(ANS – Mendoza) – The Don Bosco Salesian School in Mendoza paid tribute last July to one of its past pupils, Jorge Riccitelli, who was named in “Wine Enthusiast”, one of the most popular magazines specializing in wine-making, as the world’s best wine-maker for 2012.

Signor Riccitelli is the wine-maker at the Bodega Norton company in Argentina and is the first Argentine to receive this award.  Born in Rivadavia, Mendoza,  in 1949, he studied at the Don Bosco School of viticulture in Mendoza. Throughout his brilliant career, the world’s best wine-maker has always remembered with affection his Salesian teachers. Even today, when he has a doubt about something or has to face a delicate situation in the vineyard or cellar, he re-reads carefully the textbooks of his master, Fr Francisco Oreglia, a great teacher who introduced him to oenology.

Celebrations were held in his honour in the Salesian School. Among the speakers were Fr Juan Carlos Cavallera, Rector of the Salesian House, Engineer Armando Navarro, Director of the technical course in the school, and Signor Riccitelli himself. He was accompanied by all of his family.

During the ceremony, the participants recalled with emotion Jorge Riccitelli’s early progress in the school, the exams he passed, his love for Fr Oreglia, his devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and his family life and professional career entrusted to the intercession of Don Bosco.

To commemorate the occasion, Signor Riccitelli was presented with a professional wine-tasting cup decorated with the logo of Don Bosco, a commemorative plaque, a copy of his thesis and his signature in the Golden Book of the Salesian School. Inevitably, the function ended with a wine-tasting session of wines from the Bodega Don Bosco, directed by Signor Riccitelli, and a happy friendly celebration.

Published 20/08/2013