Wine Idea's wine news for December 16, 2024!

1. Agricultural Land Value: New Assessments Coming Soon

Agricultural land represents a potentially very profitable investment, but its value can vary considerably based on location, soil quality, viable crops and current regulations. According to the latest estimates, new evaluation criteria come into force today, which will take greater account of environmental, production and intended use parameters. A change that could significantly impact the land market and investment strategies in the agricultural sector.

2. New Highway Code: Difficulties in Barolo Restaurants

With the entry into force of the new rules on drunk driving, restaurateurs in the Barolo area are expressing concern. The classic offer includes tastings with multiple glasses of wine, but not all customers will be able to afford a private driver or an alternative transfer. The reduction in alcohol consumption at the table, for fear of sanctions, could affect the turnover of the establishments, forcing them to review the food and wine proposals.

3. Orange wine: a consolidated trend, excellent idea for Christmas gifts

Orange wines (or macerated white wines) are not a passing fad. In fact, they continue to be loved by the most curious and passionate consumers. Ideal for original Christmas gifts, these wines intrigue for their amber color, complex aromas and versatility in pairings, especially with elaborate dishes and ethnic cuisines. Gambero Rosso has drawn up a list of orange wines to give as gifts, recommending Italian labels that are enjoying success all over the world.

4. End of the partnership between Formula One and Ferrari Trento

After four years of collaboration, Ferrari Trento closes its experience in Formula 1. The last toast was in Abu Dhabi, but now the famous Trentino bubbles will focus on new projects. Matteo Lunelli, president and CEO of the Lunelli group, retraces the adventure in racing, underlining how it was an experience of great visibility and prestige, which brought the excellence of the Italian classic method to the podiums of the Grand Prix.

5. Finland: New Dietary Guidelines, Alcohol to Avoid

The new Finnish dietary guidelines recommend zero alcohol consumption, drastically reducing red meat and limiting coffee. A choice that sparks debate, given the popularity of wine also in Nordic countries, especially among the new generations of consumers who are attentive to health but also to quality food and wine experiences.

6. Four wines for Christmas lunch: advice from an expert

Fish appetizers, stuffed first courses, mixed roasts and boiled meats characterize the festive menus. The expert sommelier Martina Peron (Silvano winery in Milan) suggests 4 labels of different types and regions to accompany the Christmas lunch courses or to give as gifts to friends and relatives. A range of possibilities to satisfy all palates, from white to red, through rosé and bubbles, based on the dishes and preferences.

7. Italian agriculture in decline but still strategic

Despite the contraction recorded in 2023, the Italian agricultural sector confirms its importance at national and European level. According to Istat data, agricultural production decreased by 1.8% in real terms, the added value by 2.5%. However, agriculture remains a key sector, which demonstrates resilience and the ability to face changes, focusing on quality, diversification and sustainability.

8. Franciacorta: Cotarella signs two “quiet” wines

Franciacorta, known for its bubbles, is breaking new ground with the production of two still wines (pure Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) by oenologist Riccardo Cotarella. A sign of innovation in a territory traditionally devoted to the classic method, which could attract new market segments and expand the offering for consumers.

9. New Highway Code: How much wine can you drink?

The rules on penalties for drunk driving are more severe. The blood alcohol limit remains at 0.5 g/l, zero for new drivers and professional drivers. There is no universal formula to establish how many glasses of wine you can drink without risk, as individual factors such as weight, sex, metabolism come into play. Caution is a must, especially during the holidays.

10. Export: Italian bubbles surpass reds

For the first time, in the first 9 months of 2024, exports of Italian sparkling wines (528 million bottles) exceeded those of red wines (524 million) and widened the gap on white wines (460 million). A historic milestone, which testifies to the growing success of bubbles on the international scene and the change in consumer preferences.

11. The future of wine in the EU: less consumption, more freshness

The EU forecasts for 2035 indicate a decline in production, surfaces, consumption and exports. At the same time, consumers prefer fresh, light and aromatic wines, to the detriment of full-bodied reds and wines with high alcohol content. A context that stimulates operators to experiment with new typologies, such as dealcoholized wines, and to review their production and communication models.

12. The French Gilbert & Gaillard analyze the Italian wine

François Gilbert and Philippe Gaillard, founders of one of the most authoritative French wine magazines, appreciate the Italian wine industry for its diversity and varietal richness. Compared to the past, Italy no longer suffers from psychological subservience to France, and instead values its own uniqueness, shaping an original and competitive wine scene.

13. In Novara, I Dof Mati mix wine, history and chess

The winery I Dof Mati (The Two Girls, in Novara dialect), founded by Sara Paladini, expresses the passion for wine and the culture of the territory also through the reference to chess, a symbol of strategy and reflection. A female entrepreneurial project that focuses on quality and storytelling, enhancing the history and landscape of Novara.

14. New wine: Cantina Volpetti best in Italy

Cantina Volpetti of Ariccia triumphs in the XVIII edition of the National Competition of New Wine. Their “Note d'Autunno” wins, thus rewarding a wine typology that is often underestimated but capable of offering freshness, fragrance and vivacity, characteristics appreciated by consumers and experts.

15. Al-Cantàra: Author's labels on Etna

Pucci Giuffrida's Al-Cantàra winery on Mount Etna presents two new collector's labels, "U Pircanti" and "Onde si move e donde nasce Amore", inspired by mythical figures and poems of the volcanic territory. Each bottle is a unique work of art, a testimony to how wine can blend with culture and creativity.

16. New National Committee for DOP and IGP Wines

Minister Francesco Lollobrigida announces the new National Committee for PDO and PGI wines for the next three years, chaired by Michele Zanardo. A fundamental body for protecting and promoting Italian denominations, updating production regulations and addressing challenges on international markets.

17. Amarone in Cortina: the Valpolicella Consortium tells the story of the king of Valpolicella

On December 16, the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella brings Amarone to Cortina d'Ampezzo for a masterclass dedicated to the history, production and commercial prospects of one of Italy's most iconic wines. An opportunity for local operators and journalists to learn more about the territory and its excellences.

18. Sparkling wine drives Italian exports

According to the Uiv Observatory, in recent months Italian sparkling wines have consolidated their leadership, with a rapidly increasing export volume. The tricolor bubbles represent a crucial lever for the trade surplus of the wine sector, establishing themselves as an elite and mass product, capable of conquering palates in every corner of the world.

19. Lisandro's Cellar: Cartesian Axis Tasting

Cantina di Lisandro, in Caserta, hosted a unique tasting with a path on the Cartesian axis. An original idea to interpret and tell the nuances of three vines (Pallagrello Nero, Pallagrello Bianco and Casavecchia) through an unusual and educational approach, involving participants in a sensory and educational experience.

20. Mountain winery in Lerma: controversy over management

The minority councilors of the Unione Montana Dal Tobbio al Colma contest the version of the president and vice secretary on the sole management offer for the mountain winery of Lerma. Several documents provided by the minority would support a different reconstruction of the facts. The debate remains heated, awaiting further clarification.

21. Anastasia Mancini new president of the Tuscany Wine Tourism Movement

Young producer from Arezzo, Anastasia Mancini succeeds Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini at the helm of the Movimento Turismo del Vino Toscana. Among her projects: promotion, training, solidarity, valorization of small wineries, attention to new generations and quality wine tourism.

22. Holiday wines

Twenty labels including whites, rosés and reds for all budgets and for every occasion. From the Piedmontese tradition to the novelties of southern Italy, without forgetting forays abroad, the wines of the holidays know how to accompany complex menus and make convivial moments more pleasant. An opportunity to experiment with new combinations and give memorable wine experiences.

23. Ferraris Agricola obtains Equalitas certification

The Ferraris Agricola winery in Castagnole Monferrato, specialized in Ruchè Docg, is certified Equalitas, a standard of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The company, with growing turnover and a supportive employment structure, strengthens its commitment to an ethical and nature-friendly viticulture model.

24. Pennelli Cinghiale and Cantine Allegrini: export, diversification and resistance of Made in Italy

While manufacturing slows down, some sectors of Made in Italy are holding up thanks to innovation, quality and diversification. Wine is an example, with companies like Allegrini that continue to grow on international markets, demonstrating that the strength of the Italian brand lies in the ability to enhance its excellence.

25. Avanzi: the role of rosé in the identity of Valtènesi

The Avanzi family, a historic Garda family, has contributed to the development of rosés, which are now highly appreciated for their freshness and drinkability. With wines like “Antitesi”, the company shows its ability to interpret the territory and lead the rosé revolution, aiming to conquer consumers who love new taste experiences.

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