Category: Italian Wine

La Scolca Wines Take Center State at Italian-Themed Dinner Hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla

Last Friday, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted an Italian-themed dinner, at their Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, featuring an extraordinary guest list, including Helen Mirren, David and Victoria Beckham, Rod Stewart, Donatella Versace, Sienna Miller, the Italian Ambassador to the UK, Inigo Lambertini, Chiara Soldati, and the British Ambassador to Rome, Lord Edward Llewellyn. A key evening figure was Stanley Tucci, an American actor of Italian descent and an expert in Italian gastronomy. Tucci collaborated with Chef Francesco Mazzei, a long-time ambassador of Italian cuisine worldwide, to create the exclusive menu for the evening.

The reception and dinner menu, prepared by Calabrian chef Francesco Mazzei, featured Italian recipes with British ingredients and was accompanied by English sparkling wine and Italian wines.

This dinner comes ahead of the royal couple’s state visit to Italy in early April, in which there will be engagements in Rome and Ravenna, with exclusive meetings with Pope Francis and Italian political leaders.

King Charles states this as a “most splendid evening which brings together two things very dear to my heart – slow food and Italy”, and “A nation’s food culture is a priceless social and environmental asset, intimately bound up with its sense of identity and place.”

“To say that we are looking forward to it would be to engage in a little British understatement,” he joked to diners, including Stanley Tucci, who inspired the choice of food.

“To better emphasize the special friendship between the two countries,” Chef Mazzei commented, “Stanley and I thought of an Italian menu made almost entirely with products from the United Kingdom. I must say, I found some exceptional products that are in no way inferior to those from Italy. The only products I imported from Italy were extra virgin olive oil and wines.”

The Piedmontese winery La Scolca played a leading role, with its Gavi dei Gavi Black Label 2023 accompanied by two of the dishes. “It was an honor to represent Italy, my region, and my territory at such an important event,” said Chiara Soldati, CEO of La Scolca and Knight of Labour, “during which Italian lifestyle excellence was celebrated. Chef Mazzei did a wonderful job of creating a gastronomic bridge between the two countries, in a union that is not just metaphorical but between two cultures and two important traditions. Events like this provide an important opportunity to highlight the value of our gastronomic tradition and our craftsmanship, elements that make Made in Italy a globally recognized and appreciated model.”

Food + Wine Served

Reception
Rare and pasture salumi
Tuscan-style paté and coppa
Yorkshire pecorino cheese puffs
British vegetables caponata tartelletta

Wine: Highgrove sparkling wine

Dinner
Scottish crab panzanella
Westcombe ricotta and Highgrove fine herbs ravioli
Isle of Wight tomato passata
Suffolk Red porchetta
Pumpkin and sage mash, Tuscan kale

Wines: white wine Gavi dei Gavi La Scolca Black label 2023 and red wine Barbaresco Gaja 2021

Zuppa Inglese and biscotti

Wine: Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Zenato

Source:  La Scolca Wines

Exploring Irpinia: Italy’s Hidden Gem of Natural Beauty and Winemaking Excellence

Campania is the region of southern Italy that includes the magnificent active volcano Vesuvius, stunning seaside towns and villages like those of the sunny Amalfi coast, the unique city of Naples, fascinating ancient sites such as Pompeii and the crystal-clear blue waters of Capri and other islands. There is much more to this region – Inland Campania shows a different character with striking landscapes encompassing wooded hillsides, winding rivers, majestic mountains and cool breezes that contrast greatly with the warm coastal areas – this area is known as Irpinia.

WHERE IS IRPINIA?

Irpinia, from the local word hurpos, wolves, covers the entire province of Avellino, 60 km east of Naples. The origin of the word Irpinia says a lot about the area and its people. The people of Irpinia are not fishermen like those you find in Positano and other villages on the coast, but shepherds. They are strong, stubborn people, tied firmly to their roots and very different from the open personalities of those living by the sea.

The lands of Irpinia are highly varied and cover approximately 3,000 sq.km with the main city, Avellino, in the southwest. Nearby are the tuff quarries of Tufo, hill towns such as Montefalcione and Rocca San Felice, and the plateau of Ariano Irpino is further north. Irpinia shares borders with the Puglia region (which forms the heel of Italy’s boot) to the northeast, the province of Benevento to the northwest, Naples to the west and Salerno to the south, with the Vulture area, well-known for its Aglianico, to the east.

The mountains reach an altitude of 1800m asl, shelter the area from warm winds coming from the sea, creating a cool climate with steep day-night temperature swings that are ideal for viticulture.

WINE AREAS

Irpinia is the green heart of Campania, but above all it is a wine region, with an impressive concentration of excellence. In fact, three of the Campania region’s four DOCG wines are produced here, including the oldest DOCG of southern Italy: Taurasi which gained the denomination in 1993. Irpinia’s other two DOCGs are the whites Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo, both certified in 2003.

Another denomination, Irpinia DOC, which has been in place since 2005, covers an area including 118 towns, while the Campi Taurasini DOC area includes only 24 towns, 17 of which are also included in the red Taurasi DOCG area.

GRAPES & WINES

The Aglianico grape is Irpinia’s flagship red, although other red varieties are grown here too, such as Piedirosso and Sciascinoso. Aglianico is the main grape of the DOCG Taurasi denomination with a minimum 85% of the blend (although most of producers make 100% Aglianico wines) and a minimum of 12 months aging in wooden vessels.

Aglianico is a difficult grape to grow: it’s late ripening, its thin skin is prone to mildew and it can be challenging to harvest this grape with several vineyard passages required in order to pick healthy grapes. It’s a difficult variety to manage in terms of winemaking too: when young, it tends to be tannic, acidic, rather harsh and sometimes rustic. Aglianico is certainly one for patient drinkers and lovers of the variety who need to give the wine the time it deserves. It’s very much a food wine and pairs perfectly with the local food which has many pork-based dishes, tasty cheeses, mushrooms and hearty soups.

Fiano is a very versatile grape, one of Italy’s great whites with an excellent reputation among producers and critics, for its elegance, age-ability and the concentration of terpenes that make it a semi-aromatic variety. The Fiano di Avellino DOCG production zone covers 26 municipal areas in a wide area with a range of different soils, aspects and altitudes making for very different styles of wine.

Fiano is a grape that adapts easily to different conditions and recently it has even been planted outside Italy in areas including California and Australia.

Greco is the alter ego of Fiano. The two white grapes share some similarities, including a long history – both are very ancient grapes and both are the main varieties for the two DOCG whites of Irpinia, respectively Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino.

Greco however has completely different characteristics from Fiano. It’s grown in the territories of only eight towns in volcanic, yellow tuff soils. The wines are intensely coloured wine with great minerality, saltiness and complex depth.

IRPINIA – QUICK FACTS

Irpinia produces about 28% of the Campania region’s wines.

In 2005 Robert Parker said, “Aglianico is next big thing”.

There are several biotypes of Aglianico, including one for Taurasi and also Aglianico del Taburno and Aglianico del Vulture.

Aglianico, Fiano and Greco are among Italy’s most ancient grape varieties, brought over from Greece thousands of years ago.

Tenuta Cavalier Pepe in Irpinia was ranked 14th overall in the 2024 World’s Best Vineyards awards – the best in Italy.

A destination for wine connoisseurs and oenophiles to discover the secrets behind some of southern Italy’s finest micro-wineries.

The Irpinia wine region has developed rapidly in recent years, with the two major players, Mastroberardino and Feudi di San Gregorio, sharing the market with small niche wineries, some of them specializing in single-vineyard wines.

Although Irpinia is just an hour’s drive from Naples, it still plays second fiddle to the better-known destinations of the Campania region such as the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Vesuvius, and so on, while at the same time having great potential flows of tourism.

For this reason, many family-run wineries, each with their own distinctive characters, have started to offer authentic wine experiences.

Thanks to this mix of visionary producers, independent family-run wineries, contemporary or traditional estates and revolutionary winemakers, Irpinia has become one of Italy’s most fascinating wine areas, particularly for its whites.

The local tourism scene is developing steadily through joint ventures and new openings of hotels and resorts. Wine therapy and wine spas are another aspect that’s growing in this hilly area, and both private investments and European funding are increasingly oriented towards boosting tourism in the area.

Along with the increasing success of Irpinia’s wine production, this patch of land has developed a genuine and positive attitude towards hospitality and there are numerous services on offer in terms of hospitality and incoming experiences. Visitors can choose to stay at a cosy B&B, a charming countryside farmhouse or a luxury resort and vineyard tours, lunch in the barrel room or meeting with the winemakers are among the most popular wine experiences offered by wineries.

Irpinia is a perfect destination both for visitors who want to immerse themselves in the authentic local culture and for those looking for an adventurous off-the-beaten-track experience.

WINERIES per la sezione hospitality

  • Feudi di San Gregorio
  • Mastroberardino
  • Tenuta Cavalier Pepe
  • Cantine di Marzo
  • Fonzone
  • Tenuta del Meriggio
  • Villa Raiano
  • Tenuta Scuotto
  • Di Meo===============
    Filippo Magnani,
    Wine Tourism Expert

Italy’s Wine Exports Soar: September 2024 Analysis

Italy, the world’s wine epicentre, achieved remarkable milestones in September 2024, solidifying its position as a leader in global wine export by volume. Italian wines, renowned for their diversity, quality, and rich heritage, have captivated audiences worldwide. Below, I delve into the top ten markets driving the success of Italian wine exports, offering insights into evolving consumer preferences and cultural affinities.

Top 10 Export Markets for Italian Wine

  1. United States (24%)
    The U.S. retains its spot as the largest consumer of Italian wines, reflecting the American love for iconic varietals like Chianti, Prosecco, and Barolo. This quarter’s exports showcase Italy’s deep-rooted influence on American wine culture, particularly among millennials and Gen X.
  2. United Kingdom (20%)
    The U.K. remains a steadfast partner, with British consumers eagerly reaching for Italian reds and sparkling wines. Despite global economic shifts, Italy’s premium selections charm the British palate.
  3. Germany (6%)
    With its sophisticated and detail-oriented wine culture, Germany steadily increases its consumption of Italian wine, notably organic and sustainable vintages, which appeal to eco-conscious drinkers.
  4. Russia (5%)
    While geopolitical complexities persist, Italy’s wines maintain a foothold in Russia, where European vintages are steadily gaining traction among urban elites.
  5. France (5%)
    In an intriguing market dynamic, Italy’s wine exports to France underscore cross-border appreciation. French consumers favour distinctive Italian wines like Amarone and Nero d’Avola, offering a complement to their domestic preferences.
  6. Canada (5%)
    Canada, with its multicultural demographic, remains a valuable partner for Italy’s export growth. The popularity of Italian wine among Canadians reflects shared values of quality and craftsmanship.
  7. Belgium (4%)
    Belgium’s rich culinary heritage and established wine traditions make it a loyal market for Italian vintages. Prosecco, in particular, enjoys increasing favour in celebratory settings.
  8. Switzerland (3%)
    Swiss buyers lean towards high-end Italian wines, often pairing them with fine dining experiences. This market highlights a preference for both tradition and exclusivity.
  9. Latvia (3%)
    Latvia represents a rising star in Italy’s export landscape. Growing interest in medium-priced wines signals a burgeoning sophistication in wine culture.
  10. Austria (2%)
    Rounding out the top ten, Austria’s wine market reflects its preference for regional balance and traditional winemaking, aligning perfectly with Italy’s offerings.

The Road Ahead

Italy’s wine sector continues to explore untapped markets while deepening its ties with existing ones. Exporters are leveraging storytelling, wine tourism, and sustainability credentials to maintain Italy’s edge in a competitive global market.

Source: Italy’s National Institute of Statistics (Istat)

Mombarone [Piedmont] Vineyards added to Historical Register

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture has officially recognized the historical and scenic value of the vineyards in the Canavese region, located on the left bank of the Dora Baltea River. These terraced vineyards, cultivated since medieval times, have been added to the National Register of Historical Rural Landscapes, a distinction that highlights their cultural and environmental significance. The recent announcement was welcomed by Bruno Mecca Cici, President of Coldiretti Torino, who described it as a crucial step in protecting and revitalizing the region’s heroic viticulture.

The register includes rural areas that have preserved their unique cultural and agricultural characteristics over centuries, becoming integral to the local landscape and heritage. In Canavese, the terraced vineyards exemplify human adaptation to the Alpine environment. The dry-stone walls supporting these terraces create a favourable microclimate for growing vines under challenging conditions by reflecting heat and stabilizing the terrain.

The winemaking tradition in Canavese is deeply rooted in local history. The terraces, locally known as tupiun, are supported by stone pillars called pilun, a centuries-old farming technique passed down through generations.

The Ministry’s recognition underscores the need to protect these vineyards not only for their cultural value but also for their role in preventing soil erosion and landslides on the region’s steep slopes. Maintaining these vineyards is considered heroic viticulture under Italian law, given the extreme conditions in which local farmers work. Despite their importance, these viticulturists face numerous challenges in sustaining their activity.

Mecca Cici stressed that inclusion in the National Register must be accompanied by concrete policies to support mountain viticulture. Proposed measures include protecting vineyards from wild animals, building rural roads and transport systems to improve access to terraced plots, and providing incentives to acquire abandoned land. There is also a push to develop tourism and infrastructure that could leverage the unique Canavese landscape for economic benefit.

Tourism promotion is seen as an opportunity to revive the local economy. Coldiretti Torino has advocated integrating the vineyards into existing tourist routes, such as the Via Francigena, and showcasing local features like the Balmetti of Borgofranco di Ivrea—natural cellars carved into rock used to store wine and other products.

Canavese wines are central to this revitalization effort. The region is home to renowned appellations such as Nebbiolo di Carema and Erbaluce di Caluso, wines that experts believe hold great potential in the face of climate change. Additionally, olive cultivation is being promoted on the same slopes, a practice that seemed improbable in this mountainous area until recently but is now yielding promising results.

Alto Adige Wines Announces a New UGA Classification

Nestled in Italy’s northeastern corner, Alto Adige, one of the country’s most compact yet pioneering viticultural areas, is advancing its esteemed Alto Adige DOC designation with a significant new addition. The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines has recently announced that, starting with the 2024 vintage, 86 well-defined and meticulously documented vineyard areas have been granted special legal status as Additional Geographical Units (in Italian “Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive” or UGA).

“Our goal is to capture the unique character of each vineyard in every bottle,” said Martin Foradori, Vice President of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines and owner of the J. Hofstätter estate. “Terroir” should not be just a marketing term—it should be something you can truly taste in each glass of wine.”

Defined by rigorous criteria, each UGA reflects an ideal alignment of soil type, microclimate, altitude, slope inclination, sun exposure, rainfall, and more. While forward-thinking was essential to this process, tradition also played a significant role, as many of the selected vineyard sites hold historical importance. A land register dating back to the mid-18th century provided access to valuable historic land names, testifying the region’s rich viticultural heritage. Additionally, within each UGA, permissible yields have been further reduced by 25% compared to DOC regulations, ensuring optimal grape quality and exceptional wines.

The ideal grape varieties for vineyards within each UGA have also been carefully defined. Eduard Bernhart, Director of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines, explained: “Wines that qualify for a UGA designation must be made exclusively with grapes from that specific site. Depending on the vineyard’s location within a UGA, up to five varieties may be permitted, while some UGAs restrict production to just one or two varieties.”

As of the 2024 vintage, the geographical designation—such as Gries, Mazon, or Eppan Berg, to name just a few of the 86 recognized UGAs—may be listed on wine labels alongside “Alto Adige DOC.”

Producers wishing to use a UGA name on their label are required to include a pictograph specially designed by the Consorzio. Alto Adige Wines This will allow consumers to clearly recognize these special wines, as the pictograph must appear on both the front and back labels.

“Much like other renowned wine regions, we believe this initiative will set new benchmarks for exceptional and distinctive Alto Adige wines,” commented Andreas Kofler, President of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines and of Cantina Kurtatsch. “These UGAs establish Alto Adige as a leader in the highest quality, terroir-driven winemaking.”

The creation of UGAs marks the culmination of years of research, collaboration, and vision led by the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines. Contributions from agronomists, enologists, growers, and producers helped shape the new classification, blending innovation with a deep respect for tradition.