SEGMENTO MAGAZINE ISSUE I

ISSUE I

September/ October 2014 | www.segmento.com.au

SEGMENT

ITALIAN CULTURE MAGAZINE

ROOTS & ROUTES

Troubled waters of the Mediterranean

Silvano Merlatti Chairman of Fila

WINEMAKER Sergio Carlei: A man of Taste and Culture

IVECO Successfully Tracking

Buongiorno Melbourne!

INSIDE: JOHNNY DI FRANCESCO PIZZA RECIPE

CONTENTS Segmento Editorial 5

Welcome message

Welcome Message 3

9

17

7

30

Welcome message by the Consul General of Italy

Culture

You too speak Italian 6 Ciao, not just a Greeting!

Exhibition 9

Photographer Graziano Panfili

Book Review 33

Valentina Bonatti: Put more passion in your life

Food & Wine Olive Oil 12

Pitruzzello Estate

Winemaking 18 Sergio Carlei

All Crazy for Johnny 30

Johnny Di Francesco pizza recipe

Bianco o Rosso 32

Wine review by Sergio Carlei

Business Iveco 26

Steers a successful course in Australia

Fila 7

In conversation with Silvano Merlatti

Luxita 16

Puts Italian luxury at your fingertips

Founder: Daniele Curto Managing Director: Daniele Curto daniele.curto@segmento.com.au 0418891285 Editor in Chief: Krish Naidoo editor@segmento.com.au Marketing Support: Anjali Vallabh marketing@segmento.com.au Graphic Artist: Cristoforo Carlei design@segmento.com.au Creative Consultant: Imbarani Poonasamy Photographers: Paco Matteo Li Calzi Daniele Curto Contributors: Daniele Brugiotti Omar D'Incecco Valentina Bonatti Sergio Carlei Johnny Di Francesco To contact the Segmento Editorial Staff: segmento@segmento.com.au 0418891285 For advertising enquiries please contact: marketing@segmento.com.au 0418891285 Cover photo credits: Photographer: Paco Matteo Li Calzi

From Italia

Polyconic Vase 15

How to prune an olive tree

Roots & Routes 22

Troubled water of the Mediterranean

www.pacomatteolicalzi.com Model: Marian Wolfe www.marianxwolfe.tumblr.com Make-Up Artist: Dave Waterman www.davidpwaterman.com Hairdresser: Teresa Goodone www.sylkhairboutique.com.au

Consolato Generale d’Italia – Melbourne

Welcome message by the Consul General of Italy in Melbourne

Dear readers of the Segmento magazine, I am honoured to introduce a new Italian presence in Melbourne. As you know, the capital city of Victoria is home to the largest Italian community in Australia.

According to reliable estimates, there are over 300,000 people of Italian descent residing here. It is a multi-faceted community, whose rich history dates back to the very foundation of Melbourne.

The first Italian immigrants were musicians, artists and architects, who created some of the historical icons of this city – think of the St. Kilda foreshore, whose construction was planned in the early 20th century by Carlo Catani, a native of Florence. The largest wave of immigration occurred much later, right after the Second World War. Driven abroad by the difficulties encountered in a country partially destroyed by the conflict, thousands of Italians came to Australia seeking a better future. Their hard work, combined with that of many others, built this city and transformed it in the international metropolis we live in today.

Walking around Melbourne, you may experience Italy and its culture around every corner. From dining in one of the numerous Italian restaurants scattered around the city and in the world-renowned Lygon Street, to visiting one of the many skyscrapers, palaces and houses built

by Italo-Australian companies, through spotting Italian luxury cars here and there, as well as Italian trucks on freeways, Italian helicopters flying over the city and Italian boats docked at port or sailing around the bay. Not to mention all the Italian words you may frequently overhear from our resident fellow compatriots everywhere.

From today, we can rely on Segmento, a new magazine aimed at promoting awareness of what Italians think, feel and do. I would like to express my warmest welcome to this fresh voice in the cultural world of the Italian community in Melbourne and beyond.

Benvenuto, Segmento!

Marco Maria Cerbo Consul General of Italy

3

P 9421 5411 w www.sylkhairboutique.com.au E info@sylkhairboutique.com.au Shop F36 Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre 620 Victoria Street Richmond 3128

4

WELCOME | EDITORIAL

I

t is always difficult to define in words the sentiment, the passion and the visceral love that anyone feels for one’s country. What makes it even more complicated to comprehend is how that emotional baggage is packaged and transported when one leaves the home country.

This sentiment can manifest itself as nostalgia when one lands in the ‘new’ country and it becomes that inevitable segment of one’s life. Well, it is this nostalgia that determines how people can move forward towards a new ideal in their lives that encapsulates the past but also incorporates future goals set for the new life in different surroundings.

The Italians have always had their roots deeply planted in their millenarian culture but they become completely oblivious of the fact that they have packed this historic and rich inheritance into their luggage when migrating to Australia.

Segmento will be the megaphone of the Italian community. Its objective is to become the vital link between their Italian roots and the new culture of multi ethnicity that prevails in Australia. Segmento‘s ideal seeks to be a celebration of our courageous early settlers who left Italy and built a new life, certainly during tough times, and also of those new migrants who are leaving the italic boot in less dramatic but nevertheless troubling times.

We will hear their stories, we will interview them and above all we will provide them with a forum to articulate their views, whether they are multinational enterprises, successful businessmen or young disoriented talents. We will publish features from Italy that will emphasise upcoming events concerning Italian culture in the world.

Furthermore, Segmento will delve into one of the most controversial and tragic topics that concern both Italy and Australia – immigration. A feature will be dedicated in every issue to this touchy matter in the hope to comprehend this worldly crisis in order to raise public awareness.

Segmento will embrace the Italian culture in its entirety, whether it is wine, gastronomy, design, fashion, motors, art, etc. For this reason it is the magazine for everyone who enjoys all things Italian.

But, let’s not forget, Segmento, most importantly, also wants to thank the general Australian community for its kindness, generosity of spirit in accepting wave upon wave of migrants in which the Italian people comprised a fair ‘segment’. The stories of their success, most of them from very humble beginnings, does Australia proud.

Segmento salutes all of you!!

Welcome to Segmento.

Daniele Curto

Y O U T O O “ S P E A K ” I TA L I A N Ciao, not just a Greeting!

T

here are approximately more than 400 Italian or Italian-derived words used in the English language. In the spoken language we may pronounce these Italian words and not even be aware we are using them. The presence in the English language of Italianisms covers a wide field: visual arts and architecture to poetry, singing and music, military activity and fortifications, the sciences of mathematics and geometry to the scope of trade and finance.

And this dates back to the period of the Renaissance.

While Italian terms are prevalent in the English language many English words and sayings can be found in Italian, especially in the fields of information technology and finance. Hence words such as give and take can also be found in other cultures, including that of Australia.

In every issue Segmento will analyse an Italian word chosen by our readers.

“Dear Segmento one of the most common-used Italian words in the English-speaking world is “CIAO” What exactly is the origin of the word and why has it become an international form of greeting? “

or even a stranger with that type of greeting.

Denise Vlahos

Other meanings: Almost all over Italy it may be used as an exclamation of resignation, but in a positive way: “Oh, va be’, ciao!” (“Oh, well, never mind”). A doubled “ciao ciao” means specifically “goodbye”, tripled or quadrupled (but said with short breaks between each one) means “Bye, I’m in a hurry!”. Pronounced with a long [a], it means “Hello, I’m so glad/amazed to meet you!”

Sometimes, it can also be used to express sarcasm at another person’s point of view “Sì, ciao!” meaning “that’s totally weird!”.

Hello; Goodbye; I missed you; Farewell; Do not stress me out; I am in a hurry; Never mind; I am amazed to meet you; Thank God you wrote. These are some, not all, of the meanings of the word ‘ciao’. We say it, we read it hundreds of time a day but every time it may serve a different purpose.

Meaning: Hello; Hi; Goodbye; Bye Pronunciation: Chow History: Ciao comes from the Venetian dialect “s-ciavo” (subsequently shortened in “s-ciao” and finally ‘ciao”). It means “slave” and it was used in the 17th century by the servants when speaking to their owners. The meaning of the greeting was equivalent to: “I am your slave”, “your servant”, “I await your orders”.

Curiosity: From a reverential greeting used to highlight the social difference between two individuals of different classes, “ciao” lost it’s servile connotation and has become over the passage of time to mean confidential and friendly. In fact, nowadays, it would be considered inappropriate and rude to address an elder, a professor,

Alternative: There are various alternatives to “ciao”. The simpler and more used is “salve”. It can be used at any time of the day. It is the perfect compromise as it is not as formal as ‘Arrivederci” but still very polite.

Due to the musicality of the Italian language the special meaning is conferred more by the vocal inflection rather than the altered use.

Spread: Since the Venetian Republic it has used in several European countries. Inhabitants of the Americas only started using the word in the 19th and 20th century. Countries (Colombia, Paraguay, Bolivia, Venezuela, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru’, Ecuador, Argentina) adopted the word “ciao” to say goodbye, largely thanks to Italian immigrants. Even in Cuba’s today ‘ciao’ has largely replaced the more traditional ‘adios’. Finally, ‘ciao’ has also imbued the Australian culture. Among descendants of Italian immigrants ‘ciao’ is pronounced proudly and is a rather popular greeting.

6

SILVANO MERLATTI A Visionary Entrepreneur With A Modern Intuition

F

immediate duties included taking care of the financial sector of all Fila branches in Asia. Silvano was then later appointed Director of Sourcing and also became responsible for sales in Asia.

ila is one of the most popular sports brands in the world and the brains behind the Australian-New Zealand operation, is a former banker, Silvano Merlatti, whose official title is Chairman of SM Brands.

Silvano was born in Savigliano (Cuneo) on July 28, 1964.

He is married to Emanuela and they have two children ages 14 and 16, both of whom were born in Hong Kong.

Silvano Merlatti is one of those people who thrive on challenges. This has become even more apparent during his long and impressive career. His greatest asset and what adds so much strength to his character, is his ability to function at his maximum, even when under pressure.

Hong Kong, certainly, in the Nineties, was a vibrant and fascinating city, and proved to be a perfect place for Silvano to demonstrate his professional qualities.

Silvano started his career as an employee at Banca Commerciale Italiana, the biggest Italian bank at the time. After completing a rigorous training comprising four years of studies and secondments, he was posted to the International Division of the Head Office which was responsible for the Russian and Chinese areas.

Over time however, life in Hong Kong changed dramatically. It became a city suffocated by pollution and the frenetic pace of its lifestyle was not suitable for what Silvano considered, to be ideal to raise his family.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Silvano’s talents came to the fore when he had the possibility to interact with the CEO of the bank and the CFOs of all the major customers of the bank. His brilliant management skills were on show and he was rewarded with a transfer to the Hong Kong branch.

He had always been attracted to Australia and its possibility of market expansion. In June 2002, Silvano seized a profitable opportunity in the acquisition of Fila Australia.

He successfully headed a management takeover of Fila’s Australian subsidiary and established a new company called SM Brands.

Although only 27 he was the youngest Credit Officer of the foreign service at Banca Commerciale.

This new company acted as a vehicle for holding the Fila license in Australia.

In 1994 Fila was one of the most important clients of the bank in Hong Kong. Silvano’s professionalism and competence impressed Fila’s Managing Director and he was asked to work for this major international company.

Silvano started working for Fila in Hong Kong in 1995. His

7

Silvano and his family moved to Melbourne on January 1, 2003. It was an adventure full of satisfactions and responsibility, and importantly was more family oriented.

Q & A with Silvano Merlatti Who owns Fila?

Since 2001 the majority of Fila’s shares belong to a Korean private equity firm originated by Samsung Finance.

How much of Italy is still present in Fila today?

I can say without a shadow of doubt that the DNA of Fila is completely Italian. Fila is inspired by the Italian culture; we are very fortunate to have this heritage, which saves us from the risk of becoming impersonal. The Italian flair is clearly visible in any of Fila’s products.

How many people are employed by Fila in Australia?

Fila employs 100 people all over Australia and the company has a turnover of more than $20 million.

What are the origins of Fila?

Fila was established in 1911 in Biella Italy, manufacturing textile and knitwear. A change in the direction of the mul- How do you see the future of Fila in Australia? tinational occurred in the Seventies when the Fila family We at Fila believe in sustainable development and we started investing in the sports world. are forward-looking in our choices. To achieve our goals a major part of the sponsorship campaign is conducted Tennis became the greatest showcase for Fila. In fact, at the grass roots level. We start at the schools and fund most tennis fans would have heard or seen the great Swedish star Bjorn Borg, who wore proudly Fila on court. sporting events, as well as giving our sponsored players a The Fila brand and Borg became a perfect fit. Everybody huge discount on Fila products. wanted to wear a champion’s attire and success was guaranteed.

This allows children to become attached to and familiar with the brand at a young age, but most importantly, it also allows the family circle and friends of the player to locate the brand and the outlets more easily.

Thereafter the garments exclusively dedicated to tennis have become more and more a fashion trend and have not been abandoned since.

What is the winning feature of Fila when compared to the sports brands such as Nike, Adidas and Asics?

Our greatest heritage is derived from the game of tennis and Fila continue to maintain this brand at the highest level. From a management point of view, we in Fila Australia are able to make decisions very quickly, and this is a great advantage in terms of market strategy.

What is the greatest contribution Silvano Merlatti has made to advance Fila Australia?

I consider the best managerial decision we made was in 2003, when we decided to open our chain of stores.

Today in Australia we can count up to 20 successful stores, including six in Melbourne.

In 2007, on the eve of the world financial crisis, Silvano showed the strength of his mettle with brilliant managerial skills. He concentrated solely on sales and cleared the warehouse. When the crisis struck in 2008, Fila could count on a considerable capital and relatively empty warehouse. By November 2008, he averted the disaster that financially crippled so many other companies.

8

G R A Z I A N O PA N F I L I

Where the history ends and the dream begin?

W

Centuries after the great printmaker had created his etchings, Graziano Panfili reviewed and interpreted the same locations and monuments of Rome in his photographs.

hen I think of Rome what comes to mind is of a lazy and sleepy mother stretched in an eternal embrace of her offspring. Rome! A city in which time and civilisation are layered one above the other. Forgotten and present, immutable but never unique, ambiguous and cumbersome. Is it a place where history ends and the dream begins?

The outcome of this experience has resulted in his exhibition “A Traveller’s Dream: Piranesi and Rome” a photographic series hosted from the 25th of February until June 2014 at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Melbourne and commissioned and strongly supported by its Director Ms Lina Panetta. “Graziano Panfili’s images provide a unique, dream-like interpretation of some of the most famous Roman locations and monuments immortalised in Piranesi’s etchings”, says the Director Lina Panetta. Graziano “has revealed a great sensitivity and consideration of the artistic vision, choices and interpretations of Piranesi”, proudly says Ms Panetta.

Giovanni Battista Piranesi, born October 4, 1720, was a famous throughout Europe for his etchings in which he immortalised the Eternal City more than 200 years ago.

His work constitutes a map of ancient Rome in its evolution and morphological changes.

An exhibition dedicated to him “Rome: Piranesi’s vision” which was presented by the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne last February until the 22th of June 2014 had a marked effect on a modern and sensitive artist and proved to be his greatest inspiration.

His artistic studies and the experience at architecture studios and, experimenting with hand-drawn perspective, allowed Graziano to gain a greater confidence into the vedute (views) of Rome.

In fact, Graziano Panfili, 42, a multi-award winning Italian photographer, ‘walked in Piranesi’s shoes’. He travelled the very same streets and alleys and saw for himself the same buildings eternalised by the etching master.

9

Apart from buildings and monuments only little is left of the Baroque Rome in which Piranesi drew his vedute; nevertheless Graziano has been able to express his very personal vision.

“Piranesi’s etchings were a starting point”, Graziano says.

“Many of the perspectives he etched can no longer be represented today because everything has changed – there are buildings, tall trees and plants, hills that don’t exist anymore”.

The photos, in fact, are unclear, obscure, out of focus, “I positioned a kind of coloured transparency in front of the lens”, says Graziano, “which created a vignetting and out of focus effect, and made everything at the edges of the photo more dream-like and less defined”.

At the same time, this filter, set the composition free of the signs of modernity, traffic and signage, “I wanted the scenes to be as free from these elements as possible”, Graziano adds “and for them to take me back to a time closer to the views of Piranesi”.

Graziano Panfili returned to the most famous locations and monuments of Piranesi’s prints until the nearby town of Tivoli where he re-interpreted the beauty of Villa Adriana. But the project took an even more interesting turn when Graziano asked himself: “What might Piranesi have etched if he had been in Rome today?”

From that moment he started looking at everything with different eyes. “I used the ‘Stanislavski’ method as it is known in theatre” Graziano says.

He put himself in Piranesi’s shoes and gave consideration to what Piranesi would have engraved in the capital today. Thanks to this approach Graziano has captured, alongside the famous and traditional locations such as Colosseo, Pantheon and the Foro Romano, modern buildings from some of the world’s most famous architects: Zaha Hadid’s MAXXI: the National Museum of XXI Century Arts and Renzo Piano’s Parco della Musica Auditorium.

Graziano has had a distinguished career. After his studies in Communications and Arts, he broadened his knowledge on reportage at the Permanent School of Photography Graffiti in Rome. In 2008, he was awarded the first prize at Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards (section Editorial-Others, n.p), as well as the Gold Award reportage at the festival Orvieto fotografia, which also named him the Photographer of the Year.

He is a testimonial for digital photo cameras of Ricoh, a Japanese company, and holds seminars and workshops throughout Italy. His photos have been published in dailies, periodicals, books and CD covers.

He has been published in: Io Donna; L’Espresso; D Casa La Repubblica; Le Monde; Internazionale; La Repubblica; Riders; Diario; and Wired. www.grazianopanfili.com Thanks to OnOff Picture Agency

10

PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY. TESTED BY DAKAR. Courage, commitment, determination and, above all, the strength and reliability it takes to overcome any obstacle. These are the values that IVECO took into DAKAR 2014, the toughest and most extreme rally in the world. We torture-tested the technologies and performance of our our IVECO Cursor 13 Euro VI engines, we came second, just 3 minutes behind the winner, with all our IVECO vehicles reaching the finish line.

2nd Gerard De Rooy (IVECO) + 3m 11s • 7th Hans Stacey (IVECO) + 5h 14m 57s 10th Pep Vila Roca (IVECO) + 7h 53m 35s • 22nd Jo Adua (IVECO) + 22h 18m 58s Special thanks to our great team.

Iveco with W W W. I V E C O. C O M . A U

SEBASTIANO

HOLDS THE BRANCH... and wins Sebastiano Pitruzzello has to be considered a true child of the soil. A former resident of the island of Sicily, he has learnt how to hold out the olive branch, but not because he has been involved in any hostile activities. Far from it, Sebastiano’s whole life is centred around the olive tree and he has more than a healthy respect for it.

T

he significance of the olive goes back a long way according to Athenian historian Tucidide: “Mediterranean people began to emerge from barbarism when they learnt to cultivate olive trees and vines”. “Mediterranean begins and ends where it is possible to cultivate the olive”, the ancients used to say.

It is against this background that we look at the Pitruzzello family who were small land owners. The land supported them – they were basically farmers who also ran cattle and were involved in the cheese-making industry.

Sebastiano was born in the little Sicilian town of Sortino on February 22, 1940. His father Biagio passed on to his young son a rudimentary outline of what was involved in getting the best out of the land.

His mother Maria Antonia was the devoted housewife who cared for Sebastiano’s siblings – Vito, Mauro, Giuseppe and Sofia. So Sebastiano’s youth was spent roaming vineyards, orchards and lush olive groves.

Working the land, however, was not enough to satisfy the

humble needs of the family and Biagio was forced to sell his property.

This tough life on the land prepared Sebastiano him for the future. He went to work for a mechanical engineering company, S.I.A.F. He was also engaged to Lucia Mandragona who had Australia in her sights as she had many relatives in the country. So on August 24, 1961, Lucia with her aunt Concetta left for the new country. The idea was that after she had settled she would sponsor him.

Although still a youth Sebastiano migrated to Australia.

He arrived in the country on March 15, 1963. He managed to find employment with General Motors at Fishermans Bend.

In 1973 the hard work paid off. He established a company, Pantalica, and so began his cheese-making business. His family now run the company with son Silvio as general manager of business and marketing, daughter Antonella also works in administration while Biagio is involved in cheese-making.

12

Although the business was an early success, Sebastiano felt unfulfilled.

On May 31, 2010 was awarded Cavaliere del Lavoro by President Giorgio Napolitano.

“Despite the success of this enterprise, I wanted to do something more,” Sebastiano says. “I’m a man of the land and I’ve always felt that is where my destiny lay.

It was a fitting tribute to an individual who as a youth sought a better future for himself in a faraway land

“I had, in fact, produced olive oil but it was only as a hobby. I soon realised that this so-called hobby was growing out of all proportion and was consuming more and more of my time. I planted 50 trees at my home at Yuroke and I realised the quality of the oil was high thus making it very marketable.”

On February 12, 2010 Sebastiano opened Pitruzzello Estate Olive Grove and Vineyard in Sunbury, 45 minutes from Melbournes CBD. Planting 12,000 olive trees & 13,000 vines yielding 20,000 litres oil per year. Winning two silver awards for Extra Virgin Olive Oil in 2008 at the Royal Melbourne Show, One gold award at Melbourne Fine Foods in 2010 & 2013.

How does Sebastiano see the future of the olive oil industry?

“The olive oil market is very competitive,” he warns.

“Nowadays the supermarkets stock dozens of oils of very low quality, which makes it impossible to compete with them. I produce pure olive oil. The low prices of the inferior oils is prohibitive. If I sell at that price It will not cover my costs of production.”

Sebastiano wants the Australian Government to intervene and protect the local growers and producers of olive oil against the imported variety.

Pitruzzello Estate produces wines of shiraz, sauvignon blanc, sweet red, sweet white, sparkling white & sparkling red.

“Luckily there are still people who know how to recognise a good oil from a poor one and they are willing to pay a higher price,” he says.

Pitruzzello Estate also cater for functions, weddings & conference Success, however, has not altered the character or the demeanour of Sebastiano. His manner is humble and he recollects the days of hardship marked by poverty. But in his case determination, dedication and desire were the attributes that enabled him to follow his dream and to reach his destiny. He does, however, sound a warning that you should not to over-reach or set improbable goals..

“When you are young you want to conquer the world but nobody conquers the world,” says Sebastiano.

What Sebastiano is reluctant to discuss are his achievements. In December, 2000, he was conferred Knight Commander of the Order of the Italian Republic by the President, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and awarded the honour of Commendatore.

13

Focusing on Italy, he says the country is facing a serious economic crisis. Sebastiano suggests young people who are unable to achieve a decent lifestyle in the old country come to Australia - just as he did more than 50 years ago.

“This is still a country in expansion and immigration policies should be softened with fewer restrictions,” Sebastiano says. “Migrants contributed a major share in the building of this nation”.

He is disappointed with “the majority of Italians who come to Australia today holding a working or student visa. They live and work here for six months and then return to Italy. For us it was a lifestyle choice”.

Sebastiano’s ties with Italy remain very strong. “My roots are very deep,” he says. “Even now Italy remains in my heart. I will never forget my hometown and I’ve always wanted to give something back to Sortino, perhaps a little of my luck and success will rub off there.”

Sebastiano did give something back to his hometown.

In 2001 he was instrumental – supplying the necessary finances – in getting a monument erected in the middle of a piazza in Sortino. It was a statue of a “migrant’ and was in honour of all those who left the motherland to seek better lifestyles for their families in countries all over the world.

While Australia is definitely home for Sebastiano, “Italy not only represents my childhood but also the memory of hard times and poverty.”

“Poverty is obviously not something that can be easily erased from the memory banks, especially those days when you finally have money in your pocket!”

Today Sebastiano stands tall and firm, just like his olive trees, and while he is mindful of the tough and challenging times he has faced in life, it does not detract from his persona which exudes warmth and love.

14

P O LY C O N I C VA S E A RESPECTFUL PRUNING FOR A QUALITY OLIVE OIL

P

runing and harvesting are the two major practices that have the greatest impact on the cost of cultivating the olive grove. Correct practices, especially with the emphasis on of pruning, make it possible to reach the point of maximum efficiency. This has a marked bearing on the quality of the final product and the time dedicated to achieving this positive result.

should unquestionably “Pruning be respectful of the natural behaviour of the plant. ” In the last century there have been several studies to evaluate the effects of various types of farming, one of these is 'breeding polyconic vase’. This form of farming respects the harmony of the plant and its desire to grow, and at the same time it controls the forcefulness.

Firstly, we should avoid all situations in which the branches are divided into two (dichotomy) and decrease the number of cuts as the plant will tend to escape upward in search of light. Therefore we should focus on the structure of three or four main branches.

Since light is the essential element for the olive tree, in fact, it improves the fruiting, the simplification of the backbone into three or four branches in the shape of a cone will amplify the passage of light from the top to the lower foliage ensuring optimal ripening of the fruit.

One of the advantages of the breeding polyconic vase is the ability to perform the operations of pruning from the ground, reducing drastically all those accidents associated with the use of ladders (available on the market are many tools, scissors and saws equipped with telescopic extension).

This method of farming combined with the use of these tools reduces the pruning time and also cuts down on costs. It can be difficult to believe but the time spent pruning with this technique is 10/12 minutes a plant.

The final result is not to be underestimated as the plant is in balance with itself and it will give us better quality fruits, the right amount and at a significantly lower cost.

From our correspondent in Italy Daniele Brugiotti- Arboriculturist, Grower www.vasopoliconico.it

It can be difficult to believe but “the time spent pruning with this technique is 10/12 minutes a plant.

”

15

Luxita

Puts Italian luxury at your fingertips

R

emember the name Laura Vinci! Her determination and dedication is beginning to leave a major footprint in the e-commerce industry. Laura, an expert e-commerce trainer from Catania, Sicily, at the tender age of 23, launched the project ‘Luxita’.

Luxita provided the base and outlet for the sale of vintage products on E-Bay and it was the first segment of a financial jigsaw puzzle that reached its completion six years later.

Laura was the pioneer of the e-commerce store on E-bay and what a success it has turned out. Thanks to her managerial skills the platform took off quite soon and she was deservedly awarded “Gold E-bay Power Seller”.

In Australia has established DAMA Partners Consulting, a company that provides a wide range of consultancy services in the food and hospitality industries and also sources boutique products. Dario’s achievement in the hospitality industry and his successful experience in consulting business made of him the missing link to what Laura had begun six years earlier.

Although Luxita became very successful Laura was eager to test the potential of Luxita outside the national borders. In March 2014, she decided to expand her project to Melbourne.

A second segment fell into place when Laura met a well-established entrepreneur Dario D’Agostino who believed in the Luxita project and its potential.

Immediately stimulated by each other, Dario and Laura decided to merge Luxita with another initiative. The e-Commerce store on e-Bay was annexed to a unique an innovative e-Learning platform.

Dario, born in Pescara 35 years ago, grew up on the Adriatic Coast in the Abruzzo Region in Italy. He and his family members are traditionally involved in hospitality, food and wine businesses throughout the world. It was no surprise that he acquired a deep understanding of how to use the best produce.

The name Luxita was retained and now provides Italian style products including food, kitchen equipment, best wines, beers and Italian drinks, fashion clothing, shoes and accessories that stand out for quality and charm.

When Luxita was born?

Laura: April 2014 Luxita is a merger between e-commerce and luxury products made in Italy, why do you think this is a winning idea?

Dario: In Australia there is not an electronic platform with which you can buy an Italian product. We are the first to have introduced it in the Australian market. Moreover Luxita is able to guarantee the delivery of the product in fast times and finally our clients can access products that normally are accessible only to wholesalers.

How do you define the term luxurious?

Laura: Luxita believes that luxury is not only possession of prestigious goods, but choosing and owning the products that best fit your personality. Be luxurious and you’ll become unique.

Dario D’Agostino & Laura Vinci 16

Why the platform Luxita is innovative and unique?

What kind of relationship do you have with Italy?

Dario: Luxita merges two schemes:

Dario: Our Italian heritage is vital imprint on a business such as Luxita. And without the ancient Italian culture, we could not exist as Luxita. Our culture is a bottom-less well full of wisdom and knowledge and we are really grateful to have the privilege of being able to draw from it.

•

Trade of Italian luxury

•

A E-learning platform

From one side we sell the product and on the other we teach how to use it (how to cook it, how to dress it, when to use it etc.). We offer a service.

One of our goals is to turn to the Australians of Italian descents who seek to regain and reclaim a cultural heritage which have become less pure over time. Through the consultations and the learning lessons provided by Luxita anyone can get closer to the Italian culture.

Aside from the Italian luxury products (fine wines, design objects) what else does Luxita offer?

Dario: Our concept of luxury is not something that is inaccessible for the majority of the people. Yes, we target the middle to higher income bracket. But we also believe that the Italian luxury consists not only of world-renowned brands such as Prada, Gucci, Maserati or Ermenegildo Zegna, but a wide range of niche product which Luxita can help extend to the Australian market.

As young ambassadors of the ‘made in Italy’ tag, what is the message you want to send?

Dario: Luxita does not teach how to be Italian, but aspire to teach how to appreciate the vast world behind the concept ‘Italian style’.

What is the most important thing you have learnt about being Italian, and how have you benefitted from this knowledge in regard to Australia?

Laura: It’s the degrees of achievement. Extracting the maximum benefit from a minimum situation.

BUSINESS & EXECUTIVE COACHING

SERGIO CARLEI A Man of Taste & Culture

W

hen I contacted Sergio Carlei to arrange an interview I was taken aback at the excitement he expressed about my intention to publish Segmento magazine. He immediately invited me to dinner at his wine bar Bar Nonno in Northcote. On arriving at this charming establishment, which reminded me so much of the mother country, Italy, I could not have asked for a better welcome and a more charming host. Sergio, 55, with his warm and effusive manner, and his hospitable wife Mariangela made me a member of his large family – he has seven children - David, Rebecca, Christopher, Natalie, Lawrence, Aaron and Stephen.

He opened several bottles of his ‘liquid gold’ and that in itself was something to behold. It was like observing a conductor of an orchestra in full flight or a magister bibendi in a Roman libation.

I couldn’t help being impressed with his science background - his academic achievements include three degrees (chemistry; Doctor of Chiropractic; Oenologist), and his holistic approach to life.

The drinking, of course, was accompanied by exquisite Italian spuntini and non-stop commentary from Sergio. We discussed wines and his family background.

His siblings are Guilio- lawyer, Marco- accountant and Ricardo- chiropractor.

Trying to evoke a response from me, Sergio says mischievously: “I was born in Australia but I am a mixed breed.

My father is Abruzzese and my mother is Calabrese. My father migrated here post-war. He had intended to come here in 1938 and earn money to pay his daughter and his wife’s trip to Australia.”

What was indelibly imprinted in my mind that night was the simplicity and the spontaneity of the Carlei family and their burning desire to share their cultural heritage, which they claimed were the tenets that shaped their lives and morals.

That was only my introduction to the Carlei family and a few days later we met at Sergio’s self-built, chemical-free house in Upper Beaconsfield. The house includes a winery, which was established in 1997. This time, while relaxing and sipping an espresso, Sergio opens up and reveals another side to his amazing life.

“Unfortunately, war stymied all his plans. And to complicate matters, my grandfather Salvatore was classified as a prisoner of war.” At the end of hostilities, in 1944, his grandfather became an Australian citizen.

“Eventually, in 1948 my grandmother Maria and my mother, Vincenza, were able to come to Australia,” Sergio said.“ My mother and my father (Antonio) met in Northcote at a fruit shop my grandfather had bought.

That’s my heritage, but obviously I am an Australian citizen.”

18

Sergio with his father Tony.

Sergio pumping over a vat of wine.

Sergio’s introduction to wine came at a very early age.

“I remember when I was five or six my father would allow us to have a glass of wine,” Sergio says. “My grandfather use to make wine, so wine was part of the culture, just as it is part of the Italian culture.

“In 1948 my grandfather bought land and the fruit shop, so he had the link between the land, the fruit and trading.

Wine was on the dining table all the time and it stimulated both my appetite and my interest in wine.

“At uni I was doing an industrial chemistry course and part of the course was to analyse wine. This was the introduction of chemistry and quality control of wine.”

Sergio says that he included a wine cellar when he built his house.

“That is when I started to make wine for myself and it was a lot of fun,” he adds. “ Although I always helped my grandfather make wine, it had just been a hobby until 1990.

“I enrolled at uni to study making wine from a commercial point of view. While studying I started making wine in my garage. My first commercial vintage became a realisation in 1994. In 1995, I won the Greatest Australian Chardonnay Challenge.

In 1983, Sergio Carlei graduated as an industrial chemist from Melbourne University and worked at a petrochemical industry. It was then that he made a chilling discovery.

Tucked away among the statistical footnotes of a journal was the revelation that industrial chemists life expectancy of 41. Cancer was a common cause of death.

Italy really “What brought to the world is a

very important mindset that wine goes with food.

”

Sergio then made a bold decision – he would pursue a career in the health sciences professions and in 1988 he graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Whilst practicing in Melbourne, he simultaneously studied for a professional degree in oenology, graduating in 1996. But in the same year of graduation, Sergio faced the toughest time of his life, he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.

He was told he would probably die within two years without a bone marrow transplant. Even after a transplant he would have a 30 per cent chance of leading a normal life; it’s worth pointing out that “normal” in this instance includes the distinct possibilities of major organ failure.

For Sergio, the news brought its own historical eerie resonance what he had read in 1983. But his courage and indomitable spirit won through.

“Organic and natural

things were embedded in my brain when I was a little child.

”

“In the same year I got cancer I decided to go back to the land,” he says.“I bought a chemical-free house. I planted an organic and bio-dynamic vineyard. Organic and natural things were embedded in my brain when I was a little child because of my grandfather’s influence.

“Although he owned a green grocer business, my grandfather’s fruit and vegetables patch is what he cherished.

And being Italian, it was considered a normal lifestyle.”

Despite Sergio’s education, winning his battle with cancer and looking after his brood, Sergio ‘s philosophy outlines a simple view of life.

“To make wines that express where they are from and show their personality, is what I believe in,” he says. “For this reason we have selected eight varieties that grow best in the right soil and we have accumulated 14 different vineyards in Victoria.

19

Italy has the originality and quality control regulations known as ‘disciplinary’, indicating for each zone wine (known as Protected Designation of Origin) the type of vines whose cultivation is permitted and the methods of cultivation and processing of each variety. The wines that are subject to these rules are designated by the letters DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) and DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin).

We do not have that in Australia.”

“I chose Victoria because the climate is quite diverse when compared to the rest of Australia. Wine also needs to be food friendly, so we do not need hot and alcoholic wines with a lot of sugar. What we need is wine with flavour but also with finesse and elegance. Good wines should never be compared, just appreciated”.

One thing Sergio emphasises: “I make 100% Australian wines but in terms of style it is completely Italian and European.

“The technique I use is very old and traditional. The wine process is very simple, it does not need much interferences. Today we understand more about the science of winemaking. We know how problems can arise and develop, so we can take measures to counter those effects. We want to keep it pure and organic.”

Raucous laughter erupts from Sergio when asked which is favourite drop.

“I have seven kids and it is like you are asking me if a have a favourite one,” he says continuing to choke with laughter. “I do not have a favourite one but I have favourite regions and favourite variates (Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir). “ What I can say is that I only make wines I can drink. My interest in wine goes beyond fruity. In fact, I am trying for something more complex than fruity wines and with more layers..”

wines should “ Good never be compared, just appreciated. ”

Sergio says many of Australia’s Italian winemakers were initially not driven purely by commercial interests but by a cultural heritage. That has changed dramatically now with wine becoming a global consumer product.

What does Sergio think Italy can do to further contribute to the making of wine in Australia?

Sergio continues: “Italy, also, has many varieties that would work well in Australia (Barbera, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo). In the cooler part of Yarra Valley lends itself to making outstanding Nebbiolo that can be compared to some great Barolo. Vermentino, Aglianico, Nero D’Avola would bring new and interesting flavours. They can be planted in Australia to compliment Italian cuisine.”

What does the future hold for Sergio Carlei?

“The next step is sharing my culture,” he says with pride.

“At the Bar Nonno, through educational programs will focus on particular provinces of Italy. We will serve the cuisine from that region with wine from that region. The key word is regionality, in order to reflect the character and the richness of Italy. I think we have whet the appetite of the world and culinary cravings for more Italian cuisine and wine will know no bounds.”

Sergio’s final bit of advice to young winemakers is simply to commit to sustainable agricultural practices and use organic and biodynamic methods. Organic methods, he says, allow vines to grow without the assistance of chemical products; a biodynamic practice incorporates the natural cyclic rhythms which maximizes flavour potential.

And what is his vision for Australia? “My vision of a future Australia is to maintain a standard of living that is the world’s best and to be price competitive,” he says. “ As a nation, we are multi cultural and have the best of all in the one place and hope that politically and culturally, we are the number one nation globally.”

And last but not least, Sergio offers this fatherly advice: “Always respect and listen to your parents and try to understand and preserve your culture.”

“What Italy really brought to the world is a very important mindset that wine goes with food,” he says. “Also

20

ES

T U O R & OOTS

R

T R O U B L E D WAT E R S

Of the Mediterranean

M

ost discussions centred around the Mediterranean Sea conjures up images of picture-perfect destinations.

They can be of waves kissing the golden sands at beaches of European coastal cities and the idyllic villages on the Greek islands that dot this famous ocean. It is also, of course, the playground of the holidaymaker aboard the huge and luxurious ocean liners chartering their courses from one European port to another. These floating hotels offer their guests rest, relaxation, love and laughter.

But there is another dark and stormy side to the popular Mediterranean. This involves death and deceit with the human trafficking of people seeking a safe haven for their families. Some of them, however, never set their eyes on the promise land and their bodies end up on the ocean floor as a result of drowning, illness or some sort of navigation disaster.

To many of the Europeans their only awareness of the plight these desperate people are the non-detailed reports on the television news. In some cases their only contact with people from these countries in turmoil is on the football field. Their ignorance of the dire situations in these African and Middle Eastern countries can also be attributed to indifference.

These unfortunate people, mostly from Africa and the Middle Eastern countries are exploited by unscrupulous people, whose only motive is to line their pockets with their ill-gotten gains. They are responsible for cramming their human cargo like sardines in a tin on rust buckets or any vessel, even if it is not seaworthy.

Now a warning has been sounded by many sociologists who believe a potential invasion by millions of refugees in search of food, shelter and work is more than likely.

They add that this turn of events could lead to the most dangerous form of social breakdown for the old and lazy European countries.

The refugees pin their hopes on reaching what they consider the outstretched arm in the middle of the sea.

That frail arm is Italy and many of them will never feel her embrace.

A glaring reality of this looming crisis is the exodus to Europe of refugees from war-torn Syria. This mass of humanity has been making their way to the Egypt, Libya and Tunisia and have become easy prey for the money-hungry smugglers. The Syrians had been forced to abandon their lands, home and nearly all their possessions.

a terrible ordeal these peo“ What ple face; death and destruction on the one hand and xenophobia on the other

�

22

African Refugee’s boat intercepted by Italian Coast Guard during the mission “Mare Nostrum”.

For some of these unfortunate people even the few things they manage to salvage can also end on the side of the road because they are too exhausted to carry it any longer.

More than one million refugees have fled Syria but only half of that figure are expected to find a new home. For them there is no return to their homeland.

To seek safety elsewhere they are compelled to sacrifice their savings accumulated over a lifetime for a bid to secure or a safe passage and what they are duped into believing they will receive a passport to a new and better life.

The heartless smugglers entice the desperate refuges with all sorts of promises of a safe passage. But the collection of craft to transport these people tell another story. The so-called form of transportation ranges from rust buckets to rotted wood boats. Many refugees have paid the price with their lives.

The charges to travel on these include: 1500 euro for a spot in the engine room. There is no fresh air circulating in this area and to compound the problem, the air is polluted with toxic diesel fumes; 2500 euro buys ‘first class’ travel and another 200 euro

makes available a sheltered place; 300-400 euro offers the inhumane alternative of being crammed below deck, where there is no room to move; Yet another 300 euro is needed for use of a satellite phone; Cruelty can best describe how water bottles can be bought – by auction only.

Because of the situation these refugees find themselves in they are forced to pay these astronomical amounts.

Often they never reach their destination because of the craft sinking, some die of dehydration or of dysentery.

Incredibly a crossing can yield until 800.000 euro!

The usual destination is Lampedusa, a tiny island located southwest of Sicily, on which there is a gigantic reception centre. It is close to the Libyan and Tunisian coasts.

“The sea is full of bodies, we are not longer able to count them,” according to a statement issued by the Mayor of Lampedusa following a helicopter flight.

To prevent this horrific movement of people, the Italian authorities have developed different strategies - almost all ineffective. On October 18, 2013, the Italian authorities launched a humanitarian operation called Mare Nostrum.

23

One of many Syrian child refugees.

This new strategy sought to strengthen control of migration flows into the Strait of Sicily by utilising the navy. It involved using 920 crew, an amphibious ship, two frigates, two patrol boats, two helicopters, an airplane, a twin engine boat and various radar. This preventative measure was meant to keep the refugees close to the African coastline.

The initial results were promising but to a careful analysis it was discovered that only one route had been shut and by the spring of this year, landings in Lampedusa had run into the thousands. Nearly 2000 refugees were arriving daily.

The reasons for people seeking refugee knows no end – another outbreak of civil war, dictatorships, and drought.

And while these seek new homelands is search of some sort of salvation, the resentment against them grows and grows. What a terrible ordeal these people face; death and destruction on the one hand and xenophobia on the other. And in the middle of this tragedy is the Mediterranean Sea.

There are no exact figures available of the people who did not make it. Some smugglers tell of ships left adrift with hundreds of people on board without neither water or food. A couple of months ago naval divers retrieved hundreds of bodies after following signs of a tragic shipwreck. They eventually found the rotting vessel. It was such a gruesome discovery. In the engine room they found the bodies of a man and a woman embracing each other in the last farewell as if suspended in time.

These two tender lovers have become the symbol of an obscene tragedy that seems to have no end.

From our correspondent in Italy Omar D’Incecco

24

Melbourne

WE PRINT • BUSINESS CARDS

• BROCHURES

• LETTERHEADS

• BOOKLETS

• ENVELOPES

• PRESENTATION FOLDERS

• FLYERS

• POSTERS

• CARDS

• WITH COMPLIMENT SLIPS

526 La Trobe Street I Melb 3000

03 9329 7771 www.spencerprint.com.au

ISTEERS V EACSUCCESSFUL O

COURSE IN AUSTRALIA

I

veco presence in Australia has a close link with an American company named International Harvester. This company started the import of agricultural machineries in Australia back in the 19th century. It then went on importing commercial vehicles.

This continued until 1952 when the company built the plant in Dandenong and started producing industrial vehicles. In the Seventies International Harvester and Iveco signed an agreement that allowed the American company to import Iveco products into Australia under their own brand. That contract laid the foundations for a bright and long future for the Italian giant in Australia.

In the late Eighties, however, due to the international economic crisis, International Harvester found it very tough to stay afloat. Eventually, in 1992 Iveco bought out the Australian branch of the American company.

For the next eight years Iveco continued to use the International Harvester brand, as it was considered an asset, and only from 2001 the Iveco badge graced their vehicles range of products. Today Iveco at the Dandenong plant manufactures almost 1000 vehicles per annum and imports another 1000.

Iveco is part of the group recently founded CNH Industrial, and includes Case IH, New Holland Agriculture, Case construction, New Holland Construction and Fiat Powertrain Industrial amongst other globally recognizable brands. This group covers a wide range of products and segments (transport, agriculture, construction, engine technology etc.) and employes more than 900 workers all over Australia.

The great majority of them, 600 workers, are employed only by Iveco. Moreover the Italian factory possess a considerable share market of six per cent and is one of the few automotive factories that derives its strength from its manufacturing presence in Australia.

26

MARCO

A MAN ON T H E M OV E

The man contributing to this successful course for Iveco is Marco Quaranta. He is presently the Product and Marketing Planning Manager at the Dandenong plant and has been with the company for 28 years.

In 1995, he, with wife Maria Pia, settled in Australia when he was transferred to Dandenong plant. It was during this period his first child Beatrice was born. Three years later he received the call to move to Hong Kong and Marco became responsible for that region. It was during his five-year stay in Hong Kong when his second child Edward was born.

Marco was getting to know the Asian region quite well because there was another transfer in the pipeline. This time to Bangkok, Thailand, for two years with the same job title. Meanwhile Iveco opened a branch in South Korea and Marco moved there for a year.

Finally, in 2006, an opportunity arose for his possible return to Australia with the added bonus of him and his family gaining permanent Australian residence. It was the same year his third child Catherine was born. In 2010 he became an Australian citizen.

At the Dandenong plant he started as National Sales Manager, then he was assigned the role of product Planning Manager. During 2013 he had a ad interim assignment as Brisbane Branch Manager. Recently, in March 2014, he was given even more responsibility when he was assigned the role of Marketing Manager, in addition to his Product role.

Astra is a brand of Iveco, based in Piacenza, specialized in off road vehicles and heavy dumpers.

Marco firmly believes that the reason of the Iveco’s success is due to the presence of the large Italian community in Melbourne and Australia?

“

for the style, the Italian style. We Italians have an immediately recognizeable taste, and we demonstrate it every day in the way we dress, in the way we think or in the way we decorate our houses.

“I would say yes,” he remarks.” The Italian community has specialized in some business areas which are directly and indirectly related to the transportation field. This applies particularly to the construction business and therefore the cement transport, for instance. Because we have a specific vehicle for cement transport, renowned families involved in construction industry such as Grollo, Crema, Barro and big companies involved in the real estate business are extremely important for Iveco, They, in fact, operate with a fleet of vehicles that transport cement.”

The Italian community has specialized in some business areas which are directly and indirectly related to the transportation field.

“Agriculture also has a vital role to play in our business as many Italian families are rooted and engaged in various types of farming”, Marco says. “Iveco has a considerable presence in the transporting of fruit and vegetables.”

“Also, the fact that the vehicles are manufactured in Australia is an important aspect. Italians and Australians tend to buy Iveco because there is a factory in Melbourne. They purchase products manufactured in Australia and this aspect goes beyond the purely Italian brand”.

”

“So the Iveco vehicles are, in fact, designed by international renowned designers. Hence, I think the style plays an important role. And let us not discard Iveco’s important qualities such as the productiveness, reliability, comfort and safety.

When asked for reason why the Italian community would prefer an Iveco product, Marco says: “I think they buy it 27

What is the product line of Iveco internationally?

profitability is our buttonhole.”

“Iveco has two distinct product lines” he comments.

“One groups the light and medium vehicles (Cab Chassis and Vans), and a range of heavy models which cover applications similar to those in Europe. The remaining products operating in the heavy duty range of applications are manufactured in Australia, given the unique characteristics of transport in Australia, in terms of weight, environment and distances.

In 2002, Iveco signed a contract with International Harvester and has started to assemble and commercialize an International Harvester product (Conventional) from U.S. marked International. But when International merged with Caterpillar a few years later, the contract was terminated. In 2010 Iveco stopped making International Harvester products and developed the PowerStar platform.

“Among our light vehicles we have the van Iveco Daily, manufactured in Mantova (Italy) and we believe it is an excellent vehicle. These vans are provided with a very high safety standard (four airbags; stability control etc.).

Cab Chassis and Vans are both manufactured in Mantova (Italy) and and Villaldolid (Spain). The Eurocargo is a medium vehicle imported from Brescia (Italy). The Stralis belongs to the heavy category and is manufactured in Madrid (Spain)”.

“The PowerStar today is our flagship. We manufacture it at the Dandenong factory as well as bus chassis,” Marco says proudly.

Who is your largest competitor?

“In the light and medium category the brand leader in Australia is the Japanese Isuzu with a market share of 22-23%,” he says. “Considering there are 21 competitors, their market share is really enviable. In the heavy category, the American Kenworth, a renowned brand, is still very much in vogue”.

Marco says the Stralis is also made in Australia. It is almost the same as the model built in Europe but some features had to be adapted to Australian conditions.

“The Acco is exclusively made for the Australian market.

It is used for the waste collection and cement transport.

Although its design appears to be a bit old-fashioned it has features absolutely unique in the market and is ideal for the purpose it serves.”

Marco explains Iveco’s strategy: “To beat the Japanese Isuzu we provide what they do not offer at our level safety (lateral air bags), comfort and lightweight and cutting-edge engines. These are the three ingredients on which we focus to compete with Isuzu.

“Style, is what we concentrate our energies in order to beat the American Kenworth. Iveco has a modern design.

It has a larger cabin, making it a more comfortable.

Finally, Iveco recently has lightened the PowerStar allowing a greater load”.

“This truck dominates Australian sales and makes up to 85% of the market share in the category of the municipal waste collection.” Marco says. “I can say that in terms of

28

EDOARDO HANDLES THE MEAN MACHINES Edoardo Bozzola, from Vicenza, has only been the Plant Manager of Iveco, Dandenong for the past 1and1/2 years (he worked 10 months as a Logistic Manager and last January has been promoted Plant Manager) but you cannot escape the pride in his demeanour and his voice...

“The quality of this factory is the flexibility and variety of the products that we manage,” he says. “ We offer a range of options to our clients that is very high quality.

We manufacture six family products on the same line and we manage 10000 different components. This is tough work but the return is good because Iveco is one of the few automotive plants in Australia that is doing well.

“The fact that we manufacture trucks in Australia and not in Europe is very important. Making trucks for Australian roads in Europe is prohibitive because of the special requirements here. If we move this plant to an European country the cost would be too high and the vehicle too expensive considering the volume of Australian sales.”

If I am a potential client how would you convince me to buy an Iveco product?

Edoardo: “We will manufacture a truck to your specifications in half the time it takes to import a standard one”.

How does Marco and Edoardo see Iveco’s future in Australia?

romadeli.com.au

Marco: “Certainly positive! Despite the loss of three vehicles three years ago due to the leaving of International Harvester, we were able to replace them and now we can play an important role in vital segments of the market.”

www.

Edoardo adds: “To the Australian authorities I would ask them to unify the regulations between the states.

This standardization would bring us savings in terms of product design. Today every Australian state has slightly different regulations that compel us to define our products with constraints that could be easily eliminated.”

Lastly, would you return to Italy and continue practising the same profession?

Edoardo: “Yes, Italy and Europe in general have a culture of highly sophisticated manufacturing. We in Australia, to a certain extent, follow the trends set in.

offer a range of options to “We our clients that is very high

quality. We manufacture six family products on the same line and we manage 10000 different components.

”

32 Gladstone Road, Dandenong North

29

9794 9692

Y

NN H O J R Y FO

Z A R C L L A

M A R G H E R I TA

T H E QU E E N O F P I Z Z AS A N D T H E PIZZA OF THE QUEEN! The Margherita pizza has its origins in royalty and can be considered suitable for a queen. Raffaele Esposito is the chef credited with creating this gastronomic delight.

In 1889 Queen Margaret, wife of Umberto 1, while on vacation in Capodimonte (Naples) wanted to taste the specialties of Naples. This special culinary duty was given to Esposito by an official of the royal family in the palace of Capodimonte.

Johnny Di Francesco Winner of the Campionato Mondiale della Pizza 2014 (Pizza world Championship 2014) as best Pizza Margherita

At court he prepared the famous Margherita and offered it as representation of the Italian flag (green, basil; white, mozzarella; red, tomato). To the question of what it was called he answered “Margherita!�

But Esposito can only take credit for the name as the pizza had been around for a long time.

The pizza, in fact, has more ancient origins (the custom of placing food on a disc of dough to use as a dish was quite commonplace).

The first time the word pizza appeared was in 997Ad. Back then it was probably dough to be used for the preparation of sweets. The other ingredients, included almonds, pine nuts, dates, fresh figs, raisins and rose water. All mixed with egg yolk, sugar, cinnamon and grape must.

All this was pulled into a sheet to bake about 3cm high.

Only later in Naples the base was turned into a simple dough of flour and water. And when the tomato arrived from America, Esposito added mozzarella, basil and Parmesan cheese to close the circle.

Curiosity: From the cookbooks of the time we learn that the tomato was put on top the other toppings, to wrap them and to cover them. And not, as happens today, spread on the dough with the rest of the condiment.

30

Pizza Dough 1kg "00" flour sieved or 1.7kg flour 30 g fine sea salt 50g fine sea salt 1- 3g fresh yeast 600 ml water In a bowl combine water and salt allow to dissolve. Add 10% of the flour and mix. Mix well; add more flour and the yeast. Continue to add the remaining flour and mix well until combined. Turn Dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic. This can take up to 10 min.

Place the dough into a lightly floured bowl, cover with a damp cloth and set aside. Let the dough rest for half an hour, then divide into 4-5 round balls. Cover with a damp tea towel and allow the dough balls to rise. This can take up to 10 - 12 hrs.

Once the dough has doubled in size place on a lightly floured bench, stretch the dough by hand.

Pizza Margherita

Pizza Dough San Marzano Tomato Buffalo Mozzarella Fresh Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil Roll out a 220g Pizza dough on to a baking tray. Spread the SanMarzano tomato. Top with Buffalo Mozzarella, place 4 basil leaves on top and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil.

BAKE FOR 10 MIN AT 280C Wood fired oven at 400C for 90 Seconds

31

Bianco o Rosso...

by winemaker Sergio Carlei

I

n the first edition of Segmento, we visit the beautiful region of Tuscany, a prominent culinary and viticultural region of Italy. Renowned for the famous grape variety Sangiovese, it is also the home of some other very interesting varieties that originated in other parts of the world but have been transplanted by wine growers to make some very interesting wines. Tuscany is also the home of some very famous and iconic wine producers, but in this segment, we explore two very small producers who are making their mark in the wine world by producing some very outstanding wines. They are the houses of Pietro Beconcini and Stefano Amerighi.

Pietro Beconcini Agricola Winery Beconcini “IXE” Tempranillo 2010

A vibrant red colour with a purple hue. The aroma has intense plum, cherry and red berry fruits with some dusty, savoury and leathery overtones. The palate has cherry and strawberry fruits, somewhat elegant tannins with some lovely earthy and savoury notes. It appears to be more elegant than its’ Spanish counterparts, most likely an expression of the terroir in this Italian region.

Beconcini Vigna Alle Nicchie Tempranillo 2008 Made with the “passito” (semi drying of the grapes) method, the wine is a deeply coloured vibrant ruby red.

Intensely lifted aroma of plums and spice with leather, the wine explodes with immense flavour on the palate of concentrated dark plum and berry fruits with savoury tannins that support the intense aromatic profile. The finish is long and lingering.

Stefano Amerighi Stefano Amerighi Syrah 2010 A deep intense vibrant ruby red colour with a purple hue, the wine has aromas that draws one into a sea of concentrated blackberry fruits, black pepper spice with truffle, cedar and liquorice overtones. The palate is full of bright liquorice, spice and blackberry fruits with no overt jamminess, the tannins apparent and sweet supporting the fruits to a long finish. The wine is impeccably balanced. Certified Biodynamic.

ASSAGGIO f i n e wi n e i m p o r t s

Stefano Amerighi “Apice” Syrah 2010 The Apice or “apex” are the grapes produced at the peak aspect of the De’ Canonici vineyard. The wine has a further dimension of finesse and elegance compared against its bolder counterpart. It has all the hallmarks of the Amerighi Syrah with more layers of complexity; a must for Amerighi Syrah admirers.

PROUD IMPORTERS OF ORGANIC & BI ODYN AM I C

ULTRA PREMIUM & ICONIC WINES

www.assaggio.com.au

P U T M O R E PA S S I O N IN YOUR LIFE:

Italian Style

T

he mere mention of the word PASSION has a major impact on both the mind and the body. The heart starts beating to a higher tempo, the imagination starts racing in all directions. One could be passionate about one or several things. No other word is more appropriate to describe an Italian. In fact, as a nation they are well known for their passion for food, fashion, cars, love, arts, women and men, romance and friends.

“Everyone wants a more passionate life”, says Valentina Bonatti, a Transitioning and Personal coach who has been living in Melbourne for four years. Valentina, born in Piacenza, January 18, 1982, is the author of the book, “Powerful Change. 12 steps to re-light your inner fire”, in which she outlines in detail five secrets to transform you and in turn unleash the passion in your life, Italian style.

Try new things. Be willing to explore new places. Try new restaurants, pursue new opportunities. Simply seek new experiences. Go outside your comfort zone. The more you do, the more people you will meet, the more contacts you will build on. And a major advantage of the ‘new you’ will manifest itself with more awareness and knowledge which will enrich your personal and professional life.

“One of the reasons why my clients are attracted to me” Valentina says, “is because I am proud to be Italian and I display that passion everywhere I go and in whatever I do.”

“My clients have received lots of benefits and improvements in their life since they have applied those five rules” Valentina says, “especially those who were in a transitioning period of their life”.

After consultations with a wide range clients, Valentina herself underwent several changes before she was able to compile those five key points you should embrace to send the pulse racing in the passion stakes. These are: Dress to impress. Taking care of yourself, your style and your clothing boosts both your confidence and respect for yourself and alters other’s views of you as well. For Italians, no matter the occasion, big or small, it is always a good opportunity to dress up in your finery.

To find out how you can make positive, powerful and long-lasting changes in your life, download the first chapter of the book , Powerful Change.12steps to re-light you inner fire at www.valentinacoachingbystyle.com About Valentina Bonatti Author and speaker, transitioning and personal coach, Valentina Bonatti is an Italian entrepreneur passionate in showing people and business owners how to live a more passionate life filled with clarity, balance, success, happiness and wealth. She has Masters degree in Social Science and in Primary and special needs Teaching from University of Genoa. Valentina is also a Master Practitioner NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), deep state re pattering and a Master Coach qualification.

Express yourself. Italians often do it in a vivacious and demonstrative way. Gesticulations with the hands is common. They share their feelings and thoughts, so they can be understood by others and vice versa.

Make the ordinary extraordinary. You never know how the day is going to turn out, so be in the moment. Avoid rushing around. Love and cherish whatever you are experiencing doing because this moment is unlikely to return again.

Live life simply: Have less structure around your daily or weekly routines. Ensure that you provide yourself with adequate quality time with both family and friends. Have a more flexible agenda. Italians do not need to make appointments to have coffee with friends. They simply go to the local café to see their family and friends without aggio.com.au any formal notice.

Busybird Publishing Price $29.95 www.valentinacoachingbystyle.com info@valentinacoachingbystyle.com 33

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

circa 1948

VINO SPUNTINI PIZZA AMICI

WINE BAR & BOTTLE SHOP

ORGANIC & BIO-DYNAMIC WINES AVAILABLE

100 SEAT RESTURANT

FUNCTION ROOMS AVAILABLE

Open Tuesday - Sunday 5pm till late

83 High St Northcote, Melbourne, 3070 www.barnonno.com.au PH:9486 3255 E:info@barnonno.com.au