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

Abruzzo wine: the challenge of quality between difficulty and tradition. Abruzzo is facing a difficult season, but the "Abruzzo Model" aims to raise the quality of its wines. More and more producers are choosing identity and territorial wines, distancing themselves from low-cost mass production, thus trying to redesign the wine panorama of the region.

Calabria: the eleventh edition of the Lamezia Wine Fest is underway. On September 27 and 28, the Lamezia Wine Fest will once again shine the spotlight on Calabrian food and wine excellence. Palazzo Nicotera – Severisio will host the event, which celebrates the best of local wine, oil and beer, with the aim of promoting the territory and its cultural and productive wealth.

Valtellina: new perspectives with Piwi vines. Piwi vines could represent a great opportunity to grow in the highest areas of Valtellina. During a technical meeting in Sondrio, the first results of the Piwi project were presented, with tastings of experimental monovarietal wines, demonstrating the adaptability of these cryptogam-resistant vines.

The first alcohol-free sparkling wine from Monferrato: Pietro Botto's challenge. At just 21 years old, Pietro Botto launches the first alcohol-free sparkling wine from Monferrato. Made with dealcoholized Sauvignon, the project took time to convince the family, but it is aimed primarily at the young market, who increasingly appreciate alcohol-free alternatives.

Champagne price crisis: even the rich are crying. In recent years, the increase in Champagne prices has led to a strong market imbalance, with a decline in sales of the prestigious Cuvée Prestige. This shows that even the big houses are experiencing moments of difficulty, despite the strong demand in recent years.

G7 Agriculture: a small Vinitaly at the center of the debate. Agriculture Minister Lollobrigida anticipated that the G7 will discuss alternatives to the uprooting of vineyards. The event will also offer an overview of Italian wine excellence, positioning wine as a protagonist of international discussions on agriculture.

Luigi Moio on organic farming: "A risk with climate change". The president of the OIV, Luigi Moio, expressed doubts about organic farming during the Etna Days event, stressing that it was born without solid scientific foundations and that plants are now more vulnerable to attacks, a problem that climate change only worsens.

New oenological studies: pH and temperature are essential to preserve wine aromas. A new study published in Food Research International demonstrates the importance of pH and storage temperature to maintain wine aromas, with a particular focus on Traminer aromatico, a prominent wine from Trentino-Alto Adige.

Antica Bottega del Vino di Verona: a world-class excellence. For the twenty-first consecutive year, Antica Bottega del Vino di Verona has received the Grand Award from Wine Spectator , confirming its position as one of the best wine shops-restaurants in the world, with a wine list of over 21 thousand references.

Etna Wines: A Success Despite the Crisis. Etna wines continue to grow in popularity, especially on international markets. During the Etna Days, it was revealed how the unique terroir of the Muntagna has protected the region from the crises that have hit other wine-growing areas.

Wine “condemned” only for minors and pregnant women. Walter Massa, producer of Timorasso, was “acquitted” in a symbolic court, which recognized the wine as potentially dangerous only for vulnerable subjects, such as minors and pregnant women.

Barolo: photographs developed with wine. The Barolo Castle hosts a unique exhibition from October 5, where Giancarlo Volpi's photographs are developed with anthocyanins and antioxidants from wine. The inauguration will be accompanied by a tasting of local wines.

Harvest Festivals in Tuscany: between tradition and folklore. September is the month of the grape harvest in Tuscany. From the villages of the region come events that celebrate the vines and local denominations, involving young people, families and wine enthusiasts in an authentic experience.

Harvest forecasts at the G7: climate and sales in crisis. At the G7 Agriculture in Syracuse, Paolo Brogioni, director of Assoenologi, will present the 2024 harvest forecasts, in a year marked by extreme weather. It will be an opportunity to discuss the trend of Italian wine production.

Consorzio DOC Sicilia: previews of the 2024 vintage. The harvest in Sicily for 2024 will be brought forward by high temperatures, reducing the quantity but maintaining the quality that distinguishes the wines of the region. The Consortium for the protection of the wine foresees a vintage of excellent longevity.

Cantina Col d'Orcia nominated for the "Wine Oscars". The historic Montalcino company, Col d'Orcia, is nominated for the Wine Star Awards 2025 as "European Winery of the Year". This international recognition rewards the work done by the winery in the production of the famous Brunello.

Grape Harvest for Everyone: Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia in Quistello. On September 21st, “Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia” returns to the Cantina Sociale in Quistello. Enthusiasts will be able to experience the grape harvest firsthand, followed by an afternoon of music and tastings.

San Patrignano: Sangiovese Superiore Avi Riserva 2021. San Patrignano's Sangiovese Avi Riserva 2021 represents excellence in the Italian wine scene. With hints of ripe fruit and spices, this powerful and structured wine confirms itself as one of the best expressions of Sangiovese.

The 2024 edition of “Andar per cantine” in Ischia kicks off today. On the island of Ischia, the 16th edition of "Andar per Cantine" kicks off, an event that combines wine, nature and culture, offering tasting tours and visits to historic cellars, accompanied by significant cultural events.

Five places to experience the grape harvest. For those who want to get away from it all, the grape harvest experience offers an authentic connection with nature. Here are five places where you can participate in the grape harvest and discover the world of wine up close.

Perfect Pairings: Four Restaurants That Start with Wine. Some restaurants in Italy are revolutionizing the concept of pairing, starting with wine to create dishes that enhance its character. In Puglia, for example, the wine resort Es Cantina&Ristorante offers an immersive experience among vineyards and local cuisine.

Enrico Panizzuti is the Best Sommelier of Veneto 2024. Enrico Panizzuti, 38 years old, from the Venice delegation, was crowned Best Sommelier of Veneto 2024. Thanks to his excellent preparation, he will represent Veneto at national and international events in the wine sector.

Wine Festival in Alba: the historic center becomes a “wine street”. On September 22 and 29, Alba will host the 26th edition of the Wine Festival. Promoted by Go Wine, the event transforms the historic center into a “wine street”, offering visitors a journey through the wine excellences of Langhe and Roero.

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