94-Year-Old Influencer Licia Fertz on Life and Loving Spritz

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Discover the timeless charm of wine with lessons from 94-year-old influencer Licia Fertz. Explore pairings, culture, and life’s joyful rituals in every sip!

The Timeless Appeal of Wine: Lessons from Life, Culture, and a 94-Year-Old Influencer

Wine has long been a symbol of culture, celebration, and connection. From ancient amphoras to modern vineyards, its story intertwines with human history. But what can we learn about wine’s enduring charm from an unexpected source—a 94-year-old Italian influencer? Enter Licia Fertz, the spirited nonagenarian whose philosophy on life and food reveals surprising insights about the art of living well—and perhaps, drinking well.

The Connection Between Food and Wine: A Symphony of Flavors

Licia Fertz embodies the Italian philosophy of la dolce vita: enjoying life’s simple pleasures in harmony with nature. Her culinary adventures—sampling Lebanese dishes or savoring Trieste's iconic sardines with polenta—reflect an intuitive understanding of pairing flavors. And isn’t this the essence of wine?

Pairing food and wine is an art that requires balance and curiosity. For instance:

• Fresh seafood often shines with crisp whites like Vermentino or Albariño.
• Rich meats demand bold reds such as Barolo or Syrah.
• Even the humblest pizza can sing alongside a vibrant Sangiovese.

Wine amplifies meals, adding depth and context to flavors. As Licia herself might say, “Mangio quello che voglio” (“I eat what I want”), a mantra that applies equally to wine lovers experimenting with pairings. After all, isn’t exploration the key to discovering your perfect sip?

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A Cultural Legacy: From Trieste to Tuscany

Italy’s regions are as diverse as its wines, each with a unique story shaped by geography and tradition. Licia’s roots in Trieste—a city where Central European influences meet Mediterranean flair—offer a glimpse into how culture shapes cuisine and wine preferences.

In northern Italy, wines like Friulano or Ribolla Gialla are crafted to complement hearty fare such as smoked sausages or kraut-laden platters—a nod to Licia’s memories of “Pepi,” her favorite Trieste eatery. Meanwhile, her current home in Tuscia offers earthy reds like Morellino di Scansano or Orvieto Classico that reflect the rolling hills and sunlit vineyards of central Italy.

This interplay between land and bottle is no coincidence; it’s terroir personified. As sommelier Elena Conti explains: “The soul of a region is in its wine glass—its soil, climate, even its people.” Whether you're exploring wines from Alto Adige or Puglia, every sip tells a story rooted in place.

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Longevity Lessons from Wine (and Life)

At 94 years old, Licia Fertz challenges conventional wisdom about aging gracefully—and wine offers parallels worth noting. Much like humans, fine wines evolve over time; their complexity deepens while maintaining balance.

Licia attributes her longevity to moderation and joy: “I listen to my body,” she says unapologetically while indulging in foods she loves—from creamy pasticciera desserts to fast-food burgers (yes, even McDonald’s). Similarly:

• Wines age best under optimal conditions: cool cellars for reds or chilled environments for whites.
• Overindulgence can ruin both health and flavor—whether it’s drinking too much or storing wine improperly.

Wine reminds us that quality matters more than quantity—a principle Licia exemplifies when she says she drinks sparingly but savors every drop.

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The Modern Wine Consumer: Trends Through Generations

As Licia notes with characteristic humor: “Young people don’t understand anything!” Her playful critique reflects a generational shift toward health consciousness. Millennials and Gen Z consumers are redefining drinking culture by embracing lower-alcohol options such as sparkling rosé or organic wines.

Yet even amidst these trends lies an enduring truth: moderation doesn’t mean deprivation. Sparkling wines like Prosecco remain popular because they offer light effervescence without overwhelming alcohol levels—a concept Licia understands perfectly when choosing spumante over heavier options.

Experts predict continued innovation within winemaking—from biodynamic farming practices to alcohol-free vintages—as younger audiences demand sustainability alongside sophistication. Still, traditionalists like Licia remind us not to forget the classics that built this industry’s foundation.

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The Joyful Rituals Around Wine

For many—including Licia—the act of eating and drinking is inherently social. She reminisces about extended family lunches lasting hours where conversation flowed as freely as vino rosso. This communal spirit mirrors how wine has historically been shared among friends at rustic tables or refined soirées alike.

Today’s world may seem faster-paced than Licia’s youth in Trieste—but rituals endure:

1. The Scarpetta Moment: Italians use bread to mop up sauce from their plates; why not elevate this humble act by pairing it with Chianti?
2. Celebratory Toasts: Bubbles from Franciacorta or Champagne add sparkle not just to glasses but also memories.
3. Seasonal Selections: Cold winter nights call for robust Amarone della Valpolicella; summer afternoons beg for refreshing Pinot Grigio spritzers.

As chef Massimo Bottura once said: “Wine transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary occasions.” It invites us into moments worth savoring—whether grand celebrations or quiet evenings alone with a good book.

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In reflecting on Licia Fertz's vibrant life philosophies—and her candid relationship with food—it becomes clear that the heart of both great cooking and exceptional winemaking lies in authenticity. By embracing curiosity while respecting tradition (and sprinkling joy throughout), we honor not just our palates but also centuries-old practices connecting humanity across borders one bottle at a time.

Photo by Mockup Free on Unsplash