Wine Idea's wine news of August 6, 2024!

Awards and Recognitions

Wine competition of European universities: gold and silver for the wines of the University of Udine The University of Udine achieved great success at the International University Wine Competition in Maribor, with its wines "Oro dei Patriarchi" and "Rosso dei Patriarchi " who won first and second place respectively. This wine competition aims to strengthen cooperation between European universities in the field of agriculture and vine sciences, promoting the sharing of knowledge and experiences.

Six awards for the Cantina Tre Terre di Sabaudia at the "Premio Qualità Italia" The Cantina Tre Terre di Sabaudia triumphed at the 10th edition of the Premio Qualità Italia, obtaining awards for six wines: 2 reds, 3 whites and a rosé. This success made the winery the most awarded in the competition, and it was the only one in Lazio to receive a regional recognition certificate. The award-winning wines include the 2022 Shiraz, the 2022 Moscato Bianco, the 2023 Passito Netttare di Circe and the 2024 Rosato Fragili Giochi di Luce.

Innovation and Sustainability

Sustainability and the environment: Goodbye pesticides, a natural biogel increases the harvest A new revolutionary discovery in the field of sustainable agriculture: a biogel capable of eliminating parasites and increasing crop productivity without the use of chemical pesticides. This product exploits the capabilities of insects such as ladybugs, notoriously effective in the biological control of parasites, to protect aubergine, courgette and tomato crops. However, the challenge remains for more resistant pests, such as corn caterpillars, which often still require the use of pesticides.

Cantine Ceci presents the "For The Future Sustainability Project" Cantine Ceci have launched an innovative sustainability project that aims to combine the production of high quality wine with ecologically responsible practices. The "For The Future Sustainability Project" introduces aluminum bottles with cork stoppers, reducing the environmental impact of packaging and promoting a more sustainable production chain.

Markets and Trends

The rise of wine in India: an emerging market attracting Italy The wine market in India is experiencing a boom, with imports growing by 500% in 2023. This phenomenon is favored by a young population and a growing economy growth, making India an attractive destination for international manufacturers. Changing consumer preferences and more favorable tax policies are transforming wine from an elite drink to a symbol of an evolving lifestyle.

Better-stocked cellar, speed and technology: new strategies in the wine trade The wine market faces challenges such as price instability, excess supply and declining demand. Wine retailers are exploring new ways to attract customers, adapting to changes in consumption and innovating in how they sell. The Liv-Ex study highlights how market players are successfully addressing these challenges, proposing new strategies and approaches to increase their market share.

Events and Competitions

Milo: the national competition for the most beautiful label is underway The 44th edition of Vinimilo, a wine event organized by the Municipality and Proloco of Milo (Catania), will take place from 26 August to 8 September 2024. The "ViniMilo Design International" competition Competition – Giovanni Casella" will reward the most beautiful label of white wines and sparkling wines, enhancing the importance of design in the wine sector.

An 1800-year-old cellar discovered in San Gimignano: ancient winemaking techniques An 1800-year-old Roman cellar has been discovered in San Gimignano, an exceptional discovery that sheds light on wine production techniques in antiquity. Excavations at the Roman villa of Aiano revealed a wine cellar, used to produce and store wine, demonstrating the historical importance of this region for viticulture.

Harvest and Production

Early start of the harvest in the Tuscan Maremma The high temperatures in July led to an early start of the harvest in the Tuscan Maremma. In southern areas, such as Capalbio, the harvest of the sparkling wine bases began 10-12 days earlier than in previous years, highlighting the climatic variations and the need for adaptation by winemakers.

2024 harvest in Puglia: early start and high quality The 2024 harvest also started two weeks early in Puglia due to high temperatures and drought. Despite these conditions, the quality of the grapes is high, with winemakers having already started harvesting early varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Confagricoltura Puglia expects a year of excellent quality, despite the climatic challenges.

Characters and StoriesGaddo della Gherardesca and his new wine: “I made it for the love of the Maremma” In Castagneto Carducci, Count Gaddo della Gherardesca has launched a new wine, inspired by the family tradition and passion for the Maremma. The count tells the story of his ancestor, Simone Maria Conte di Bolgheri, who already produced wine in 1635, highlighting the historical continuity of viticulture in his family.

“Wine is among the pleasures of life, but young people experience it differently than we believe” According to Alberto Mattiacci, professor of Economics and Business Management at La Sapienza in Rome, today's young people experience wine differently than to previous generations. Their cosmopolitan connection and a lifestyle characterized by "lightness" leads them to see wine not only as a tradition but as a pleasure to be experienced in a modern way and detached from rituality.

Tasting Tips

Six aging wines to try:

1. A touch of fire | Etna Rosso, I Vigneri di Salvo Foti A traditional wine with hints of volcano, balanced tannins and red fruit on the nose.
2. The out of order | Tatomer, Pinot Noir Kick-on Ranch A provocative wine, rich in red fruits and notes of iron and leather, for those looking for an unconventional experience.
3. Rotunda | A squeeze of Syrah Crozes-Hermitage “Saint Jaimes” from Domaine Les 4 Vents offers elegance and red fruits with punchy tannins.
4. Costaripa: for a great rosé you don't need Provence, Garda is enough Costaripa's rosés, from Lake Garda, challenge prejudices and offer an Italian alternative to the famous French rosés.

Harvest 2024

The Colle Moro winery begins the 2024 harvest. The Colle Moro winery began the 2024 harvest today, August 5. This early start is due to the high temperatures and the lack of rain, which accelerated the ripening of the grapes. Vincenzo Marchioli , winemaker at Colle Moro, declared: "The 2024 harvest will be remembered for the great heat and the advance of about 7-10 days compared to the norm". Climate change has in fact profoundly influenced the growth rate and phenological phases of the vines.

Events and Tastings

Discover the wines of Valpolicella: guided tour of the Vogadori winery. On the weekend of 10 and 11 August, the Vogadori winery in Negrar di Valpolicella offers an unforgettable wine experience with guided tours at 10.30am and 3.00pm. Valpolicella is famous for its picturesque vineyards and very high quality wines, making this an unmissable opportunity for enthusiasts.

Sparkling Night at Cantina Montezovo Cantina Montezovo invites everyone to the "Sparkling Night" on August 10, starting at 7:00 pm. The tasting evening, on the occasion of the magical night of San Lorenzo, offers the opportunity to taste wines paired with culinary delights and observe the stars from the panoramic terrace of the winery in Caprino Veronese.

Magic under the stars: the evenings of the Cantina La Torre di Castel Rocchero The Cantina La Torre di Castel Rocchero continues its enchanting cycle of thematic evenings. Immersed in the vineyards, guests can enjoy a unique sensorial experience between fine wines and the melodies of Fabrizio De André, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere.

64th Montefiascone Wine Fair: 2-15 August 2024 The Montefiascone Wine Fair celebrates its 64th edition, confirming itself as an important event for the promotion of "Est! Est!! Est!!!" wine and the historical-artistic heritage of the city. The event, which obtained the DOC in 1966, is an opportunity to promote good drinking and a conscious approach to wine.

Awards and Recognitions

Cantina Tre Terre di Sabaudia: most awarded Italian producer at the Qualità Italia competition The Cantina Tre Terre di Sabaudia obtained the highest number of awards at the 10th edition of the Qualità Italia Award. The winery has received mentions for six wines, including two reds, three whites and a rosé, and is the only Lazio producer to receive the regional recognition certificate. The awarded wines include the Shiraz 2022 (Vini Rossi IGT), the Moscato Bianco 2022 (Vini Bianchi IGT), the Passito Netttare di Circe 2023 (Vini Passiti IGT) and the Rosato Fragili Giochi di Luce 2024 (Vini Rosati IGT).

Collaborations and Innovations

La Viarte Wines partner of the 60 years of Porto Rotondo Viarte Wines celebrates the 60 years of Porto Rotondo, one of the tourist excellences of Olbia and Gallura, as the official partner of the summer celebrations. The winery, located in the renowned Colli Orientali del Friuli, expresses its vocation for beauty and winemaking tradition through this collaboration, which will extend for several weeks.

The news for summer 2024: bitters, vermouth and gin, Castagner launches the mixology range Castagner , famous for its quality spirits, expands its offer with the launch of the "Mixology" range. After the success of the "Casta" grappa and the "Gin Vitae", the company introduces the Bitter Castagner and the Vermouth Castagner . These new products, created in house, reflect the deep connection with the grapes and the territory and mark Castagner's entry into the world of aperitifs.

Market Trends

WINE: Boom in tourism pushes wine consumption up, with Prosecco in the lead 2024 promises to be a record year for tourism and wine consumption in Italy. According to estimates by Assoturismo Confesercenti , 26.3 million foreign tourists will visit the country during the summer, significantly contributing to the increase in sales of Italian wines. Edoardo Freddi states that tourists are becoming the main ambassadors of Italian wine abroad, positively influencing exports in 2023 and 2024.

Stay connected with QUIDQUID for the latest news from the world of wine!

See you tomorrow for new updates.