Wine Idea's wine news for December 13, 2024!

1. Collio, the Consortium opens to white wines from native grapes

After months of controversy, the Consorzio del Collio gives in to the requests of the “dissident” producers and begins a process of modifying the specifications that could lead to the birth of a Collio Bianco from native grapes (Friulano, Malvasia Istriana and Ribolla gialla), an idea initially opposed by some winemakers. The project, reported by Gambero Rosso, highlights the need to further enhance the local identity of the territory.

2. Langhe, Roero and Monferrato: tourism on the rise, but more controls needed

Autumn 2024 confirms the centrality of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato as internationally important wine tourism destinations. However, critical issues emerge related to the lack of regulation of some tourist facilities. According to Elisabetta Grasso of Langhe Experience, the demand for authentic experiences is growing, but more attention is needed to avoid distortions and guarantee the quality of the offer.

3. Italian wine exports 5.6% in the first 9 months of 2024

Istat data on foreign trade show exports of 5.9 billion euros (5.6% on 2023) in the first 9 months of 2024. Volumes are also increasing (1.6 billion liters, 3.4%) and the average price per liter (3.68 euros). The positive trend, thanks above all to the performance of sparkling wines, should allow us to exceed the historic threshold of 8 billion euros by the end of the year.

4. “Grandi Langhe” changes formula, but there are those who criticize

The IX edition of Grandi Langhe, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025 at the OGR in Turin, opens to a new format, with an area reserved for journalists. A choice that does not please everyone: according to Marina Marcarino (winemaker), "the event has become too large" by mixing buyers and the press, moving away from the original more selective model.

5. Gianni Gagliardo: Barolo in the world, a life between fields and successes

Gianni Gagliardo, Piedmontese winemaker and historic Barolo signature, reflects on his life journey: from farmer to wine entrepreneur, he has brought Barolo to 54 countries. In his story he intertwines memories, values and the strength of the Langhe territory, demonstrating how tenacity and local identity can conquer international markets.

6. Maiori and the Amalfi Coast: between sea, wine and local specialties

From the cuisine of the "Pineta 1903" restaurant in Maiori, to the journey into the Salerno hinterland among excellent oil and quality wines, the Amalfi Coast reveals itself as a varied territory rich in flavors, where the gastronomic tradition marries with the production of fine wines.

7. Prosecco Hills on display in Regensburg

After the photography exhibition in Munich, the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene (UNESCO World Heritage) are also protagonists in Regensburg with an international photography exhibition. A collaboration with National Geographic Germany and photographer Georg Tappeiner to tell the fragile and fascinating beauty of a landscape unique in the world.

8. The Chinese Wine Market: From Boom to Slowdown

After a period of expansion, China’s wine market is seeing a decline in imports. According to Dan Siebers of Wajiu China, entrepreneurial dynamism has fueled growth, but also volatility. Meanwhile, Dubai and Taiwan are emerging as new hubs for high-end Bordeaux, while China is cutting back on purchases.

9. Italian bubbles over 1 billion bottles sold

A real record for the Italian sparkling wine, with one billion bottles produced in 2024. According to the Uiv-Ismea Wine Observatory, 355 million will be uncorked at Christmas and New Year's Eve (7% on 2023). An extraordinary performance, in the face of the difficulties of other segments and the decline of Champagne.

10. Piero Antinori: “Wine has overcome many crises, it will overcome this one too”

In a context of global challenges, inflation, wars and climate change, Piero Antinori urges confidence in the future of Italian wine. Many markets remain to be explored, and the quality achieved offers a solid basis for overcoming the critical moment. Reducing vineyards is not the solution: better to invest in international promotion.

11. A new label for wine from 2025: goodbye to exemptions

The last EU exemption expires on June 30, 2024: from then on, the list of ingredients and nutritional declaration will become mandatory. Wines sold from spring 2025 will have to comply with these regulations, a real revolution for labeling, which has always been a hot topic for transparency and communication to the consumer.

12. Organic, low-alcohol and innovation wines: trends for 2025

In a complex scenario, wine looks ahead: increase in organic wines, attention to alcohol reduction, technological experiments to meet the new generations of consumers. In 2025, producers will have to intercept these trends to remain competitive, focusing on sustainability, creativity and effective communication.

13. Lollobrigida appoints the new National Committee for PDO and PGI wines

The Minister of Agriculture Lollobrigida has signed the decree appointing the National Committee of PDO and PGI wines for the next three years. The President is Prof. Michele Zanardo. The Minister underlines the importance of this consultative body to guarantee the quality and excellence of Italian wines on international markets.

14. Italian Wine Podcast: focus on the 150 Piedmontese wines most present in US restaurants

On December 18, at the Grinzane Cavour Castle, the list of the 150 most popular Piedmontese wines in American restaurants will be presented. The meeting, curated by Stevie Kim (Italian Wine Podcast) and Somm.ai, will offer a snapshot of the success of Piedmontese wine in the USA. It will also be the occasion for the launch of Kim's new book on wine marketing and communication.

15. Michele Zanardo to the presidency of the DOP and IGP Wines Committee

Michele Zanardo, who was president from 2018 to 2021 and vice president with Attilio Scienza in the three-year period 2021-2024, returns to the helm of the National Committee for Dop and Igp wines. An appointment that promises continuity and competence, at a decisive moment for the protection and promotion of denominations.

16. Ilaria Cappuccini (Just.saywine): “The language of wine must change”

Ilaria Cappuccini, digital wine communicator, calls for simpler and more inclusive language. Now 28, a teacher at the Gambero Rosso Academy course “The wine of the future,” Cappuccini emphasizes the need to make the story of wine less exclusive and more accessible, to win over new generations and wider audiences.

17. Tasca d'Almerita: Tascante, 15 years on Etna

Since 2007, the Tasca family has invested in Etna with Tascante, an ambitious project that enhances Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio in different districts. In 2016, new lands and the Marchesa winery enrich the offer, testifying to the volcano's attractiveness as a territory of great winemaking value.

18. Grosjean: 400 years of history in Val d'Aosta

The Grosjeans, originally from Savoy and Burgundy, have contributed to relaunching viticulture in the Aosta Valley. Today the company produces wines that reflect the centuries-old history of a family rooted in the Alps, combining the legacy of the past with care for the present and attention to climate change.

19. Borgo Condé: open doors for the holidays

Borgo Condé Wine Resort offers guided tours of the cellar and tastings in view of Christmas, scheduled for Sunday 15 and Saturday 21 December. An opportunity to learn about production, processing methods and taste the wines, as well as find elegant and tasty gift ideas.

20. In VINO VeritARS: in Bitonto among cellars and artists from Puglia

“In VINO VeritARS” stops in Bitonto (Bari) on December 14, with the exhibition of Angela Regina's works and the tasting of a glass proposed by Valentina Passalacqua. An event that blends art, wine and territory, in a monthly review that celebrates the creativity of Puglia.

21. Cantina di Venosa: success with Aglianico del Vulture

Cantina di Venosa continues to gather acclaim with its Aglianico del Vulture, protagonists of numerous wine awards in 2024. A sign of the rise of Lucanian winemaking, capable of positioning itself at the top in the main national and international guides and competitions.

22. 183 Piedmontese wineries in the Go Wine Guide 2025

Cantine d'Italia 2025 by Go Wine lists 874 selected national wineries, with 183 from Piedmont. The guide focuses not only on the quality of the wine but also on wine tourism, with the enhancement of wine museums, highlighting the cultural and historical itineraries that enrich the visitor's experience.

23. Ramuscello: presentation of the Refosco “Vino Terre” after a year in the pit

The Cantina Produttori di Ramuscello e San Vito presents the “Vino Terre”, a Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Doc Friuli 2022, kept for a year in a pit inside the vineyard. On Saturday 14 December in San Vito al Tagliamento (PN) an event will celebrate the 555 bottles of this unique wine, the result of an idea and teamwork to innovate tradition.

24. Movimento Turismo Vino Toscana, president Anastasia Mancini: more promotion, training and focus on young people

With the election of Anastasia Mancini as president of the Movimento Turismo Vino Toscana, the association aims to promote quality wine tourism, training for operators and valorization of small wineries and young producers. The goal is to grow the Tuscan wine sector towards a sustainable and inclusive future.

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

See you tomorrow for new updates.