Wine Idea's wine news for December 20, 2024!

1. Biodynamics in the vineyard: Swiss study questions the “miracle” of preparations 500 and 501

A recently published study by Markus Rienth and colleagues analyzed the effectiveness of biodynamic preparations 500 and 501 on Chasselas vines in Switzerland. The experimental vineyard, set up with rigorous scientific criteria in Mont-sur-Rolle, showed no significant differences compared to organic management, casting doubt on the supposed “magical” virtues of biodynamics in viticulture.

2. AgriManager 2025: training and resilience in the agricultural world

The AgriManager project, coordinated by Agri2000 Net, focuses this year on the theme “Agriculture and climate change: how to be resilient?”. Through a questionnaire aimed at the most dynamic realities of the sector, we try to identify the challenges and strategies that companies will have to adopt to grow in the coming years. The goal is to spread managerial tools and strategic knowledge to make agricultural companies more solid and adaptable.

3. A “gateway” to the Unesco hills: Valentino Moro’s work in Valdobbiadene

The “Tenuta Torre di Zecchei” in Valdobbiadene celebrates the Prosecco hills and their identity with an artistic installation by Valentino Moro. The work in iron and stone takes the form of a “door”, an ideal gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage hills. The company, which renovated an old rural building and transformed it into a B&B with Wine Experience, thus expresses a synthesis of history, territory and scenic beauty.

4. La Poja by Allegrini: an iconic wine that tells the story of the new Valpolicella

La Poja was born in 1979 as a visionary idea by Giovanni Allegrini, planting Corvina on calcareous soil and renouncing the traditional pergola in favor of a guyot system. The wine, born with the 1983 harvest, has become an icon of Valpolicella. Today, La Poja represents the evolution and courage of interpreting the territory in a modern and quality way.

5. Bisol1542: the nuances of Valdobbiadene DOCG in 5 great labels

Bisol1542, a historic Prosecco Superiore winery with almost 500 years of history, offers 5 interpretations of bubbles for a total of 425,000 bottles. Labels such as Relio Rive di Guia, Crede, I Gondolieri, Molera, Cartizze offer a journey into the Valdobbiadene area, between heroic viticulture, different soils and sartorial interpretations of Glera, to discover the uniqueness of a UNESCO heritage.

6. Coldiretti: Italian agriculture, 9 billion losses in 2024

Coldiretti's estimate indicates 9 billion euros of damages between climate change, health emergencies and unfair competition for Italian agriculture. It is a high price that impacts business incomes and highlights the need for support policies and adaptation strategies to the new global conditions, from the field to the table, including the wine supply chain.

7. Wine in Arid Areas: Lessons for the Mediterranean from the Israeli Desert

In the Negev Desert, in Israel, researchers at Ben Gurion University are studying viticulture systems resistant to extreme climates. Professor Aaron Fait explains that the desert could serve as a “laboratory” to test conditions similar to those that are expected for the Mediterranean due to global warming. A resilient viticulture, between optimized irrigation and innovative agronomic practices, could be the future.

8. Collio: no war, decisions are collegial. President Buzzinelli speaks

In Collio, changes to the specifications have been initiated, including the definition of a white wine from native grapes (Friulano, Ribolla and Malvasia). After weeks of heated discussions, the president of the Consortium, David Buzzinelli, reiterates: "No war, the assembly is sovereign". The new course aims to enhance the territory and unite the different production souls, seeking a shared and inclusive solution.

9. Dealcoholized wines: draft decree approved by State-Regions Conference

The State-Regions Conference has given the green light to the draft decree that regulates the production of dealcoholized and partially dealcoholized wines. The signature of Minister Lollobrigida is awaited. Unione Italiana Vini expresses satisfaction: Italian wineries will be able to access a growing market, with the so-called “sober curious” increasingly numerous, opening up new commercial opportunities.

10. Italian wine exports: first nine months of 2024 recovering

Italian wine exports are starting again, with 2024 marked by a positive turnaround in the first nine months. According to Ismea, volumes and values are growing again despite the complexity of the international context. An encouraging sign that could push the sector towards a new record of over 8 billion euros in exports at the end of the year.

11. Cantina di Ramuscello: first FVG producer of vegan wine

The Cantina di Ramuscello e San Vito, despite a 10% drop in revenue (11 million euros), closes with a profit of 17 thousand euros and strengthens the number of its members. It is the second wine cooperative in Friuli Venezia Giulia and can boast of being among the first producers of certified vegan wine in the region, evidence of a commitment to more conscious and market-conscious production choices.

12. Olio, Cantina Sociale Colli Fiorentini: “Difficult year, but quality”

Not just wine. Even extra virgin olive oil suffers from adverse weather conditions. The Cantina Sociale Colli Fiorentini, which runs a modern oil mill, has found low yields (between 10% and 15%), but the quality is excellent. Producers focus on attention to detail and new agronomic strategies to enhance another local excellence.

13. Castellare di Castellina: history and future of a pioneer in the Renaissance of Tuscan wine

Domini Castellare di Castellina brings together four wineries, starting with Castellare in Chianti Classico. Founded in the 1970s by Paolo Panerai, today the group includes companies such as Rocca di Frassinello in Maremma, Feudi del Pisciotto and Gurra di Mare in Sicily. Under the guidance of winemaker Alessandro Cellai and with a vision that combines tradition and innovation, the group is paving the way for the future of Tuscan and Italian winemaking.

14. Cantina Risveglio partner of Valtur Brindisi: wine and sport arm in arm

Cantina Risveglio, founded in Brindisi in 1960, becomes a business partner of Valtur Brindisi, a local sports team. A combination of territory, wine excellence and sport, which strengthens the bond with the community. In fact, sport can also be a vector for promoting wine, telling stories of passion and rootedness in the territory.

15. Spalletti Cellars, rebirth and innovation at the Ribano Castle

The Spalletti Colonna Winery in Paliano, at the Castello di Ribano, is launching a rebirth project to enhance 130 hectares of vineyards and olive groves. New investments, modernization of technologies and relaunch of the historic brand: the goal is to put the cultural and agronomic heritage back at the center, offering wines with great identity.

16. Sicilia DOC: a 2024 dedicated to research and international promotion

Despite a slight 5% drop in bottled wines (564,917 hectoliters), the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian Doc Wines confirms the overall stability of the denomination. 2024 was a year of consolidation, focusing on research, quality, territorial identity and promotion abroad. The goal is to continue to grow and be appreciated on international markets.

17. Primitivo di Manduria: a year of successes for the Consortium

The Consortium for the Protection of Primitivo di Manduria closes 2024 with 38 international events, consolidating its presence on key European markets. Apulian wine confirms itself as an icon of Southern Italy, with the commitment to look to the future and interpret the ever-changing market, between attention to quality and targeted marketing strategies.

18. Pighin Farm: goals and prospects for the new year

Founded in 1963, Azienda Agricola Pighin (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) takes stock of a dynamic 2024, despite the challenges. Technological investments, micro-irrigation, average renewal of 6-8 hectares of vineyards per year: the company looks ahead and focuses on a qualitative and sustainable production model, to best face 2025.

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