Weekly Updates for Wine Lovers.

Good morning! We present the latest news from the wine sector, courtesy of QUIDQUID, for this Friday 17 May 2024.

Winemakers Fair in Intimiano: This weekend, the Ariberto Castle in Intimiano is transformed into a lively wine showcase with the presence of over 50 Italian artisan wine producers. The event, entitled "Winemakers and Wines", promises to attract between 3,000 and 4,000 people, taking place from 10am to 8pm, both Saturday and Sunday.

Gérard Bertrand and Biodynamics: The former professional rugby player, now at the head of a wine empire, celebrates the centenary of biodynamics with a special event at the Petrucci restaurant in Naples. Bertrand manages 2,200 acres of biodynamic vineyards in the south of France, emphasizing the health of the vines and the quality of the wine.

Climate Crisis in French Vineyards: Bad weather in Champagne, Chablis and New Aquitaine threatens the 2024 vintage with hailstorms and downy mildew. Local producers are on high alert after weeks of extreme weather conditions.

Renewal of the Prosecco DOCG Protection Consortium: In Pieve di Soligo, the Consortium assembly saw a high participation for the renewal of the top management, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene.

Bagni di Vino 2024 in San Giuliano Terme: A celebration of wine and music awaits enthusiasts this weekend, with tastings from well-known exhibitors such as the Strada del Vino delle Colline Pisane and Fattoria Campigiana Vinità.

Etna Contrade under Tension: The annual event has seen a decline in the number of wineries participating, with just 88 compared to 105 last year, indicating a possible identity crisis and rising costs that have discouraged some small producers.

Impacts of bad weather on Treviso: Intense storms caused flooding and damage in Veneto, also negatively influencing agricultural production in the region.

Arcipelago Festival in the Tortona area: Jazz and electronic music blend with the tasting of local wines in a weekend immersed in the vineyards of the Tortona area, promising a unique sensorial experience.

New Agriculture Law Decree: Approval of a package of 208 million euros intended to support agriculture and fishing, sanctioned by President Sergio Mattarella.

Borgo diVino in San Giorgio di Valpolicella: The wine tour stops in one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, offering a weekend of tastings with hundreds of wines to discover.

National Wine and Oil Culture Day: A special event will be held in Rome to explore the cultural and gastronomic intersections of the Mediterranean, highlighting the unifying role of wine and oil in the region.

Growth in Italian Wine Exports: In the first two months of 2024, Italian wine exports recorded an increase of 9.5% in value and 8.2% in volume compared to 2023, reaching 1.14% billion euros and 297.6 million litres. Despite a slowdown in January, key markets show a significant recovery, also influenced by the Suez Canal crisis which increased shipping costs and times.

Calabria Without Borders: In Gizzeria, Catanzaro, a new food and wine megastore will be inaugurated on May 17th which will host 400 types of wines and over 40,000 food products. The nearly 10,000 square meter space aims to become a global reference point for Calabrian products.

Sicilia en Primeur 2024: Sicily celebrates a revolution in the world of red wines, responding to global changes in consumption and distancing itself from the production stereotypes of the past. This evolution marks an important qualitative development for Sicilian wines.

Labeling Challenge in Europe: As Europe approaches elections, the issue of wine labeling takes center stage. Despite resistance, such as the approval of new labeling systems in Ireland, the Italian candidates are united in wanting to represent the needs of wine producers.

Amarone in Capitale: On May 19, Rome will host the third edition of "Amarone in Capitale" with tastings of Amarone and Valpolicella Superiore at the Hassler's Imàgo restaurant, highlighting the strong connection between the Italian capital and this famous Venetian wine.

Calici d'Estate in Ferrara: From 30 May to 2 June, the Nuova Darsena in Ferrara will become the stage for 'Calici d'estate', an event dedicated to wine lovers with a vast selection of wines and gourmet dishes available for tasting .

Gambelli Award to Ovidio Mugnaini: Ovidio Mugnaini was awarded with the XII Gambelli Award, recognizing his contribution in the exaltation of typical winemaking and territorial characteristics through his work as an oenologist.

Open Cellars in Friuli Venezia Giulia: On 18 May, the Open Cellars event will present the wine excellences of Friuli Venezia Giulia at Palmanova Village, offering an overview of the rich winemaking tradition of the region.

Monday: Open Factory with Bottega In line with the National Day of Made in Italy, the Leonardo Committee launches the Open Factory project, opening cellars and distilleries to the public until 30 May 2024. The initiative, which celebrates the excellence of Made in Italy, offers free guided tours, with reservations required, to explore Italian entrepreneurial realities and the quality of their production.

Friday: Aperitif in the Cellar Dedicated to Kubrick To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the film "Dr. Strangelove" by Stanley Kubrick, the I Magredi winery in Domanins, Pordenone, is organizing a special evening on 17 May. The event, titled “Stanley Kubrick – Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” will combine cinema, music and bubbles in an art-filled atmosphere.

Tuesday: Blood Donation to the Staff of the Castello di Corbara Winery A gesture of solidarity characterized the Castello di Corbara Winery, where the staff took part in a collective blood donation at the "Santa Maria della Stella" Hospital in Orvieto on 14 May. This initiative emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and community support.

Quintessenz: High Quality Wines from the Kaltern Winery The Kaltern Winery, located in Caldaro, Alto Adige, is famous for its viticultural diversity with wines ranging from Classic to Selective ones, culminating in the flagship line, Quintessenz. These wines reflect the uniqueness of the local terroir, which varies in altitude and soil type, offering a wide range of flavors and aromas.

Saturday: CantinArte in Nurachi The Caddeo Cellar in Nurachi continues its CantinArte journey, combining comedy and music. On May 18, the event will see the participation of Nicola Cancedda, who will entertain the public with stories and anecdotes about Sardinia, taken from his book "Si sardi chi can".

Conclusion Every day offers a unique opportunity for lovers of Italian wine and culture to connect with the traditions, art and sense of community that define Italy. Stay tuned for more updates and discoveries in the world of wine!

Offered by QUIDQUID. See you tomorrow for more news!