Wine Idea's wine news for December 15, 2024!

1. Highway Code in Langa: difficulties for Barolo restaurants

Starting Saturday, December 14, 2024, the new Highway Code rules will make alcohol-driving controls more severe. In the restaurants of Barolo, located in the heart of the Langhe, the “day one” of the crackdown on alcohol has already shown the first effects: fewer customers willing to taste more glasses, with a damage to the classic five-glass proposals. Some restaurateurs fear the impact on food and wine tourism, while others are wondering about solutions such as a private driver or the offer of packages that include transportation.

2. Cheeses & wines: not just reds

Common belief is that cheese only pairs with red wine. In reality, the choice of wine depends on the type of cheese: a fresh white wine or a rosé can enhance young and creamy cheeses, while mature cheeses find an excellent companion in more structured reds. It is always worth experimenting, perhaps with a glass of bubbles for soft cheeses or with sweet wines for blue cheeses.

3. Trebbiano d'Abruzzo at Christmas: less than 20 euros, guaranteed quality

Gambero Rosso has highlighted the Riesling Campo della Fojada 2023 by Tenuta Travaglino (Oltrepò Pavese) among the best white wines under 20 euros to give as a Christmas gift, but it is not the only one. There is also room for Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, a grape variety that interprets the growing quality of Abruzzo. A good white wine, economical and versatile, to accompany festive lunches and dinners in the spirit of conviviality.

4. European wine by 2035: all in decline

According to the EU DG Agri's medium-term outlook, wine production, consumption, vineyard areas and exports in Europe will decline by 2035. A worrying picture, aggravated by climate change and declining consumption. The challenge for producers will be to find new strategies to address market changes and preserve the economic balance of wine companies.

5. Irpinia, the voice of Molettieri: “Cooperation for the great wines of Campania”

In Irpinia, the land of Aglianico and Taurasi, the well-known producer Salvatore Molettieri invites his colleagues to team up. The 2024 vintage has proven to be good for Aglianico, but without the ability to join forces and work in synergy, the potential of the territory risks remaining unexpressed. The union, Molettieri argues, could strengthen the reputation of Campania wines on international markets.

6. Sardinia, CAP unblocking: the Region will update the Soil Map

In Sardinia, the failure to update the layers for Traditional Local Practices (Plt) prevented the validation of the Soil Map. This blocked the payments of CAP funds. The Region is now ready to intervene to unblock the situation, allowing Sardinian agricultural companies to receive the expected aid.

7. Franciacorta: the “quiet wonder” of Cotarella’s still wines

With the advice of oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, Franciacorta, known for its classic method sparkling wines, is trying out a new chapter with still wines, pure Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A choice that demonstrates the desire to go beyond bubbles, to offer a wider range and attract new market segments.

8. How much wine can you drink before driving?

The new Highway Code rules provide for more severe penalties for those who drive under the influence. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L, zero for new drivers and professionals. There is no fixed rule in terms of glasses, since variables such as weight, sex and metabolism affect the blood alcohol level. Better not to risk it and enjoy wine in moderation, perhaps avoiding driving.

9. Italian bubbles surpass red wines abroad

Italian sparkling wine beats red wines in exports: with 528 million bottles shipped abroad in the first 9 months of 2024, they surpass reds (524 million) and whites (460 million). It's the first time in history. This was revealed by the Osservatorio Unione Italiana Vini, which underlines the consolidation of bubbles as the driving product of Italian exports.

10. Academy of Vine and Wine: Confidence in the Future, Despite Everything

75 years after its foundation, the Academy of Vine and Wine invites us to look to the future with positivity. Despite the difficulties, history shows that the wine sector has overcome critical moments several times. Today, between climate change, falling consumption, dealcoholized wines and sustainability, wine must evolve and find new ways to maintain its cultural and social centrality.

11. Andrea Lonardi: “GenZ doesn’t get close to wine. We were cool, now we’re cringe”

Master of Wine Andrea Lonardi analyzes the crisis of consumption among young people: perhaps it is the previous generation that has created an image of wine that is too elitist, hindering its approach to the new generations. A more inclusive language is needed, less pompous and more in tune with pop culture, to bring young people closer to a product rich in history and meaning.

12. Big wine companies look ahead

GIV, Medici Ermete, Zonin 1821, Cantine Lunae, Marchesi di Barolo, Di Majo Norante, Tenimenti Leone, Torrevento and Banfi, united by the Consorzio Italia del Vino, remain optimistic and look to the future with strategies aimed at quality, sustainability and wine tourism. Despite the challenges, they believe in the potential of Italian wine on world markets.

13. Tuscany, DOCG bands slightly down (-1.4%) in the first 10 months of 2024

The data on the State bands, which measure the volume of DOCG wines placed on the market, show a slight decline in Tuscany (-1.4%). A signal to be interpreted with caution, but which suggests the need to maintain a high level of promotion and consolidate the markets.

14. Siena, hub of Tuscan wine?

After Enoteca Italiana, Accademia della Vite e del Vino, Città del Vino and Wine & Siena, the city of the Palio can apply to return to the forefront of the Tuscan wine scene. A heritage of cultures, institutions and events that make it a natural hub for the promotion of wine and wine tourism.

15. Slow Wine Fair 2025: focus on packaging

Slow Wine Fair returns to BolognaFiere from 23 to 25 February 2025. This year, in addition to soil issues, it will focus on packaging, transport and storage, inviting producers to reflect on how to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain. The goal: to make the entire life cycle of wine more sustainable.

16. DOP and IGP Wine Committee: Zanardo to the presidency

The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, has appointed the new National Committee for PDO and PGI wines, with Michele Zanardo as president. A strategic body for updating specifications, protecting denominations and promoting Italian wine excellence.

17. 150 Piedmontese wines most present in US restaurants

On December 18, at Grinzane Cavour Castle, Somm.ai and Stevie Kim (Italian Wine Podcast) will present the list of the 150 most popular Piedmontese wines in American restaurants. An initiative that highlights the solidity of Piedmontese wine on the US market and will offer insights into the tastes of consumers in the stars and stripes.

18. Michele Zanardo, a presidency that promises continuity

Already president and vice president in the past, Michele Zanardo will lead the National Committee of Dop and Igp wines for the next three years. An experienced figure to face the challenges of the regulations, the quality of wines and their protection on the international scene.

19. Wine language: a turning point is needed

Ilaria Cappuccini, alias Just.saywine, reiterates the need for a simpler, more inclusive, less technical and redundant language to bring young people closer and make them participate in a world rich in traditions, but also modernity. The goal is to make wine perceived as a contemporary product, without losing its roots.

20. Tascante: 15 years of wine on Etna with Tasca d'Almerita

Since 2007, the Tasca family has invested in Etna, producing wines that reflect the volcanic terroir. With the acquisition of new land in 2016 and the launch of the Marchesa winery, the Tascante project consolidates Etna as a reference territory for wines with character and personality.

21. The Grosjean family, 400 years of history in the Aosta Valley

The Grosjean family, rooted in the Aosta Valley, is an example of how viticulture, even in mountainous areas, can flourish with determination and respect for tradition. Today it produces wines that demonstrate the care of the land and the legacy of generations of winemakers.

22. Borgo Condé, Christmas events with visits and tastings

The Borgo Condé Wine Resort cellar opens its doors to visitors on December 15 and 21. An opportunity to discover production up close, buy gifts and taste wines in a festive atmosphere, immersing yourself in the Christmas magic among the hills of Romagna.

23. In VINO VeritARS: Apulian artists and cellars in Bitonto

On December 14, the Asteria Space association hosts the third stage of “In VINO VeritARS” in Bitonto, uniting wineries and artists from Puglia. On display are the works of Angela Regina and a glass of wine by Valentina Passalacqua, for an evening that celebrates creativity, territory and local flavors.

24. Venosa Winery: Aglianico del Vulture at the top

Cantina di Venosa closes 2024 with numerous awards thanks to its Aglianico del Vulture, which win prizes and high scores in guides and competitions. A sign of the potential of Vulture and the company's commitment to promoting the wine identity of Lucania.

25. Masciarelli, restyling of the Classica line labels

The historic Abruzzo winery Masciarelli revises the image of its Rosato IGT and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC wines from the Classica line. The bottles abandon the traditional label in favor of a silkscreen that celebrates the region's uncontaminated nature, in homage to biodiversity and sustainability.

26. Mezzacorona: solid balance sheet and green investments

The Mezzacorona Group approves the 2024 budget with 212 million euros in turnover and strategies oriented towards sustainability, from the SQNPI to environmental certification. A sign of stability and foresight in a winemaking panorama not without uncertainties.

27. Wine as a true timeless “social”

While social networks change and evolve, wine remains the true “social” par excellence: a cultural and social glue, an emotion shared around a glass, a journey through territories, traditions and human stories. A ritual that does not need likes or followers to be authentic.

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