For Andrea and Larissa Ramon, an Italian-Australian couple with a background in viticulture and catering, food is everything. So when Bottega Rotolo founder Rosalie Rotolo-Hassan decided to step away from her business after more than two decades, the Ramons jumped at the chance to take over one of Adelaide’s premier fine food and wine merchants.
The pair set about revamping and reopening the space, which they’ve renamed Bottega 1995 (a nod to Rotolo’s ’95 inception). While at first glance it might not look like much has changed, the Ramons have brought in a whole new team (including an in-house sommelier) and a range of European products.
“Some people have the impression that Bottega is intimidating, but we invite people to walk in and ask questions,” Larissa tells Broadsheet. “Someone might think they’re not really a foodie, but they’re the people we love explaining things to – like the difference between two vinegars, or what pasta you should use with what sauce.”
All the iconic European brands and products you’ve come to expect are still represented (including Conservas Ortiz, Delicius, Rustichella D’Abruzzo, Tartufi Morra, Vannella Cheese,), alongside artisan European cheese and a bunch of new products from overseas and interstate.
With such an extensive range, it only makes sense that many of Adelaide’s best chefs turn to Bottega 1995 to buy their ingredients. “When we go to Fugazzi, nine out of 10 of their dishes include something we’ve provided them with,” says Larissa. Bottega 1995 also supplies Sean’s Kitchen, Osteria Oggi, Bar Lune, Dolly, Anchovy Bandit, and Magill Estate, she says.
The Ramons are ramping up imports to keep the shelves of Bottega 1995 stocked with the latest wave-making products from Europe’s food and wine scene, shipping products in temperature-controlled freight containers from Italy to South Australia in just a few days.
Bottega 1995
Shop 1/44 King William Road, Goodwood
(02) 83620455
Hours:
Tues to Fri 10am–5pm
Sat 9am–2pm
Sun & Mon closed
