I Remember it as a Happy Day. Pages of Life and Wine by Roberto Racca

Me La Riccordo Come Una Giornata Felice. Pagine di Vite e di Vino (I Remember it as a Happy Day. Pages of Life and Wine) by Roberto Racca is an extraordinary work that seamlessly intertwines the emotional spectrum of life with the rich world of fine wines. This bilingual volume, with sections in both Italian and English, is part of Allemandi's "Esplorazioni" series. It includes a unique collection of embroidery works by Annalisa Bollini, titled "Stati di Anima" (States of Soul), which visually enhance the narrative. Through this artistic and literary collaboration, the book offers a profound exploration of the human experience, reflected through the lens of wine culture and personal anecdotes.

The book is divided into three distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective. The first part, presented on the left-hand pages, delves into life experiences narrated in a non-linear fashion, capturing the complexities of life by highlighting its challenges and joys. The right-hand pages are dedicated to the world of wine, featuring stories rich with memorable anecdotes, details about labels, and the regions from which these wines originate. These narratives are deeply personal, reflecting the unique contributions and stories of those
involved in the winemaking process. Racca uses this dual narrative to portray wine as more than just a beverage; it is depicted as a journey and a refined medium for understanding and expressing emotions and thoughts. The third part, placed in the center of the book, showcases the embroidery works of Annalisa Bollini, adding a visual and artistic layer to the storytelling.

I Remember It as a Happy Day: My Daughter's Embrace

In the final page of the book, Roberto Racca reflects on moments of intense emotional peaks in his life, particularly highlighting a reunion with his daughter, Gaia Maddalena, at Gatwick Airport on May 12, 2016. This moment, filled with anticipation and deep emotion, culminates in a profound embrace that symbolizes their strong bond. The experience is depicted as a sublime moment where everything else fades into insignificance. Racca also recalls a childhood memory where Gaia wrote "La Vita è tutto un gioto" (Life is all a game, with 'game' misspelled), which showcases her unique personality and perspective. This reunion and the reflections on life encapsulate why he remembers it as a happy day. Racca often contemplates their shared journey, how they face both light and darkness together, supporting each other without getting lost in the maze of life.

The Final Pour: Reflections on the Untouched Bottle

In the concluding passage of "I Remember it as a Happy Day," Roberto Racca reflects on the symbolic meaning of the "bottle that saves us." This metaphorical bottle represents the unknown and unexperienced, a wine yet to be chosen or tasted. It symbolizes the possibilities and surprises that life holds, waiting to be discovered without any preconceived notions or expectations. Racca emphasizes that this bottle transcends simple descriptions and labels—it's not about being good or bad, or fitting into a specific category. It isn't meant to be judged, photographed, or shared online for validation or inclusion in a collection.

Instead, the bottle represents a moment of genuine, unfiltered experience that brings all our senses to life, reminding us of our existence. It signifies the beauty of the present moment and the connections we form with others, whether they are loved ones, strangers, or even those we may not get along with. Ultimately, the bottle that saves us is about the experience and the memories it creates, which live on even after we are gone, shared by those who know and love us, as well as those who never knew us. This contemplation captures the essence of life's unpredictability and the importance of embracing the unknown.

Roberto Racca, the Author

Roberto Racca, born in Turin in 1960, is a strategic consultant specializing in the wine industry, working with major Italian wine companies. Over a 30-year career, he has developed his expertise through extensive study, travel, and collaboration with renowned experts. In 2003, he founded RR & Partners, a consultancy focused on strategic wine advice. Racca also served as a wine manager for a significant multinational corporation and was instrumental in establishing the Pollenzo Wine Bank. "I Remember it as a Happy Day" is his first venture into fiction, blending elements of oenology with memoir.

Annalisa Bollini, the Artist

Annalisa Bollini, born in Turin in 1984, is an artist who uses images and embroidery to tell stories. She studied art history, illustration, art therapy, and art education. As an illustrator, she has been a finalist in several significant international competitions and has exhibited her work both in Italy and internationally. Bollini collaborated with Isabelle Lafonta to publish "Histoires de fête d'Ici et d'Ailleurs" in 2011 and authored "Qui a Volé le Savon" in 2015. In 2017, she began creating the "Stati di Anima" series for Roberto Racca, which is featured in his book "I Remember it as a Happy Day".