Espresso Italiano Champion, the Italian barista championship organized by the Istituto Espresso Italiano (IEI), made a stop in Gradisca d’Isonzo at the headquarters of La San Marco on Thursday, May 16th. Antonio Tamburrino from Naples was the winner of the regional selections, with Sabrina Turoldo from Friuli coming in second. Both secured a place in the national finals scheduled to be held in Como on June 18th. Seven participants were selected for this leg of the championship, competing under the watchful eyes of the technical and sensory judges, battling it out with cups of espresso and cappuccino.
“It was an important day for the espresso sector in our region,” declared Roberto Nocera, General Manager of La San Marco, “because initiatives like today’s increase awareness in our industry about the professionalism that the barista profession requires now more than ever. Our company has always been committed to the development and promotion of espresso culture. It was an honor to have the presence of the Cultural Councillor of the Municipality of Gorizia, Fabrizio Oreti, today, which underscores the role that a cup of coffee plays in Italian tradition, in our Friuli Venezia Giulia, and in Gorizia.”
Also present was IEI General Manager Gian Paolo Braceschi, a technologist from Piacenza, coffee expert, and lecturer at the Centro Studi Assaggiatori and the Catholic University. He expressed his enthusiasm for the day and the level of preparation of the candidates.