Wine Idea's wine news for December 22, 2024!

1. Grapes and champagne, the Campania bubbles make their mark

Whether it's sparkling wine or something else, the important thing is one thing: drinking Campania. Regional wines are gaining more and more space on Neapolitan tables during the Christmas holidays, thanks also to the curiosity shown by starred restaurateurs and young local consumers. Campania, therefore, confirms itself as a land of great excitement, where the drive towards the promotion of the territory meets the desire to experiment with new labels.

2. Slow Wine Fair 2025: focus on packaging and sustainability

The 4th edition of the Slow Wine Fair (23-25 February 2025, BolognaFiere), held in conjunction with Sana Food, explores in depth the sustainability of the winemaking supply chain, going beyond the vineyard and the cellar methods. Glass, innovative materials, corks, capsules and labels will be discussed in a discussion involving producers, designers and operators in the sector for a wine with the lowest possible environmental impact.

3. How to get rid of alcohol before driving: advice from the nutritionist

With the entry into force of the new Highway Code, blood alcohol limits have become even more stringent: 0.5 g/L for ordinary drivers and zero tolerance for professionals and new drivers. How can you avoid taking risks when you raise your glass? A nutritionist suggests:

• Always eat some carbohydrates before drinking.

• Drink plenty of water (both before and during meals) and give yourself time before getting behind the wheel.

• Do not overdo it with alcohol and, if in doubt, avoid driving.

4. World Wine Production Down: 2024 Worst Year Since 1961

The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) estimates that 2024 will be the least abundant year since 1961, between 227 and 235 million hectoliters. Among the causes, extreme weather conditions (drought and heavy rains in several wine-growing areas). The decline does not spare almost any major producing country, posing many uncertainties also on the economic and commercial level.

5. Red wine and cheese: perfect match or “atomic ball”?

We are used to thinking that “cheese = red wine”. Pairing experts, however, explain that the tannin of the red does not always combine well with the fat and flavor of the cheese. Very often the best sensory contrasts are with aromatic whites or bubbles. It all, of course, depends on the type of cheese and how much you are willing to experiment.

6. Marsala and the timeless charm of eternal wine

Marsala, the Punic city rebuilt on the ruins of Lilibeo, enchants with its sweet and fortified wines. According to the architect and writer Philippe Daverio, the wine of this territory is "eternal", capable of surviving the passing of centuries thanks to its strong identity. Today Marsala once again attracts tourists of taste, fascinated by a place that combines history and know-how.

7. Towards a billion bottles: Italian sparkling wine on New Year's Eve

Estimates from the main trade associations predict that Italy will exceed the threshold of one billion bottles of sparkling wine by the end of the year, with a peak in consumption during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The driving force is ensured by the large districts (Prosecco, Franciacorta, Asti spumante, Lambrusco di Sorbara in the Brut version), now increasingly present on tables all over the world.

8. Blind tastings: in Monforte d'Alba the initiative of Parusso and Luca Boccoli

One of the most curious and immersive ways to appreciate a wine is to do it completely in the dark, relying on touch, smell and taste. The Parusso Company, in the Langhe, is experimenting with this format with the collaboration of Luca Boccoli, a blind sommelier. Participants taste 4 labels (including a Barolo Bussia and a Langhe Nebbiolo) in the absence of light, concentrating perception even more on the “minor” senses.

9. Cartizze Dry Valdobbiadene Docg by Bacio della Luna

From the Bacio della Luna winery (part of Schenk Italian Wineries) comes a Cartizze Dry 2023 characterized by floral freshness and creaminess on the palate. Production oriented towards the medium-high range and focused on Prosecco Superiore in the most suitable areas such as Cartizze. Aromas of pear and white flowers, with a sweet almond finish.

10. Slow Wine Fair 2025: packaging and sustainability of wine beyond the rows

Repeating what has already been highlighted (see news item no. 2): in the next event in Bologna (February 23-25, 2025), Slow Wine Fair will talk about the evolution of packaging and sustainable practices in the wine sector, from alternative formats to glass to the themes of recycling and the circular economy. This choice anticipates the debates on how to make the environmental impact of the sector lighter.

11. Alcohol crackdown in new Highway Code: Tuscan wineries concerned

The new 2024 Highway Code, tightening the limits on blood alcohol levels, is also raising concerns in Tuscany, especially among wineries that offer tasting tours in the area. For now, there is no data on a drop in tourists or wine lovers, but there is a sense of greater caution: this is why some companies are evaluating shuttle services, discounts for "designated" drivers and agreements with local taxis.

12. From a “Report” on Bolgheri and Chianti to the producers’ concern

The program “Report” (Rai 3) returns to talk about wine with a report dedicated to the great Tuscan reds. The preview suggests that some production and commercial choices of the territory will be questioned, with hypotheses of “grapes from outside the region” and other alleged contradictions. Reactions and debates are expected from operators in the sector, who lately have been trying to guarantee transparency and a link with the terroir.

13. Franciacorta increasingly sustainable

In the hilly area between Brescia and Lake Iseo, Franciacorta producers have adopted stricter regulations than national phytosanitary regulations, to ensure peaceful coexistence between vineyards and residential areas, limit chemical treatments and promote techniques with lower impact. Some wineries are even experimenting with drones and decision support systems to optimize treatment timing and reduce water waste.

14. “Counterfeit” Wine: Codici Alert for Christmas Gifts

In recent weeks, in Sardinia, investigations have been launched into the possible sale of fake DOC and DOCG wines, which in reality would be common wines of other origins. The consumer association Codici warns: at Christmas, many choose to give fine bottles as gifts, but it is best to be careful, relying on safe channels and carefully reading the labels, to avoid scams and low-quality products.

15. The future of Chianti and Carmignano: spotlight on Capezzana

The Tenuta di Capezzana, which is part of the Carmignano Docg denomination (one of the oldest in the world, recognized since 1716), is among the symbols of a territory that combines history and modernity. The Contini Bonacossi family, owners since 1926, celebrates the value of Vin Santo, as well as numerous crus of Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and other varieties, focusing on hospitality and unique art collections.

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