Wine Idea's wine news for October 4, 2024!

1. The World’s Most Valuable Wine Brands: The Complete Ranking Moët & Chandon dominates the ranking, but in second place is Chandon, an American brand based in California. Founded in 1959 as an extension of the French maison, Chandon is now worth a billion dollars, with production centers in Argentina, Brazil, Australia, China and India.

2. The cellars of Ripi The long-awaited event "The cellars of Ripi" returns, organized by the APS Contrade Ripane and the Municipality of Ripi. Participants will be able to enjoy a food and wine experience with local new wine and typical Ciociaria dishes, all accompanied by itinerant folk music through the alleys of the charming historic center.

3. Brunello di Montalcino: Harvest in October, a Return to the Past The Brunello di Montalcino harvest returns in October, a rare event in recent years. Fabrizio Bindocci, president of the Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium, describes this year's harvest as ideal for both the quality and quantity of the grapes, a dream for every producer.

4. All the Special Awards of the DoctorWine Guide 2025 The new edition of the Essential Guide to Italian Wines, edited by Daniele Cernilli alias DoctorWine, presents 17 Special Awards, which go beyond wines and include companies, people and innovative projects in the national wine scene. An acknowledgement of examples of excellence in the sector.

5. Sleeping among the vineyards: Italy's most exclusive wine resorts A journey through Italy's most exclusive wine resorts begins in Serralunga d'Alba, where Cascina Galarej offers a view of 120 hectares of organic vineyards and the picturesque castle of Grinzane Cavour. A luxury experience immersed in Piedmont's winemaking tradition.

6. The first TEA vine resistant to downy mildew planted in Valpolicella The first downy mildew-resistant vine was planted in Valpolicella thanks to Assisted Evolution Techniques (TEA), which allow genetic modification of the plant without introducing external elements. A step forward in sustainable viticulture.

7. Reginella: The Amarone of the South? Reginella, a nearly forgotten grape from Cilento, is coming back into the spotlight thanks to the efforts of local winemakers. The grape’s rich, deep flavor has led some to call it “the Amarone of the South,” and efforts are underway to unlock its potential.

8. Ribolla Gialla from Friuli challenges Prosecco: “Now we need to look abroad” In Friuli Venezia Giulia, Ribolla Gialla has seen extraordinary growth over the past ten years, so much so that it is challenging the dominance of Prosecco. Gambero Rosso has awarded 25 regional labels, with Ribolla Gialla establishing itself as a symbol of excellence.

9. Thieves in Prosecco cellars: twenty robberies in one month In the Prosecco hills, during the grape harvest, over twenty cellars have been attacked by thieves in the last month. Even prestigious companies such as Franco Adami's cellar have been hit. The criminals appear to be well organized, targeting cash but leaving the wine intact.

10. Rain of millions to promote Italian wine abroad The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated 28.5 million euros for the promotion of Italian wines in non-EU countries for 2024/2025. This funding aims to support wine companies in the promotion of PDO, PGI and sparkling wines in strategic foreign markets.

11. Three wineries robbed in the Unesco hills In the Unesco hills of Conegliano, three wineries were robbed in two consecutive nights. Isolated wineries without advanced security systems are easy targets for organized gangs, raising alarm among producers in the area.

12. “Wine under attack”: the Vitaevino campaign against neo-prohibitionism CEEV launches the Vitaevino campaign to defend wine from the neo-prohibitionist wave. The campaign, presented on October 1st in Italy and Europe, aims to involve professionals and wine enthusiasts in the defense of responsible and moderate consumption of this cultural product.

13. Cantina La Cura triumphs at the Città del Vino Competition Cantina La Cura has obtained four awards at the XXII Concorso Enologico Città del Vino, winning two gold medals with the Predicatore and the Vedetta and two silver medals with the Breccerosse and the Merlot, confirming its place among the excellences of Italian winemaking.

14. Italian wine exports: Coldiretti calls for simplifications and funds for foreign promotion Coldiretti underlines the importance of simplifying and expanding funds to promote Italian wine in non-EU markets, where exports reached 4.6 billion euros in 2023. The OCM Wine funds are crucial to keep Italy competitive globally.

15. Autumn: the season of full-bodied and fragrant wines With the arrival of autumn, cooler temperatures invite us to rediscover more full-bodied and structured wines, perfect for accompanying seasonal dishes such as pumpkin, mushrooms and game. It's the time to appreciate the intense aromas and rich flavours of wine.

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