"A Young Man, an Old Woman, and Good Food in Paris," published by Einaudi, won the tenth edition of the Vermentino National Wine and Literary Prize, awarded this morning as part of the Benvenuto Vermentino event, organized in Olbia by the Northern Sardinia Chamber of Commerce. For its clarity of prose and its ability to transform culinary discipline into a tool for existential inquiry, memory, and intercultural dialogue, Lucia Visonà's debut novel, born in 1989 and a university professor of ancient history, tells the story of an unusual friendship in Paris and celebrates the pleasures of the table and (human) encounters. The novel was selected among six finalists, chosen from thirty nominees.
The Premio Territorio, established four years ago to honor the literary work that best captures the essence of a place and its traditions, is also a women's prize . The 2026 edition goes to Come sale sulla pelle, published by Piemme, by Anna Pavignano, author and screenwriter of all of Massimo Troisi's films (she was his life partner) and who was nominated for an Oscar for Il postino. The novel, "a visceral authorial work of great emotional depth," received recognition for confirming literature's role as the guardian of collective identity. Three special mentions were awarded to the novels Per un'ora d'amore, published by Rizzoli, written by Piergiorgio Pulixi; Nate dalla tempesta by Alessia Coppola, published by Fazi editore; and Prima che il tempo scada by Paolo Massobrio, published by Il golosario and Golosaria. Special mention for foreign fiction was awarded to Altrove a sud by Robert Camuto, published by Edizioni Ampelos.
"The Vermentino Wine and Literary Award demonstrates how authorial storytelling and winemaking tradition are part of a single, defining language. Recognizing a dazzling debut like Lucia Visonà's and the profound sensitivity of Anna Pavignano means recognizing talent capable of stirring emotions and, at the same time, promoting the excellence of our region well beyond the region's borders," commented Chamber of Commerce President Stefano Visconti during the ceremony, hosted by actress and writer Clizia Fornasier. The ceremony featured readings by students from Olbia's Antonio Gramsci Classical High School, who also produced the book trailers for the finalist works, coordinated by actor Daniele Monachella.
