July 10, 2023 - - Restaurant | No comment
Rifugio Amprimo has always been a special place for Enzo Latona, the manager of this charming mountain retreat. Initially, Enzo would venture into the surrounding woods during autumn, seeking inspiration for his music compositions. Little did he know that his connection to Rifugio Amprimo would eventually lead him down a different path.
In the winter of 2018, Enzo returned to Val di Susa after managing another refuge in Valchiusella and running a restaurant in Ceresole, Gran Paradiso national park. He had plans to work in a small mountain restaurant-pizzeria, before embarking on a journey to Canada. However, fate had other plans for Enzo when Marco, the manager of Rifugio Toesca at the time, informed him about an opportunity at Rifugio Amprimo.
Initially hesitant to take on such a challenging project alone, Enzo eventually agreed to manage Rifugio Amprimo with Marco. However, as time passed, things changed, and Enzo found himself standing at the threshold of the fifth season as the sole manager. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Enzo's journey at Rifugio Amprimo has been fruitful, leading him to meet Chiara, who is now the mother of their child, Hervé.
Enzo leads a dedicated team consisting of his sister, Asia, as the dining room manager, Ita as the cook, Stefano as the assistant chef, and Davide as the all-round transporter. Together, they form the core team that has been by Enzo's side for years. This summer, the team has also been joined by Caterina, Irene, Laura, Federico, and Leonardo, contributing to the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Rifugio Amprimo.
What sets Rifugio Amprimo apart from other mountain retreats? Enzo believes it is the natural wines they offer. The choice to prioritize natural wines aligns with Rifugio Amprimo's broader commitment to ethics and sustainability. This emphasis on simplicity translates into the quality of life, food, work, and emotions experienced at the refuge.
Enzo first discovered natural wine after drinking a macerated orange wine at the restaurant Trattoria La Baritlera and since that day, he not only sells natural wine, but also only drinks natural wine, whether at home or on the road. In fact, Enzo describes the Raisin app as his bible on the road! For him it’s unthinkable to eat well without drinking well.
