Wine Idea's wine news for December 24, 2024!

1) If you say Syrah, you say Cortona. The story of Stefano Amerighi and other Tuscan producers

• General scenario : Wine is going through a moment of uncertainty, between climate change, consumer crisis and inflation, but in Tuscany there are those who see opportunities even in this phase.
• Cortona Doc : This small denomination, focused mainly on the Syrah grape variety, wants to relaunch its identity on an international level, distinguishing itself thanks to local producers, among whom the figure of Stefano Amerighi, a visionary oenologist and winemaker, stands out.
• Objective : To make Cortona the main Italian reference area for Syrah, conquering new markets and valorizing a territory that combines tradition and experimentation.

2) Vin Friularo Docg Experience and the Dominio of Bagnoli

• Event : Sunday 19 January 2025, at “Il Dominio di Bagnoli” (Padua), a tasting tour dedicated to Vin Friularo Docg and the thousand-year history of this renowned agricultural property, mentioned as early as 954 AD, will take place.
• Highlights : In addition to the tasting, participants will discover the history of the place, once a Benedictine possession, and today among the most prestigious wine-growing sites in the region, with a rich historical-artistic and agronomic heritage.

3) Fantini, the encyclopedia of southern wine

• Who it is : A wine group that originated from the former Farnese, today extended to several regions of Central-Southern Italy (Abruzzo, Puglia, Basilicata, Campania, Sicily) and with a branch in Spain.
• Business model : It does not own vineyards, but collaborates with local winemakers, providing assistance in the fields and in the cellar, and taking care of commercial distribution.
• Main wines : Managing numerous regional denominations (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Primitivo, Nero d'Avola, Negroamaro, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, etc.), it creates a broad mosaic of the wine heritage of Southern Italy.

4) Wine Report? "Much Ado About Nothing"

• TV Episode : A recent investigation by the program “Report” has shed light on some alleged irregularities in the Supertuscan sector.
• Criticisms : Many producers reply that nothing particularly new or "scandalous" has been revealed, highlighting excessive sensationalism.
• Conclusion : The impression is that legal practices, such as the purchase of bulk wines, have been mixed with more serious (but limited) hypotheses of manipulation, generating confusion among consumers.

5) Dealcoholized wines also in Italy: production starts

• New Decree : Signed by the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, it regulates the possibility of producing completely or partially dealcoholized wines, filling the Italian regulatory gap.
• Exclusions : The Designations of Origin (PDO and PGI) remain excluded and cannot be subjected to dealcoholization practices.
• Market : The opening to this “light” typology responds to an increasingly consolidated international trend, especially among younger or well-being-conscious consumers.

6) Cantine Bertani: the art of wine meets the charm of architecture

• Restyling : In the historic Valpolicella company, part of the Angelini Wines & Estates group, the tourist reception and architectural project curated by the Westway Architects studio has been completed.
• Objective : To enhance the historical heritage of the Bertani brand with modern and functional spaces, where tasting is combined with cultural and artistic experiences.
• Meaning : The company intends to create a hub capable of telling the story of the Veronese winemaking tradition through high-profile hospitality.

7) Cantina Chitarra: the elegance and charm of authentic Sicily in a bottle

• Location : Marsala area, with roots dating back to 1907.
• Characteristics : The company works with an eye to sustainability, producing wines from native Sicilian vines such as Grillo, Zibibbo, Inzolia, Nero d'Avola, and other international varieties.
• Mission : To tell the story of the Marsala territory and Sicily, combining centuries-old history and new winemaking techniques, while respecting the environment.

8) The perfect Christmas wine: 11 tips from our experts

• Ideas : From classic pairings (Alto Adige Gewürztraminer with Gorgonzola and walnut canapés) to more creative solutions (Italian bubbles throughout the meal), here is a mini-guide to the main holiday dishes.
• Focus : Promote typical regional products, choose “km 0” or organic labels and pay attention to the serving temperature to fully enjoy the aromatic bouquet.

9) Rain of stars 2024 for the cellars of “101 Vini”

• Selections : Numerous awards for the wines that the “101 Vini” agency has presented in the major competitions and sector guides.
• Top : Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso for some Piedmont and Veneto wineries, entry into the Top 100 of Wine Enthusiast for other labels from Borgogno (Piedmont) and Serafini & Vidotto (Veneto).
• Meaning : A confirmation of the vivacity and competence of Italian producers, who conquer critics and the world market with innovative wines tied to the territory.

10) Cantine di Verona closes the year with a turnover of 62.6 million

• 2023-2024 Budget : The shareholders' meeting unanimously approved the financial year, slightly down, but still positive, with shareholders' contributions remaining robust.
• Excellent distribution : Company wine shops are recording growing results, proving consumer confidence in direct purchasing.
• Future : Investments in marketing and supply chain innovation to consolidate positioning in a competitive market.

11) The Cotarella brothers' epic: a sparkling wine to be savored

• History : Renzo and Riccardo Cotarella, famous oenologists and consultants, with the Falesco company (now Famiglia Cotarella) have shaken up the Lazio and Umbrian wine scene since the 1970s.
• Portfolio : Their estate ranges from Lazio to Umbria, cultivating native (Roscetto, Aleatico) and international (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) vines, including the production of a Classic Method from the Orvieto hills.
• Innovation and tradition : They represent one of the reference families in the sector, between research, promotion and teaching (with projects aimed at young people and wine training).

12) Vinoway Selection 2025: three golds for the Apulian winery “Kandèa”

• Results : At the Vinoway event, the Kandèa line from the Azienda Agricola F.lli Cataldo (from Candela, in Puglia) won three gold medals.
• Grape varieties : Winning bet on both native (Nero di Troia, Aglianico) and international varieties.
• Perspectives : Puglia confirms itself as one of the most effervescent regions in the Italian wine scene, with quality products and a strong territorial identity.

13) Grevepesa, the sun returns to the cellar: 20 layoffs cancelled

• Story : After the collective dismissal procedure started on October 31, the Castelli del Grevepesa cooperative (San Casciano in Val di Pesa) withdraws the measures, reassuring the employees.
• Consequences : The assembly of members and workers welcomed the news with relief, becoming a sign of hope for one of the most important wine cooperatives in Chianti.
• Reason : In parallel, the “negotiated resolution of the crisis” involving the cooperative ran aground; now, thanks to a binding offer that did not come to fruition, everything is back to normal.

14) National Fair of San Giuseppe, 14-23 March 2025 in Casale Monferrato

• Focus : 76th Regional Exhibition of San Giuseppe 2025 in the “Riccardo Coppo” exhibition center with the participation of wine producers and agricultural companies.
• Expected : Considered one of the most important events in Monferrato for the promotion of the sector, a unique opportunity to discover the typical wine and food products of the area.

15) Agriculture, 22 million euros in compensation from Condifesa TVB

• Who : The Consorzio Condifesa TVB (Treviso, Vicenza, Belluno) announces that, for 2024, it will pay out 22 million euros in compensation to insured farmers.
• Adversities : Hail remains the most devastating phenomenon for crops, and in recent years it has been continuously increasing.
• Benefits : Protecting yourself with targeted policies is proving to be increasingly essential for agricultural businesses that intend to safeguard their profitability.

16) Nino Franco, Docg Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Dry “Primo Franco”

• Cellar : Founded in 1919 with Bepi Franco, the company is among the pioneers of single-vineyard Prosecco Superiore (1933) and today boasts a strong positioning in the world of sparkling wines.
• Cult wine : “Primo Franco” was the first vintage Prosecco (1983), created by Primo Franco, the founder’s heir. A label that symbolizes the revolution of Prosecco as a quality wine, with hints of flowers and white fruits.

17) 'Tailor-made wine'? Report's revelations and the reaction of Tuscan producers

• Service : “Report” aired a focus on some prestigious areas of Tuscany, raising doubts about the practice of purchasing grapes or wines from outside the denomination.
• Reply : Several prominent names in the Chianti and Supertuscan sectors responded with indignation, explaining that the few irregularities concern marginal operators and that the traceability system and the protection consortia operate severely.

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