Podcast 018 | A Chat with Florian Kempinger from Hangar-7 in Salzburg

March 24

Sommelier Florian Kempinger from Restaurant Ikarus, Hangar-7, Salzburg

Chianti Classico: A Love Letter from the Heart of Salzburg

In my podcast episode #018, I'm taking you on a super special journey, away from the wineries like usual, and straight into the heart of Hangar-7 in Salzburg. Here, in this architectural masterpiece, surrounded by historic planes and Formula 1 cars, I have the pleasure and honor of chatting with Florian Kempinger, Hangar-7's Head of Gastronomy, about our shared passion: Chianti Classico. But this time, we're looking at it from a sommelier's perspective and the special role Chianti Classico plays in a restaurant setting.

Florian and I have known each other for a few years, and our shared love for Chianti Classico really connects us. This time, I had a surprise for him: a wine from Poggerino in Radda in Chianti, without telling him what it was beforehand. His thoughts totally confirmed what we both know about Chianti Classico – it's a wine full of joy, shaped by its unique soil, coming from a cooler part of Chianti, and thanks to the careful work of winemaker Piero Lanza from Poggerino.

An Amazing Meeting Spot: The Ikarus Restaurant

Chatting with Florian, we dove deeper into the world of Hangar-7, checking out their diverse food offerings and the philosophy behind their one-of-a-kind guest chef concept. It's super fascinating to hear how every single detail, from picking the wines to designing the perfect wine pairings, is carefully thought out to give guests an absolutely amazing experience.

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Florian's insights into the world of Hangar-7 were a total highlight. The wine cellar is like a treasure chest, packed with wines from all over the globe – from famous labels to hidden gems. Discovering, tasting, and finally picking the wines to show guests is an art in itself. Florian and his team navigate this huge variety with a mix of knowledge, gut feeling, and always looking for something new. Reviews and recommendations matter, sure, but ultimately, it's all about the wine's quality and the experience it brings. The wine cellar isn't just a storage spot; it's the very heart of Hangar-7's food philosophy, aiming to find the perfect wine for every single dish.

The Art of Harmony: Chianti Classico and Food

We also talked about how beautifully Chianti Classico pairs with food. Florian, who's a real pro, explained how its complexity, distinct fruitiness, and refreshing acidity make it a super versatile partner for all sorts of dishes. Thinking of Chianti Classico as a food companion means seeing how it can really boost and support both simple and complex flavors. Whether it's a rich meat dish, a delicate fish, or a creative veggie meal, Chianti Classico brings that perfect balance. This chat really cemented my belief that Chianti Classico is more than just a wine; it's also like an ambassador for the joy of Italian dining.

Our chat also took us back to memories of our first experiences with Chianti Classico and how this wine sparked Florian's interest in the wine world. It's a journey full of tastes, aromas, and memories that really show just how diverse and profound Chianti Classico can be.

Wine as an Ambassador for Italian Dining Joy

Finally, we chatted about how Chianti Classico has grown, the big deal about introducing Gran Selezione, and how the region and its wines are always evolving to wow wine lovers everywhere.

I really hope I managed to show you a little piece of my world, and maybe it'll inspire some of you to look at your next glass of Chianti Classico differently – seeing it as a glass full of history, passion, and pure joy.