Wine Idea's wine news for December 23, 2024!

1. In the Langhe, a 19th century village redeveloped with hotels, historic cellars and a gourmet restaurant

Where : Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, among the UNESCO landscapes of the Barolo hills. Project : Villaggio Narrante, curated by Fontanafredda and Casa E. di Mirafiore, two historic wineries that have restored an ancient 160-year-old village, transforming it into a widespread resort, with three types of accommodation and the renowned “Guido Ristorante”, managed by chef Ugo Alciati and his brother Piero. Why it's interesting : It combines wine tourism, historic architecture and haute cuisine, rediscovering the Piedmontese winemaking tradition in a cultural and hospitality project of great charm.

2. Marsala and the perpetual wine in the column “Countries, landscapes…” by Rampello

Who : Davide Rampello tells the story of Giacomo, an oenologist who has recovered the tradition of “perpetual wine”, the ancestor of Marsala. Characteristics : Perpetual is an ancient method that uses a single barrel for the continuous refinement of several vintages. In this way, the new wine is added from time to time to the existing one, giving an eternal product. The essence : Giacomo guards a heritage of centuries-old barrels, symbol of a tradition that has practically disappeared, today brought back into fashion to pass it on to future generations.

3. FVG, faster and more streamlined tenders for agriculture in 2025

Data : In 2024, the Region has disbursed over 340 million euros to the agri-food, forestry and fishing system, financing more than 500 companies with 146 million in advance liquidity. News : In 2025, the "Agricultural Value Program" will start with an initial endowment of 4 million, which will allow for faster contributions and closer to the real needs of companies, without waiting for traditional and often slow procedures.

4. Young people in agriculture, lights and shadows: specialized skills are needed

Current events : The Agia assembly (Association of young agricultural entrepreneurs of Cia) takes stock of how the under 40 generation is approaching the agricultural enterprise, between training courses and lack of services. Emerging profiles : Data analyst, green manager, agrinfluencer... Manual experience is no longer enough, now you need to be a multitasking entrepreneur, know how to orient yourself in financing and have a significant initial capital (the average price of land in Italy is around 29 thousand euros/hectare).

5. Only one Treviso wine among the best for the Christmas and New Year holidays

Why : In the selection of Venetian labels (from the Vinetia guide of AIS Veneto), only a red from the province of Treviso is among the top choices to bring to the table during the holidays. Focus : Venetian bubbles and whites remain the great protagonists, with Prosecco and classic method sparkling wines conquering wine lovers from all over the world.

6. Alcohol crackdown and fears in Tuscan cellars

New Highway Code : Reduction of the blood alcohol limit and heavier fines, especially for young new drivers and professionals. Effects : Tuscan wineries, from Montalcino to Chianti, are reporting some concern about possible drops in sales related to visits to wineries and food and wine tourism. But for now there are no definitive data.

7. Prosecco Light: towards a more “low alcohol” future

Trend : Prosecco's international popularity is skyrocketing (over 650 million bottles expected this year), but consumers, especially younger ones, are looking with interest at lower-alcohol versions. Outlook : The Prosecco DOC Consortium is studying how to satisfy this demand, experimenting with partial dealcoholization techniques for a lighter wine, without sacrificing its fresh, fruity taste.

8. Alcohol-free wine, green light from Veneto

Yes from the State-Regions Conference : Approved the draft ministerial decree on dealcoholized wines, which unlocks the production of no and low alcohol in Italy, opening a rapidly growing market (especially in Nordic and Anglo-Saxon countries). Debate : Although dealcoholization remains prohibited for PDO and PGI wines, a “light” sector is envisaged, useful for consumers seeking a lower alcohol impact.

9. Wine in the 80s? A very different scenario

Retrospective : Wine consumption in Italy, forty years ago, was sometimes considered “mass” and not very specialized, while Bordeaux and France led the international scene with iconic wines. Evolution : Today, Italian wine culture has expanded, with strengthened denominations and greater attention to quality, giving space to many regional districts that were previously almost ignored.

10. Montefiascone - Social winery, board of directors resigns

Chronicle : After 50 years of leadership, Mario Trapè, historic president and director of the Cantina Sociale di Montefiascone, has resigned, along with the entire board. Next steps : By January 2025, the members' assembly will have to elect a new governing body and a new director, closing an era in the management of the historic cooperative.

11. Report shines a spotlight on great Tuscan reds: “Vino su misura”

Investigation : In the episode of Sunday 22 December, “Report” questioned some practices in the sector of the most successful Tuscan reds (Chianti, Bolgheri, Supertuscans). Risk of manipulation and use of grapes from other areas? Reactions : The report has sparked debates and fears among producers. Many speak of limited and non-representative cases, fearing that an entire territory of excellence is being criminalized.

12. Franciacorta and sustainability: stricter phytosanitary limits

Practice : The area north of Brescia adopts more stringent standards than the national ones for pest control, making coexistence with inhabited centers more balanced. Initiatives : Every year, Franciacorta companies develop new projects to reduce chemical treatments, sometimes adopting technologies such as drones and DSS (Decision Support System).

13. Counterfeit wine: Codici raises the alarm

Case Sardinia : 29 people investigated for commercial fraud, accused of selling Sardinian DOC and DOCG wines that were actually products of poor quality and dubious origin. Advice for Christmas gifts : Codici invites consumers to turn to reliable retailers and well-known labels. Also beware of prices that are “too low to be true”.

14. The Capezzana Estate (Carmignano) between history and innovation

Tradition : Carmignano is one of the oldest areas of Italian wine, recognized by Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici as early as 1716. Focus : At the Capezzana Estate, the Contini Bonacossi family also focuses heavily on Vin Santo and various crus of Sangiovese and international vines, with a philosophy that combines the past and experimentation.

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