Wine Idea's wine news for December 14, 2024!

1. UNESCO Hills: 55% of tourists choose the Langhe, Roero grows by 7% in 2024

At the Assembly of Members of the Langhe Monferrato Roero Tourism Board, held at the Teatro Comunale in Monforte d'Alba, the activity plan for 2025 was presented. Data in hand, 55% of tourists choose the Langhe, while Roero records an increase of 7% in 2024. The ATL (Local Tourism Company) works on innovative strategies and projects to consolidate the international success of wine tourism in these UNESCO World Heritage hills.

2. 200 euro Spritzer: the provocation of “Sprizzer”

Mixing Prosecco and Aperol may be a trivial gesture, but there are those who want to monetize simplicity with a device called “Sprizzer”. Expensive (200 euros), it promises to make the perfect spritz without errors. A provocation that makes you think about how much you are willing to pay for a basic mix and how marketing can take simple social rituals to the extreme.

3. The 10 best Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (Gambero Rosso) and the new regional quality

Gambero Rosso draws up a list of the 10 best Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, with a new entry among the Tre Bicchieri. Abruzzo is increasingly focusing on excellence, favoring producers who invest in identity and territory, to the detriment of those who only pursue quantity. The result is a relaunch of the region as a land of white wines with character and personality.

4. EU forecasts to 2035: minus sign for wine in Europe

The recent outlook of the European Union's DG Agri for 2035 outlines a scenario of contraction for wine: production, surfaces, consumption and trade in decline. A scenario aggravated by the unknowns of climate change and the difficulties in finding new markets and strategies. The wine sector will have to face complex changes, reviewing production models and facing the challenge of innovation.

5. Oenology in Irpinia, Molettieri: “Unity is strength”

Salvatore Molettieri, historic producer of Taurasi, underlines the need to create a system among the Irpinia producers. Despite the good year for Aglianico, the main obstacle remains the ability to cooperate. The watchword: collaboration, to enhance the great wines of Campania in the world.

6. Sardinia, CAP blocked: update the Soil Map to unblock payments

In Sardinia, there is a lack of updates to the layers for the validation of Traditional Local Practices (Plt) intended for grazing, which are essential for updating the Soil Map. Without this data, Agea cannot provide CAP aid. A technical issue, but one that has a concrete impact on the liquidity of Sardinian agricultural companies.

7. Franciacorta “tranquillo”: Cotarella signs two still wines for Tenuta Muratori

Franciacorta, famous for its classic method bubbles, opens up to still wines (called “tranquilli”). Riccardo Cotarella, one of Italy’s leading oenologists, signs two new labels (a Chardonnay and a pure Pinot Noir) for Tenuta Muratori. A choice that demonstrates the desire to experiment and expand the region’s oenological boundaries.

8. Alcohol limits for driving: how much wine can you drink?

The limit in Italy is 0.5 g/l, zero for new drivers and professionals. It is a matter of understanding how many glasses of wine are equivalent to this limit, considering the alcohol content and personal characteristics. Caution remains the golden rule, especially during the holidays, to avoid serious sanctions and ensure road safety.

9. Italian bubbles surpass red wines abroad

Historic overtaking: in the balance of the first 9 months of 2024, Italian sparkling wine sold abroad exceeds red wines for the first time. According to the Uiv Observatory, 528 million bottles of sparkling wines exported against 524 million of red/rosé and 460 million of white. A milestone that confirms the growing strength of sparkling wines on international tables.

10. Academy of Vine and Wine: a warning to the future

75 years after its foundation, the Academy of Vine and Wine invites us to consider the future of the sector with confidence, despite the problems. The opening to dealcoholized wines, sustainability, climate change, market diversification and wine tourism are challenges and opportunities to be managed with courage and strategic vision.

11. Andrea Lonardi (Master of Wine): “GenZ sees us as cringe, it was a mistake to have been elitist”

Faced with difficulties with the new generations, Andrea Lonardi (Master of Wine) invites us to reflect: if GenZ does not approach wine, it is perhaps due to an image that is too imposed and “cool” built in the past. We need a simpler, more inclusive language that communicates authenticity and not snobbery.

12. Big wine companies believe in the future

GIV, Medici Ermete, Zonin 1821, Cantine Lunae, Marchesi di Barolo, Di Majo Norante, Tenimenti Leone, Torrevento and Banfi, brought together by the Consorzio Italia del Vino, look confidently to the future despite the uncertainties. Investing in new markets, maintaining high quality, betting on wine tourism and sustainability seem to be the winning weapons to overcome today's crisis.

13. Tuscany: DOCG bands at -1.4% on 2023

Data on State labels in Tuscany indicate a slight drop in the quantities of DOCG wines sold in the first 10 months of 2024 (-1.4% on 2023). Labels withdrawn by producers, paid for and applied shortly before marketing, provide an indicative indication of the trend in sales and orders, signaling a slight slowdown in the market.

14. Siena, city of wine between past and future

Between Wine & Siena, Enoteca Italiana, Accademia della Vite e del Vino and the Città del Vino association, Siena wants to reaffirm itself as a hub of Tuscan wine. An invaluable heritage between prestigious territories, historic denominations, culture, art and tourism that the city can exploit to become an international hub for the promotion and dissemination of wine culture.

15. Slow Wine Fair 2025: focus on packaging and global sustainability of wine

After addressing the topic of soil health, the Slow Wine Fair 2025 (February 23-25 at BolognaFiere) will focus on the entire wine supply chain, focusing on packaging, transport, storage, and reducing environmental impact. The goal is to raise awareness among producers and consumers about sustainable choices, which are essential for an environmentally friendly future for wine.

16. Lollobrigida appoints the Committee for PDO and PGI wines: Zanardo president

The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, has signed the decree appointing the National Committee for PDO and PGI wines, assigning the presidency to Michele Zanardo. A crucial body for defining and updating the specifications, guaranteeing the quality and identity of Italian wines, and promoting them on an international scale.

17. Genzano: the VIP business network is born - Wine Innovation and Bread

The Castelli Romani Wine Innovation and Bread Supply Chain Business Network (VIP) project was presented at Palazzo Sforza Cesarini in Genzano, with 21 companies involved. An initiative that aims to enhance the agri-food sector of the Castelli Romani, uniting wine, baked goods and innovation in a network that promotes the development of the territory.

18. Cantina Bentivoglio hosts Eloisa Atti's concert

The Cantina Bentivoglio in Bologna becomes a stage for the music of the chanteuse composer Eloisa Atti, who tomorrow will present “Lost Mona Lisa” accompanied by talented musicians. An encounter between wines, food and wine atmospheres and musical notes, demonstrating how culture and wine can coexist in harmony.

19. Cantine d'Italia 2025: increasing number of selected structures

The new edition of the Cantine d'Italia guide (Go Wine) includes 874 selected wineries, with 268 “Impronte d'eccellenza” for wine tourism, a section dedicated to Wine Museums and over 4980 wines reported. A guide that is not limited to wine, but invites the enthusiast to travel between territories, stories of men and women, places and traditions.

20. Feudo del Balio: the first urban winery in the city is born in Trapani

The story of two lawyers, Giuseppe Rando and Giuseppe Perniciaro, which becomes wine history in Trapani: with Feudo del Balio the first urban winery of the Sicilian city is born. An example of how academic and professional roots can evolve into an innovative agricultural and entrepreneurial project, enhancing the territory.

21. Protests in France: Fires and Empty Pools

Tensions in the French wine sector are reaching worrying levels, with incidents of vandalism, fires and emptying of tanks in cellars. A phenomenon that reflects the frustration of some producers in the face of falling consumption and economic difficulties. Authorities and associations are looking for solutions to calm the protests and restore confidence.

22. Cantina d'Isera: Trento Dosage Zero 907 2020

A new classic method sparkling wine made only from Chardonnay grapes, aged 40 months on the lees. Citrus aromas, marzipan, spices, a savory and creamy sip. The Dosaggio Zero 907 2020 from Cantina d'Isera tells the story of a classy Trentino winemaking, linked to the territory and the cooperative's history (founded in 1907).

23. Panettone Sospeso: Cantina Tollo and Wine Room for a Solidarity Christmas

In Pescara, the Wine Room, a Borgo Venna restaurant (Tollo group), is re-proposing the “Panettone Sospeso” initiative: anyone can buy an artisanal panettone for 10 euros, which will then be donated to the San Francesco soup kitchen. A gesture of solidarity that combines a passion for food and generosity towards those in difficulty.

24. Vicara, Monferrato: Label Awards in 2025

The Vicara company, in the heart of the Monferrato Unesco, celebrates a year of successes and awards for its wines. Founded in 1992 by three families, it has been able to combine tradition and research, producing wines from native varieties and focusing on sustainability and passion for the territory, consolidating its position among the excellences of Piedmont.

25. Preview Harvest 2024 in Piedmont

In Turin, at the headquarters of Confagricoltura, data and evaluations on the 2024 Harvest Preview were presented. Even if the year presented challenges, the discussion between producers, experts and institutions was constructive, to face the future with shared and effective strategies.

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