The Colli Berici e Vicenza DOC is preparing to celebrate its first 50 years at Gustus – Vini e Sapori di Vicenza . The event, scheduled for Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October at the “Arrigo Pedrollo” Conservatory in Vicenza , will be an unmissable event for wine lovers. Precisely in these days the harvest is coming to an end - in these last days the Garganega grapes are being harvested and it is being completed with cabernet sauvignon and carmenère - which confirms the excellent vintage , with analytical data confirming the exceptional quality of the grapes and a quantity in line with expectations .
The wine-growing members of the DOC managed to overcome the difficulties caused by the high downy mildew pressure and the mild hail phenomena that occurred between mid-July and August. The grapes brought to the cellar are healthy and promise great wines, especially red ones. To optimally manage the different ripening times, the producers were able to plan the harvest in several steps, which guaranteed the highest quality of production.
“The 2023 vintage has a special meaning not only because it is our fiftieth harvest – declares Silvio Dani , president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Berici e Vicenza –, but also and above all because this year's harvest was a test bed challenging that produced surprising results: an extraordinary and symbolic achievement that testifies to the continuous dedication and passion of our winemakers for the production of high quality wines, as will be seen at Gustus ”.
Gustus – Vini e Sapori di Vicenza is therefore preparing to become the main stage to celebrate the Colli Berici Doc. The director of the Consortium Giovanni Ponchia underlines the exceptional relevance of this edition: “It will be an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the longevity of the DOC, and we couldn't be happier to do so, also thanks to the masterclass on Saturday which will offer wines from 50 years ago ”.
The winemaking representativeness of the area is great with 30 producers from the Berici Hills and 7 companies from Gambellara , for a total of 120 labels for tasting . In addition to the tasting tables, open to the public from 5pm to 10pm on Saturdays and from 5pm to 9pm on Sundays, guests will be able to delight in excellent food. Thanks to the finger foods of the I Giovani Leoni gastronomic shop in Lonigo and the chefs of Il Camaleonte di Alonte, Gustus will offer a unique gastronomic experience, enriched by jazz entertainment performed by the students of the Conservatory.
Gustus makes use of the collaboration with the sommeliers of AIS Veneto and the quality partners Asiago Formaggio Dop, Monte Veronese Formaggio Dop and Salumificio Castelli.
Tickets for the tasting stands will be available at the entrance at a cost of 20 euros , or they can be purchased in advance on the Gustus website at a price of 15 euros . The reduction will also be applied to all AIS, Onav, Fisar, Fis and Slow Food members who choose to purchase the ticket at the entrance to the event. Each ticket will include a glass, a coupon for free tastings and a plate of gastronomic specialities. The masterclasses on Saturday and Sunday are already sold out
