cultura, which joins wine and painting through reserve bottles and wooden cases hand-painted by regional and national artists. A collaboration with Fondazione ProgettoAutismo FVG onlus enables young participants to create special bottle collections, with a substantial share of proceeds donated to the organization’s initiatives.