Wine Idea's wine news for December 28, 2024!

1) In Molise there is only one true native vine (which we have also awarded). Here is which one it is

• The context Molise has a rich ampelographic palette but it derives above all from “migrant” vines, such as Montepulciano and Trebbiano (coming from the north) and Aglianico, Fiano, Falanghina (from the south).
• The only native variety is Tintilia , which in recent years has attracted increasing attention from local producers, who are experimenting with excellent interpretations of it.
• Results and prospects Tintilia is now an emblem of Molise, with an identity that allows it to position itself alongside other territorial wines from central and southern Italy. Industry insiders agree that its potential is constantly growing.

2) The wine tourism hub in the heart of Puglia: a family affair

• The protagonists are Maria Concetta Giacovelli (from Ostuni) and Stefano Goracci (from Montepulciano), both engineers with experience in large companies such as Prada and other companies linked to luxury and renewables.
• Project In Lizzano , in the province of Taranto, the couple is developing the Tenuta Licupi , the first hub for eco-sustainable Apulian wine.
• Objective To combine hospitality, agriculture and wine culture, attracting tourists looking for quality, sustainability and immersion among vineyards and olive trees.

3) Tourism in the Langhe and Roero: it's not just those who arrive with the biggest wallets

• The phenomenon The Langhe, together with the Roero, continue to record a large influx of visitors, especially in autumn, with peaks of overcrowding in many locations.
• The critical issues
  • Traffic and insufficient parking.
  • Difficulty finding seats in restaurants and agritourisms.
• Reflection Not all tourists are high spenders or look for a starred restaurant: there is a more “popular” audience that loves an authentic experience. Local communities ask for a more balanced management of flows and services.

4) The new Highway Code affects customers' choices. Restaurateurs: "Less alcohol is ordered, some are asking for a wine bag"

• The new rules With the new Highway Code (in force since December 14), the alcohol limits are more restrictive and the penalties more severe.
• Effect on consumption
  • Many restaurateurs are reporting a drop in wine orders, especially by the glass.
  • Spread of the practice of the “wine bag” to take home the unfinished bottle.
• Trend Caution is increasing among customers: either they give up wine altogether or they organize themselves to avoid driving if they exceed the limit.

5) Contributions for agricultural companies: deadline set for 31 January 2025

• The measure Extra-area agricultural businesses identified by Masaf as being affected by drought in 2024 can request contributions from the Agricat company by 31 January 2025 .
• Conditions
  • Profitability drop greater than 30%.
  • It concerns regions such as Abruzzo, but could be extended to all areas declared eligible.
• Purpose To support farmers affected by extreme weather events, compensating part of the losses suffered.

6) Etna is not for everyone

• Focus Etna remains at the top of Italian winemaking, with an international appeal that does not wane. Its wines (especially those based on nerello mascalese and nerello tazza) continue to conquer the public and critics.
• Reflection However, this is not “easy” territory: production is fragmented, management costs are high, and those who do not have a solid foundation risk failure.
• Considerations In Sicily, other territories (for example the Cerasuolo di Vittoria area, the Ragusa area, the Trapani area) feel that they are not given the same media attention, and yet they hope that the "overpower" of the Etna brand can act as a driving force for the entire island.

7) Autumn vine care: essential steps for a plentiful grape harvest

• Crucial operations
  • Autumn pruning (or pre-pruning) to prepare the plant and control the following year's production.
  • Organic and mineral fertilization, when necessary, to replenish nutrients.
  • Final phytosanitary treatments to protect vines from fungi and winter adversities.
• Purpose To obtain higher quality grapes in the following harvest, preserving the health of the vineyard and production stability.

8) “Bringing wine if you are invited to dinner is rude. It is better to arrive with a bottle of olive oil”: etiquette tips from chef Ina Garten

• Changing habits According to some recent trends from across the Channel, showing up at a dinner with a bottle of wine is no longer the ideal choice, indeed it is considered “rude”.
• Alternative Celebrity chef Ina Garten suggests bringing quality extra virgin olive oil instead of wine: a welcome, less predictable gift that the host can use in the kitchen or on the table.
• Debate Opinions are divided. On the one hand, there is the tradition of bringing wine, on the other, the idea of a different gift that leaves the host complete freedom to serve his own wines is gaining ground.

9) The best wineries in Italy according to Go Wine. Tuscany dominates

• The guide The new Guide “Cantine d'Italia 2025” by the Go Wine association was presented: 874 selected companies, over 4,900 wines reported and 1600 addresses where to eat and sleep.
• Results
  • Tuscany leads the ranking with over 100 wineries reviewed and 53 Go Wine Imprints, a recognition that signals excellence in wine tourism hospitality.
  • Other awards include special mentions and recognitions for companies from Piedmont, Veneto, Campania and other regions.

10) One of the most famous wines in the world ends up at auction, but finds no buyers

• The case Eight bottles of Château Cheval Blanc 1947 , one of Bordeaux's most celebrated wines, remained unsold at auction in Denmark.
• Estimated value Between 300 thousand and 400 thousand Danish kroner (over 40-50 thousand euros) for the entire lot.
• Reasons Experts hypothesize that market uncertainty and investor caution have discouraged the purchase. It remains to be seen whether this is an isolated episode or a symptom of a decline in interest in top-of-the-range wines.

11) The best Italian white and red wines to start 2025 off right

• Conscious choice
  • Read the label carefully (vintage, origin, grape variety, alcohol content).
  • Let yourself also be inspired by the design or the “story” of the manufacturer.
• Trends There is growing interest in fresh whites and lighter, lower-alcohol reds alongside classic, full-bodied reds.
• Tips Contact trusted wine shops and sommeliers, take advantage of guides and reviews to avoid getting lost among the many labels available.

12) Europe, lower your glasses: wine is no longer drunk

• Falling consumption According to European Commission projections, wine consumption in the Union is set to fall by 1% annually until 2035.
• Effects on production and exports
  • Production could drop by 140 million hectoliters.
  • EU exports will fall by 1.2%, with a more marked decline for non-EU countries (–2.7%).
• Causes Growing health awareness, inflation, changes in consumer tastes, and competition from other drinks (cocktails, craft beer, no/low alcohol).

13) Wine, consumption down but north-west Italy is “worth” almost the national average

• Statistics According to Istat data reworked by WineNews, in Italy 29.4 million people consume wine, but approximately 57.8% of them do so only occasionally.
• Negative trend Volumes are decreasing, especially among young people, for health and economic reasons.
• Geographical areas In the north-west (Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta, Liguria, Lombardy) per capita consumption is quite significant compared to other areas of the Peninsula and is close to the national average.

14) Wine in Bhutan, Trump and duties, Haroon Rahimi and the ongoing Bordeaux crisis

• Intrawine The latest Intravino review of 2024 highlights:
  • Wine experiments also in Bhutan.
  • Risk of new US tariffs on imported wine, in case of Donald Trump's election.
  • Bordeaux crisis continues, with difficulties in sales and exports.

15) Franciacorta between past, present and future

• Ca' del Bosco Historic winery founded thanks to the intuition of Maurizio Zanella in the 70s. The history of the company is an exemplary case of how the Classic Method in Franciacorta has evolved, both from a technical and media point of view.
• Analyses
  • Visionary and far-sighted approach.
  • Key steps: vineyard reconversion, cellar innovations, international communication.
• Looking to the future Strengthening the image and exports appears essential, while the challenge will be to maintain a strong territorial identity, facing competition from other Italian and foreign sparkling wines.

16) Moris Farm in Massa Marittima is “Winery of the Year”

• Recognition In the Go Wine 2025 Cantine d'Italia Guide, Moris Farm in Massa Marittima (Gr) won the “Gioacchino La Franca” award for the best winery experience of the year.
• Value The award enhances the hospitality of the wineries, considering the human aspect and the contribution to territorial promotion.
• Identikit of the Moris Farm winery is a historic reality of the Tuscan Maremma, appreciated for the production of characterful reds, above all Morellino di Scansano, and for the quality hospitality.

Stay connected with QUIDQUID for the latest news from the world of wine!

See you tomorrow for new updates.