This evening, we turn the table toward southern Italy.
Mario Ercolino vs. The World is built around the wines of Mario Ercolino, founder of Nativ Wines, and one of the leading voices behind Campania’s modern renaissance. BOOK YOUR RESERVATION.
Working in the hills of Irpinia, where vines grow in ancient volcanic soils, Ercolino focuses on elevating native varieties — especially Aglianico — into wines of structure, depth, and unmistakable identity. His approach is rooted in place. These are not wines shaped to please trends; they are wines shaped by ash-laced earth, altitude, and long southern growing seasons. Dark fruit, mineral tension, firm tannin, and age-worthy backbone define the reds. The whites bring salinity, texture, and vibrant lift. There is power here — but always with intention.
For this dinner, those Campanian expressions will be set alongside global benchmarks in a series of comparative pairings. Each course places a Nativ selection next to an international counterpart, allowing you to explore how geography, grape choice, and winemaking philosophy create contrast in the glass. The goal is not competition for competition’s sake — it’s perspective.
Chef Bijan Shokatfard has designed a menu that amplifies both structure and nuance, guiding the wines through savory, layered dishes that reveal different dimensions sip by sip. An evening of volcanic soils, bold reds, and thoughtful comparisons awaits. Welcome to Mario Ercolino vs. The World.