The best wine list in Europe is in Rome, at least according to the experts of the English magazine The World of Fine Wine. It is the cellar, curated by Head Sommelier Alessio Bricoli, of Imàgo, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Hotel Hassler, in the capital of Italy, a place where sight and taste blend together to offer a unique dining experience. The prestigious location at the top of Trinità dei Monti stairway was, in fact, awarded as Regional Winner for Europe at The World’s Best Wine Lists 2024, a recognition assigned by an international jury composed of top-level professionals, selected from Masters of Wine, World Champion Sommeliers, Master Sommeliers, and famous wine writers and aims to recognize the importance of a selection of wines in a culinary experience.
The wine list at Imàgo and Hotel Hassler is extensive, with around 1,500 labels: from Italy, Spain, France and Germany to Australia, New Zealand and the United States, with a significant presence of many Magnum formats, beautiful to look at and capable of offering a wine at its best.
The best wine list in Europe is at Imàgo, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Hotel Hassler in Rome
Imàgo – image and magic – sums up in one word the philosophy of the Hotel Hassler Roma restaurant, telling a story every evening made of refined atmospheres, excellent products and dishes that leave their mark; but, above all, it is a story of people who with their experience, dedication and curiosity make the dinner unforgettable.
If the kitchen has the rhythm and the signature of chef Andrea Antonini and the dining room is masterfully directed by Marco Amato, the cellar has been studied, renewed and in constant movement for seven years thanks to the tireless and disruptive contribution of Alessio Bricoli, Head Sommelier.
And it is precisely this last piece, which makes Imàgo a diamond in Italian catering, that has reached a truly extraordinary goal: the Imàgo cellar – and consequently the Hotel Hassler – has in fact been designated Regional Winner in Europe for the “The World’s Best Wine Lists 2024” award announced by the prestigious English magazine The World of Fine Wine.
The significance of this nomination is clear even to non-experts: for the “Best Hotel Wine List” category, the Hassler Hotel represents Europe and will compete for victory in the Global Category Awards that will be assigned in London next September, where it will compete for the Palme d’Or for best wine list against Aux Beaux Arts, MGM, Macao (Asia), Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, Palm Beach, New South Wales (Australia), Archipel Restaurant, Constance Le Prince Maurice, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius (Middle East & Africa), The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado (North America) and Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Nassau, Bahamas (South & Central America and the Caribbean).
“Having received this certificate,” say Roberto Jr and Veruschka Wirth, owners and respectively executive chairman and CEO of the Hassler, “is a truly incredible emotion, regardless of how the September event goes. Knowing that you represent not just a city or a nation, but Europe as a whole is a source of pride and recognition for the very high quality of the work of Alessio Bricoli first and foremost, and of all the people who work to achieve these levels of excellence”.
That teamwork can always pay off is a fixed point in the vision of the Sommelier who confirms: “We are a young group and we dare; the wine project within the Hotel Hassler came to life with Roberto Wirth, who supported and sustained my idea of a wine list and then continued with his children Roberto and Veruschka after his premature death. Working in a structure like this, with an owner who has great faith in this team is a unique opportunity for growth and evolution. The wine project is large and in continuous development and there will be great projects and investments in the near future”.
As evidence of the correctness of this vision, it is worth remembering how the Imàgo restaurant recently obtained the “Best Of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator, entering an elite group of restaurants around the world, selected for the most significant wine programs.
