The 2010 film Eat Pray Love is regarded as a work that shows Italian local culture without embellishment. Elizabeth, the protagonist played by Julia Roberts, leaves New York's hectic routine and heads to Italy on a whim. Local friends she meets in Rome say, "Americans work every day and don't really know how to enjoy life," adding, "Italians take 'dolce far niente' as a creed of life. We know the joy of doing nothing." In Rome, Elizabeth gradually regains her sense of ease, and on a restaurant terrace she shares wine and simple food with friends from early evening, laughing and chatting.
This is not a simple dinner but a scene that offers a glimpse into Italy's unique social culture. It is the "Aperitivo" culture of wrapping up the day by enjoying a light drink and food just before dinner. Aperitivo does not mean only a pre-dinner drink. It is a time to share life's small pleasures with friends, family, and colleagues, accompanied by various cocktails such as spritz, negroni, americano, and Campari, along with simple snacks like olives, cheese, ham, and bruschetta. Originating in the 18th century in Turin in northern Italy, this culture has continued for centuries, taking root as a small ritual that opens the end of the day and as a social hour.
There is a wine that suits Italy's unhurried, romantic everyday life. It is Balbi Soprani Gala Rosa. In the name, "Gala" means a festival, and "Rosa" means rosy. True to the name "rosy festival," it is a red wine that gives a bright, sweet impression and includes a slight sparkle.
Balbi Soprani is a brand operated by Capetta, a major wine group in the Piedmont region. Founded in 1953, Capetta is one of the fastest-growing producers in Piedmont thanks to innovative production techniques and large-scale vineyard management. In the 1970s, it purchased vineyards in the eastern Langhe and established a 20-hectare estate; the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. Through the Balbi Soprani brand, Capetta presents wines in a more modern and approachable style.
Piedmont sits at the foot of the Alps and is optimized for grape cultivation. Spring and fall are mild, and the hot, dry summers allow grapes to ripen fully. Snow-covered soils in winter enrich nutrients. Thanks to the large diurnal range between day and night, grapes can maintain both sweetness and acidity evenly. In particular, grapes from the Langhe used for Gala Rosa grow in soils rich in limestone and calcareous content. With good drainage and deep-rooting vines that add concentration and minerality to the fruit, the wine is not merely sweet but attains delicate acidity and balance.
Gala Rosa is a blend of Malvasia, Freisa, and Brachetto. The grapes are hand-harvested, immediately macerated, the must is kept at 0°C, then undergoes alcoholic fermentation before bottling, followed by a second fermentation in a closed tank to obtain fine, elegant natural bubbles. It is a traditional method that does not add artificial sugar or carbon dioxide. As a result, the wine carries both a natural sparkle and a soft texture.
In the glass, a clear ruby hue sparkles as fresh fruit aromas such as blackberry and raspberry unfold, along with red floral notes. Sweet, strawberry-candy-like aromas follow, and a lively, zesty sparkle pops on the palate. Sweetness and softness strike a proper balance, pairing well with desserts such as salads, cream cheese, ricotta, dried fruit, chocolate, and snacks.
It won the top honor in the Old World red wine category three times at the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards in 2021, 2024, and 2025. The domestic importer and distributor is HiteJinro.