Wine Idea's wine news for October 21, 2024!

1. South Tyrol obtains UGA recognition

Alto Adige has officially obtained 86 Additional Geographical Units (UGA), a project that further enhances its wines. These UGA, including Gries, Mazon, Eppan Berg and Brenntal, can be indicated on the label next to the designation "Alto Adige DOC", underlining the uniqueness of its excellent white wines.

2. White of the Year 2025: an Alto Adige wine awarded

An Alto Adige Sauvignon has won the Bianco dell'Anno 2025 award, assigned by the Gambero Rosso Vini d'Italia guide. The wine stands out for its ability to perfectly reflect its territory of origin, a combination of light, freshness and roots sunk in the moraine debris.

3. Slow Wine 2025: Piedmont is the protagonist

The Slow Wine 2025 guide awards 37 Piedmontese wineries with the Snail symbol, in recognition of quality and sustainability. In addition, 39 wines received the Bottle for their excellent organoleptic quality, while 14 obtained the Coin for their excellent quality-price ratio.

4. A chemical-free guide: Slow Wine excludes wineries that use chemical weed killers

Slow Wine 2025 has decided not to review wineries that use chemical weed control, in line with the sustainable philosophy of the Slow Food movement. The goal is to promote viticulture that protects the soil and biodiversity.

5. Black harvest: three companies suspended in the province of Treviso

During a series of checks in the agricultural and construction sectors, the Carabinieri of Treviso discovered 19 illegal workers and suspended six companies, including three wineries. The operation aimed to combat labor exploitation and ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.

6. Counterfeiting of Tuscan super wines: Sassicaia becomes "Loniciaya"

A group of counterfeiters altered the names of famous Tuscan wines such as Sassicaia and Brunello di Montalcino, reselling them illegally in China. Among the frauds, Sassicaia was transformed into "Loniciaya", and Masseto into "Paanaamila", with a turnover of one million euros.

7. Gradis'ciutta opens the doors for Jazz & Wine of Peace

The Gradis'ciutta winery, in the heart of Collio, will host an event on October 26, 2024 as part of the Jazz & Wine of Peace festival. Wine will combine with culture and music, with the presentation of the book "Esercizi spirituali per bevitori di vino" by Angelo Peretti, accompanied by a jazz concert.

8. Italian wine boom in the USA: 148% in 20 years

Sales of Italian wine in the United States have increased by 148% in the last 20 years, reaching a record value of almost 1.9 billion euros in 2024. The USA is the main market for Italian wine, with an annual consumption of 33.3 million hectoliters.

9. Gambero Rosso Academy launches a new course for professionals

Gambero Rosso Academy has launched a new training program for wine industry professionals. The course aims to provide innovative tools to address the challenges of climate change, new market trends and communication in the sector.

10. Dealcoholized wines: rules too strict according to producers

The excise decree proposed by the Ministry of Economy to regulate the production of dealcoholized wines has raised concerns among Italian producers. The rules impose restrictions that could push companies to move production abroad, with increased costs and loss of competitiveness.

11. Orange wine and Piwi: the Abruzzo protagonists at Vinaria

Abruzzo producers showcased their most innovative wines at Vinaria , Pescara’s wine and cheese show. Regional Orange Wines, Piwi wines, and sparkling wines, as well as local classics, were on offer.

12. Querceto di Castellina launches a pure Cabernet Franc

The Sienese winery Querceto di Castellina has launched Jac , a pure Cabernet Franc obtained from a 6.6-hectare vineyard in Castellina in Chianti. The wine bears the name of the producer, Jacopo Di Battista, who has dedicated years to selecting the grape variety.

13. Crémant de Bourgogne on tour in Milan and Turin

Crémant de Bourgogne , the Classic Method sparkling wine from Burgundy, will be the protagonist of two events in Milan and Turin to promote this French excellence. The first event is scheduled for October 28 in Milan, in collaboration with the magazine Civiltà del Bere .

14. Cantine Sant'Agata launches the "Ruchè Hereditarium" project

The Sant'Agata di Scurzolengo winery has launched the Ruchè Hereditarium project, allocating 50% of the proceeds from sales to artistic and charitable initiatives, with a focus on the fight against violence against women.

15. Tolaini buys the Pala winery in Serdiana

The Tolaini winery of Castelnuovo Berardenga has purchased the historic Pala winery in Serdiana, in Sardinia, together with the vineyards and the Mora & Memo company, launched by Elisabetta Pala in 2011.

16. Cantina di Venosa: high quality 2024 harvest

Despite the halved yield, the members of Cantina di Venosa celebrate a 2024 harvest of the highest quality. The grapes harvested, although lower than average, present excellent ripeness and extraordinary complexity.

17. Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano launches a solidarity edition

The Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano winery has launched a limited edition of Roggiano Morellino di Scansano Docg with a solidarity label. Part of the proceeds will be donated to social inclusion projects promoted by the Tuttiateatro APS association of Grosseto.

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