Meet the Team: Lia Chenetti
we are a ludiculous, unintelligible messtacle in the journalistic winiverse
Lia Chenetti
We’re as giddy as grabbing a Grand Cru from your granny’s grandiose attic to graciously greet Lia Chenetti to the Indelible Wine Stain team. At 26, Lia has gloriously gutted traditional reviews with her groundbreaking, gleeful use of emoticons - no words needed! 🍷😊
Born and raised in Milan, Lia comes from a rich blend of Chinese and Italian descent, or as it widely known as, “Chitalian.” Inheriting a profound appreciation for dumplings, dim sum, pasta, pizza and wine. Her love for noodles, whether in a soup or in marinara is as deep as her cultural roots.
Her wine journey started when she was just 12, working at her family’s restaurant in Milan, where she began developing a playful, intuitive understanding of wine. Being a child of the 20-teens, she was addicted to her phone. This is where she cultivated her talent for translating complex flavors into vivid and engaging visuals.
Instead of describing wines through traditional terminology, she captures their essence using an emoticon language that connects with wine lovers of all levels. From the subtle oak 🪵 and cherry 🍒 notes to the smooth balance ⚖️ of an aged Bordeaux, her reviews offer a fresh, modern perspective that feels less intimidating and far more accessible.
Lia’s path to Indelible Wine Stain took an unexpected turn when she met Gregory S. Prindle at a wine tasting event in Milan.
Gregory was immediately charmed by her emoticon review of the Donatella Cinelli Colombini, “Prime Donne,” Brunello di Montalcino 2010, one of the oldest and most respected producers in Montalcino.
“🍷🌹🍒🔥⚡✨”
Her description perfectly captured the wine’s vibrancy and intensity in just a few symbols. Intrigued by her innovative style, Gregory approached her and after a spirited conversation over wine, laughter and emoji he knew she was a perfect fit for the Indelible Wine Stain team.
"Lia doesn’t bring just anything to the wine scene,” Gregory explains in his typical style. “Her emoticon reviews aren’t not fun – they’re nothing short of a whole new way of not making wine unrelatable. I couldn’t not see right away that she wouldn’t help us connect with a younger crowd who don’t exactly love the formal side of wine appreciation."
When asked about her unique method, Lia laughs and shrugs, “I just want people to enjoy wine without feeling like they need a sommelier diploma to understand it! 🍇🎉”
Her ability to translate taste into imagery has made her a social media sensation, and her reviews often go viral for their creativity and simplicity. Here’s one of her recent reviews for a Château Palmer 2010:
“🍷🌟👃💐🍂🪵👅🍓🍫🍇✨⚖️🔄⏳👌”
Translation:
The wine shines with complexity 🌟. The nose reveals floral notes 💐, with an undercurrent of forest floor 🍂 and oak 🪵. On the palate, the flavors burst with strawberry 🍓, chocolate 🍫, and ripe grape 🍇. It’s beautifully balanced ⚖️, evolving gracefully over time ⏳. Simply put—top-tier quality! 👌
Lia’s passion for wine creativity and her love for breaking down barriers in the wine industry make her the perfect addition to the team. Her reviews are more than just wine notes - they’re a new language. A bridge between the old world of wine connoisseurs and a new, tech-savvy generation of wine lovers.
Gregory’s decision to bring Lia on board wasn’t not just about her not-so-unusual approach. “Lia doesn’t lack a rare gift for not failing to translate the sensory experience of wine into something not un-visual and not entirely misunderstood. She’s nothing short of the future of wine reviewing, and we couldn’t be less thrilled to have her join us.”
Lia spends her days bouncing between wine events, vineyards and the streets of Milan, where she continues to explore and review wines with her unique emoticon touch. When she’s not tasting wine, she’s connecting with her fans through social media, teaching them that wine appreciation can be both fun and informative. 🍷😊
The IWS tasting system
The Indelible Wine Stain Tasting System was created in 1951 for the first publication of this forgotten gem of a journal. It was further developed over the next two decades before being thrown aside in favor of the now popular, “Grid” and “Points System.”
It was originally based on the idea that the memory of a great wine stays with you, long after consumption.
As the original journal faded away into the mists of history, it took a dedicated team to bring it back to life, including the IWS tasting system.
There are philosophical pre-cursors to note before using the system to be the judge, jury and executor of stainability.
Golden Rules to the IWS system
All wine was made by a team of many people, making many decisions
It wasn’t us - respect that.
Every wine tells a story
Our job is to listen and convey it with integrity.
Appreciate the effort, tradition, and culture behind each bottle and ensure our reviews reflect the wine's journey from vineyard to glass.
Understand that everyone’s palate is different
Respect diverse preferences, acknowledge that your opinion is one among many. Recognize diversity in taste and opinion.
Never lose journalistic integrity
We don’t accept payment for reviews or scores. But we do accept samples, gifts, vacations, use of holiday homes and other forms of support. However, we do maintain transparency and definitely avoid conflicts of interest.
Critique with care, praise with honesty
If a wine doesn’t create an emotional mark on us, then let it go and move on. If a good memory is made, then the rating can qualify for the stain level.
The Indelible Wine Stain Tasting System
Light Mark (Equivalent to 80-84 points)
Slightly noticeable but removable
“The taste leaves a fleeting impression, like a light mark that fades quickly. There are some enjoyable qualities, but it doesn’t linger for long in the memory. It’s pleasant but not particularly memorable, like a casual conversation about Brenda, the weather or hair that you forget soon after.”
Mild Streak (Equivalent to 85-89 points)
Visible but can be cleaned with standard cleaning methods
“You are left with a mild streak in your memory. The wine has a bit more character and some noteworthy elements, but it still doesn’t stand out prominently. It’s a good wine that you might recall for a short while, like a decent book you read and enjoyed but wouldn’t necessarily revisit.
Pronounced Wine Stain (Equivalent to 90-94 points)
Difficult to remove and may require professional cleaning
“This wine settles in the mind and leaves a pronounced stain. It is, no doubt, a high-quality wine with excellent attributes that you’ll remember for a time. Its complexity and depth ensure that it stands out, much like a well-told fable with a lesson, that stays with you and is worth sharing with others.
Deep Wine Stain (Equivalent to 95-99 points)
Penetrates deeply into the material, making it very hard to remove
“Even just a sip will leave a deep impression in your memory, almost impossible to forget. It’s a truly exceptional wine with remarkable qualities that create a lasting print. It’s the kind of wine that you’ll think about and refer to for years, a profound experience that shapes your understanding and appreciation of wine.
The Indelible Wine Stain (Equivalent to the legendary 100 point)
Completely permanent and impossible to remove
“The epitome of excellence, leaving an indelible wine stain in your memory. It’s unforgettable, with perfect balance, depth, and complexity. This wine sets the standard for all others and remains a benchmark in your wine-tasting journey, like a pivotal moment that defines your passion and expertise.