I've a very good Spanish friend who swears by grated carrots for better flavour and texture. I'm not convinced myself, but I definitely add celery and carrots in a bolognese.Sick for desire, yes. A good olive is like a cherry plucked fresh from a tree.
I found a simple red wine transforms your tomato base soup like nothing else.
I go carrot, onion, celery for base like italians, then add the tomato and other ingredients.
As you say, red wine for both the base and chef. Both are essential!