Wine Idea's wine news for December 9, 2024!

1. Ferrari Sparkling Wine Says Goodbye to Formula 1

After three years on the Circus podiums, Spumante Ferrari Trento ends its partnership with Formula 1. The last appearance took place in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of an agreement that has made drivers and fans around the world toast. Matteo Lunelli, president and CEO of Ferrari Trento, commented: «An investment that I would make a thousand times over», underlining the great return in terms of visibility and international prestige.

2. Nerina Cardile: from Etna to the glass with love

In Sicily, at the foot of Etna, the figure of Nerina Cardile grows, a woman of wine who with passion and determination offers a red son of the volcano. Native grapes, natural vinification and deep respect for the environment: her reality in Solicchiata (northern slope of Etna) expresses the authenticity of an extraordinary terroir and the enthusiasm of a woman capable of imprinting the soul of the place in the glass.

3. Moser: from cycling to the Trentodoc of Val di Cembra

Cantina Moser, founded in 1979 by cycling champion Francesco Moser and his brother Diego, represents the continuity between peasant roots and innovation. Today, the second generation (Carlo and Matteo Moser) enhances the winemaking heritage of the Val di Cembra, with classic method sparkling wines and labels that reflect work, sweat and passion, just like in Francesco's sporting career.

4. “Land Bank” in Lazio: land auctioned for young farmers

The Lazio Region updates the “land bank”, offering regional agricultural land to businesses, with 50% reserved for young people. The goal is to strengthen the agricultural supply chain, enhance rural real estate assets and create new jobs, betting on generational change and the future of agriculture.

5. Good wine also comes from “good” bacteria

A study by the University of Bologna, published in Communications Biology, highlights how the soil microbiome influences the sensory characteristics of wine. Analyzing the terroir of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, researchers discovered that the bacteria and microorganisms present in the vineyard influence the aromatic and gustatory profile of the wine, confirming the indissoluble bond between soil and glass.

6. Ten white wines under 20 euros for Christmas (Gambero Rosso)

From the end-of-year holidays to Epiphany, white wine continues to conquer the tables. Gambero Rosso reports ten labels (among Friulian Sauvignon, Sardinian Vermentino and other gems) all under 20 euros, perfect to give as a gift or to share, to surprise friends and family without emptying your wallet.

7. Benvenuto Brunello 2024: here are the new vintages in preview

The Brunello di Montalcino preview allowed tastings of the Brunello 2020 (released January 1, 2024), the selections, the 2019 Reserves and the Rosso di Montalcino (2023/2022/2021) before it goes on sale. International critics and buyers evaluated the potential of a year eagerly awaited, while enthusiasts and operators were able to discover in advance the evolution of one of Italy's most iconic reds.

8. Dop economy: wine slows down but consolidates large-scale retail trade and exports

According to the 22nd Ismea-Qualivita Report, despite the fact that PDO and PGI wine recorded a decline in value (-2.3% in 2023), it consolidated its presence in the large-scale retail trade (2.7%) and reached 6.9 billion in exports. A figure that confirms the importance of wine as a driving force of the Italian PDO economy, in a context of production and market criticalities.

9. Sparkling wines protagonists of 2024: 3.5% in value

The Federvini Observatory records a 3.5% increase in the market value of sparkling wines in 2024. Classic Method and Prosecco lead the growth, offsetting the decline in still wines. Sparkling wines remain the preferred choice for aperitifs and out-of-home consumption, consolidating their role as an iconic product of Made in Italy winemaking.

10. 15 years of Italia del Vino: training and innovation at the centre

The Consorzio Italia del Vino celebrates its first 15 years, bringing together 25 wineries, a total turnover of over 1.5 billion euros and 15% of national exports. The future mission focuses on training, innovation and international promotion, with the aim of strengthening the image of Italian winemaking in the world.

11. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano “Pieve” debuts in January

The new typology “Pieve” of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano will be on the market from January 1st: 12 Additional Geographic Units (UGA), lower yields and a higher percentage of Sangiovese (85%) to enhance the bond with the territory. A step forward in the territorial characterization of this great Tuscan wine.

12. Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening Conquers the US Southwest

The Barolo and Barbaresco denominations aim to strengthen their primacy in the United States, the first market for Italian wine. The “Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening” becomes itinerant in the American Southwest, a strategy to preside over foreign markets in a complex economic phase and consolidate the hard core of quality consumption.

13. Sud Top Wine 2024: awards for the excellence of Southern Italy

The sixth edition of Sud Top Wine, hosted in Palermo, celebrated 69 excellent wines selected from over 500 labels from Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia. The event, included in the Taormina Gourmet On Tour program, confirmed the wine vitality of the Mezzogiorno.

14. Raboso closes the 2024 harvest at Cantina di Cona

The 2024 harvest, marked by unfavorable weather conditions and fungal diseases, ends with the Raboso harvest. A “strange” season but still faced with determination by the Venetian wineries. The goal remains the protection of quality, despite the climatic challenges.

15. Bignotti Winery Launches Red “Lanzato”

Cantina Bignotti recovers an ancient tradition of Valle Camonica by proposing the “Lanzato”, a red wine that was produced until the 80s. With this label, a return to the winemaking roots of the territory is celebrated, expanding the offer of local wines and enhancing the history of Camonica winemaking.

16. Cantine d'Italia 2025: more expensive visits but richer in content

The Cantine d'Italia 2025 guide (Go Wine) tells of a mature and structured wine tourism. Visits cost more, but they offer complex experiences, guided tastings and cultural moments. Consumers are willing to pay for quality service, while wineries adapt to leave an indelible mark on visitors.

17. “Christmas in the Cellar” in Tuglie: tradition and solidarity

In Tuglie (Lecce) the event “Natale in Cantina” brings music, food, crafts and games within the ancient walls of “Cantina Peparussu – Casa della Tradizioni”. An initiative that unites territory, end-of-year flavors and solidarity, offering an opportunity for conviviality and rediscovery of peasant roots.

18. Open Cellars at Christmas: Mazzarosa Cellar in Roseto degli Abruzzi

Saturday, December 14th, appointment at Cantina Mazzarosa with sparkling wines, appetizers and Christmas gifts. The perfect occasion for a festive toast, ideal conclusion of the wine tourism season, open to all and to be booked in advance.

19. “Papate in Cantina” at Villa San Sebastiano: taste and atmosphere

In the small village of Villa San Sebastiano, “Papate in Cantina” celebrates the queen potato of Christmas tables with a gastronomic journey through cellars, music and dance. A way to enhance local agricultural products and keep culinary traditions alive in a festive atmosphere.

20. Beyond sustainability: Ferraris Agricola and the Equalitas certification

Ferraris Agricola, linked to Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato, obtains the Equalitas certification, which measures economic, environmental and social parameters. With 12 permanent employees (50% women) and a salary above the minimum standards, the company becomes an example of a responsible and sustainable agricultural enterprise at 360 degrees.

21. Le Monde presents a special edition Chardonnay DOC

The Le Monde winery, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, offers limited edition magnums of Chardonnay DOC, with silkscreens dedicated to the historic barrel cellar and the façade of the winery. A tribute to the tradition and art of the area, to toast the holidays with style and elegance.

22. Organic Festival in Milan: Food Choices for the Future of the Planet

On Saturday 14 December at Palazzo Giureconsulti (Milan) the Festa del Bio invites you to reflect on sustainable nutrition, from the seasonality of products to the fight against food waste. An opportunity to learn about virtuous realities, promote organic and make conscious choices for health and the environment.

23. VinNatur tells its story in New York

On January 12 and 13, 2025, Brooklyn will host VinNatur NYC, the first official collective event of VinNatur in the United States. An event to taste natural wines, meet winemakers and learn more about the ecological ethics that inspire the association, committed to defending the integrity of the territory, history and wine culture.

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