The wine news for Friday 21 June 2024!

A Calabrian wine wins the Grand Gold Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

For the first time, a Calabrian wine has won the Grand Gold Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This year's edition saw Italy dominate with over 31% of the medals awarded, exceeding the maximum ceiling of 30% usually granted. The competition, which saw the participation of over 10,000 companies, took place in León, Mexico, from 7 to 9 June.

Global Warming: An Opportunity for English Winemakers

Climate change is providing new opportunities for English winemakers, with land previously used to raise pigs now ideal for wine and champagne production. French winemakers and some champagne houses are also investing in southern Britain.

Extension for the Restructuring of the Vineyards

The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, has extended the deadline for submitting applications for aid for the restructuring and conversion of vineyards to 12 July 2024. The extension aims to guarantee the maximum participation of Italian companies in the intervention of the Common Agricultural Policy.

2023: A Difficult Year for Italian Vineyards

The adverse climate of 2023 hit Italian vineyards and orchards hard, with a reduction in wine production by 17.4% and fruit by 11.2%. Extreme events, such as the flood in Emilia-Romagna and hailstorms, have had a significant impact on agriculture.

Foja d'Or: A Brescia wine among the best reds in the world

The Foja d'Or from the Emilio Franzoni company of Botticino has been recognized as one of the 16 best wines in the world, winning the Grand Gold Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. The competition awarded wines from every continent, including surprising underdogs like Bolivia and Lebanon.

Best Sicilian White Wine: Grillo di Giasira

Giasira's Grillo 2022 was awarded as the best white wine in Sicily at the 31st edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Keration (Catarratto) 2022 also received the gold medal.

Autochthonous Rose: A Missed Opportunity

According to Damiano Reale, Italy has missed the opportunity to promote rosé wines in a coordinated way, leaving this task to individual brands. The pandemic interrupted the relaunch attempts, and the post-Covid restart did not happen.

The Oldest Wine: A Historic Discovery

A team from the University of Cordoba has discovered the oldest wine ever found, preserved in a two-thousand-year-old Roman funerary urn in southern Spain. This is white wine, analyzed thanks to specific biomarkers.

Italian Wine Export: Three Regions Driving the 2024 Quarter

The value of wine exported from Italy increased by 3.9% in the first three months of 2024, thanks above all to the contribution of Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. However, other regions such as Piedmont and Sicily recorded negative data.

Tuscany super-awarded at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Tuscany shone at the 31st edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, with two Gran Oro medals and 65 medals overall. Sicily follows with 55 medals and Lombardy.

Venda Park: Excellence of the Euganean Hills

The Parco del Venda winery continues to stand out with its typical and native wines of the Euganean Hills. The particular vocation of the Euganean lands allows us to grow high quality grapes with modern winemaking techniques.

All Down to the Cellar: Wine Culture Festival

From 28 to 30 June, CREA in Velletri will host the Wine Culture Festival, "Tutti Down in the Cellar". The event will be inaugurated by Minister Francesco Lollobrigida and other representatives of the sector.

The Most Drinked Wine in Fashion

Katkoot, an independent wine company founded by Giovanni and Francesco Bassan, has become a point of reference in the world of fashion. Their Katkoot bottle of Champagne, launched in Paris, is highly regarded by leading fashion figures.

Sustainability and Name: The Preferences of Italians

For Italians, sustainability is important, but in the choice of wine the denomination prevails. Marketing studies show that what is written on the label, including certification "stamps", significantly influences consumer decisions. However, denominations such as Docg, Doc and Igt continue to be the main criterion of choice for the average consumer.

The Magical World of Wine Competitions

Wine competitions offer a wide range of prizes, from the prestigious academic recognition of the Decanter World Wine Awards to the fun of the County Challenge. Whether you are a producer of innovative wines or a participant in local festivals, there is sure to be a competition that will suit your needs.

Villa Calcinaia: 500 Years of History and Future in Chianti

Villa Calcinaia, in Greve in Chianti, celebrates 500 years of winemaking history. The Capponi Counts, with passion and awareness, keep the tradition and quality of their wines alive. The villa is in the running for UNESCO recognition, thanks to its cultural and wine heritage.

Innovation and Design in the La Maranzana Winery

The La Maranzana del Monferrato winery has chosen a modern and technological design for its exhibition spaces. The new electrical system of the Tekla 44 series, with Zama 44 and Personal 44 metal plates, enhances every detail with a touch of elegance and innovation.

Cantine al Forte: A Journey through History, Wines and Flavors

The "Cantine al Forte" event will be held on Saturday 22 June at Forte di Tenna, Valsugana. An unmissable event that combines history, culture, art, music and quality food and wine, organized by the Trentino Wine and Flavor Route in collaboration with Apt Valsugana Lagorai and Lions Club Valsugana.

Cantina Sampietrana: Silver Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Cantina Sampietrana won the silver medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for the "Tacco Barocco Negroamaro". The competition, managed by the Vinopres agency, is an important meeting point for specialists in the sector with international coverage.

"In Montefalco": The Best Tastings from the Cellars of Umbria

The "A Montefalco" event showcases Umbria's wine production, with particular attention to Montefalco and its Doc and Docg. This year's tastings highlighted the evolution and quality of Umbrian wines, with particular mention of Trebbiano Spoletino.

Primitivo and Sangiovese evening with Carpineto and Cantine Coppi

On June 21st, a special evening dedicated to the comparison between the Primitivo of Cantine Coppi and the Sangiovese of Carpineto. An unmissable event for enthusiasts, organized by the two prestigious wineries.

Andrea Amadei: Communicating with Soul in the World of Wine

Andrea Amadei, defined as one of the communicators of the year by the Bollicine del Mondo guide, shares his philosophy: "If there is no soul, no message holds up. Wine teaches." Amadei is known for his work with Decanter Rai Radio2 and the magazine "The Art of Wine".

Liguria to Drink: A Weekend of Wine

From 28 to 30 June, Corso Cavour will host the 17th edition of "Liguria da Bere", the exhibition of Ligurian DOC and IGT wines. With over 200 labels available for tasting, the event celebrates the wine richness of the region.

Best Wine Hospitality Manager: Registrations open

The "Best Wine Hospitality Manager" competition will reward the best professional in the wine tourism sector in Italy. The role of the Wine Hospitality Manager, fundamental for telling the stories of the cellars and the wines, is finally recognized and valorised.

Vigna del Gallo "Diego Planeta": A wine treasure in Palermo

The Vigna del Gallo "Diego Planeta", located in the Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo, represents an example of viticultural biodiversity. This cutting-edge project aims to conserve and enhance the Sicilian wine heritage with a wine tourism approach.

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