Pirlo a connoisseur of fine wine

More known for his stellar on-field displays, Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo also holds a love of wine close to his heart.

Like a fine wine, the Italian’s football career appears to be maturing nicely.

Pirlo helped Juve claim the Serie A title last term before playing a key role in Italy’s runner-up finish at Euro 2012.

But the 33-year-old also devotes his efforts toward a lifelong passion for wine.

“What you don’t know about me is that I also own a vineyard,” Pirlo said.

“When I was little we would often go to my grandmother’s house. The area is called Coller, it’s a hillside near the centre of Brescia. We picked grapes on this hillside.”

His mother, Livia Pirlo, admitted that the World Cup winner has always had a fond association with a glass of wine.

“He was always a lively but quiet child. Or, rather, not boisterous,” she said.

“When he was small he always tasted a little wine. When he got a bit older not as much, but now that he’s an adult he likes to try different kinds of wine.”

Juventus take a 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Celtic on Wednesday.