Wine and Food Pairings Archives

Benvenuto Brunello 2024: Celebrating Tuscany’s Iconic Wine PART I – Filippo Magnani

The storied hills of Montalcino welcomed wine enthusiasts and professionals for the 33rd edition of Benvenuto Brunello, the foundational event among Italian wine previews dedicated to Tuscany’s most iconic red wine. From November 14-18, the medieval Chiostro Sant’Agostino in Montalcino hosted this prestigious gathering, featuring 127 wineries and over 500 labels, marking a return to tradition while embracing innovation in its presentation format.

A Return to Tradition with Modern Flair

This year’s event notably returns to its roots, combining professional technical tastings with walk-around opportunities where producers personally present their wines. The anticipated debut of Brunello di Montalcino 2020 and Riserva 2019 took center stage, alongside the Rosso di Montalcino 2023, Moscadello, and Sant’Antimo. The revival of producer-attended tastings marks a significant evolution in the event’s format, creating more intimate opportunities for dialogue between winemakers and enthusiasts.

The Chiostro Sant’Agostino, with its historic architecture and serene atmosphere, provided an ideal setting for exploring these prestigious wines. The walk-around tastings offered visitors the chance to engage directly with producers, learning firsthand about their winemaking philosophies, terroir interpretations, and vintage characteristics.

A Strategic Autumn Preview

The event opened with two days of technical tastings exclusively for national and international press. These sessions featured professional sommelier service, allowing critics and journalists to evaluate the new releases under optimal conditions. The controlled environment and expert service ensured that each wine could be assessed thoroughly and objectively.

The program expanded significantly at the Teatro degli Astrusi with the thought-provoking discussion, “What future for the wine consortia.” This high-level industry forum brought together an unprecedented gathering of Italian wine’s most influential voices, including:

Albiera Antinori (Doc Bolgheri and Doc Bolgheri Sassicaia)
Francesco Cambria (Etna Doc)
Sergio Germano (Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani)
Giovanni Manetti (Chianti Classico)
Christian Marchesini (Valpolicella)

Tasting Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020

In general, Brunellos of this year turned out to be soft, fruity with good structure and alcohol content, making them very approachable to drink. This is partly a reflection of the vintage, which started quite dry with no frost in spring. The summer was also dry and quite hot with a great diurnal temperature range (temperature difference between night and day). The season ended with some rain at the beginning of September, which gave a little relief to the grapes.

The Rise of Brunello: A Legacy of Excellence

After more than five decades since achieving DOCG status, Brunello di Montalcino continues to captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide. The wine’s modern success story, beginning in the late 19th century, is inextricably linked to visionaries like Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, who pioneered the extended oak aging that would become a hallmark of Brunello’s distinctive character.

Today’s Brunello maintains these exacting standards while embracing modern precision in both vineyard and cellar. The DOCG requirements remain among Italy’s most stringent, requiring a minimum of four years aging, including two years in oak and four months in bottle, with Riserva wines demanding an additional year of maturation.

Terroir and Tradition Meet Innovation

The success of Brunello di Montalcino stems from the perfect marriage of the Sangiovese grape with Montalcino’s diverse terroir. The region’s varying elevations (250-600 meters above sea level) and complex soil compositions create a tapestry of microclimates that contribute to the wine’s renowned complexity.

The northern sector’s limestone and shale soils produce wines of particular finesse and aromatic complexity, while the central zone’s clay and marl contribute to wines of substantial structure and depth. The southern area, influenced by volcanic soils, yields wines of remarkable power and intensity. This diversity allows producers to craft wines that reflect their specific location while maintaining the high standards that define Brunello di Montalcino.

Today, over half of Montalcino’s producers are certified organic, demonstrating the region’s commitment to sustainable viticulture while preserving traditional winemaking excellence. This environmental consciousness extends beyond the vineyard, with many producers implementing sustainable practices throughout their operations.

Experiencing Montalcino: A Complete Tuscan Journey

Visitors to Benvenuto Brunello will find themselves in one of Tuscany’s most captivating wine destinations, where centuries of winemaking tradition blend seamlessly with modern hospitality. The medieval hilltop town of Montalcino, perched at 564 meters above sea level, offers a perfect base for exploring both the wines and the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Historic Heart of Montalcino

The town’s crowning glory, the 14th-century Rocca fortress, stands as a testament to Montalcino’s historical significance. This perfectly preserved stronghold now houses the Enoteca la Fortezza, one of the region’s premier wine destinations. Here, visitors can taste an extensive selection of Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines, with expert sommeliers offering guidance through the various producers and vintages. The fortress’s ramparts provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, the Val d’Orcia, and Monte Amiata, making it an essential stop for photographers and wine lovers alike.

Gastronomic Treasures

Montalcino’s culinary scene perfectly complements its wines, with restaurants ranging from traditional trattorias to Michelin-starred establishments. Local specialties include:

Hand-rolled pici pasta, often served with robust wild boar ragù or the traditional pepper and cheese sauce called “cacio e pepe”
Locally-produced pecorino cheese, aged in various ways including under walnut leaves or in barriques
Traditional Tuscan soup called ribollita, perfect with Rosso di Montalcino
Seasonal truffle dishes, particularly abundant in autumn
Locally-sourced cinghiale (wild boar) prepared in various ways

The town’s historic center features numerous enotecas and wine bars where visitors can sample wines by the glass, often accompanied by local salumi and cheese. Many establishments offer formal wine tasting flights, allowing guests to compare different producers and vintages in a single sitting.

Year-Round Wine Tourism

While Benvenuto Brunello marks a highlight in Montalcino’s calendar, the region offers exceptional wine experiences throughout the year.

Winery Visits

Many of Montalcino’s 127 wineries welcome visitors year-round, though advance reservations are essential. Experiences range from basic tastings to elaborate tours including:

Vertical tastings of multiple vintages
Vineyard walks with detailed explanations of different terroirs
Barrel tastings in historic cellars
Food and wine pairing experiences
Helicopter tours of the denomination
Harvest experiences during September and October

Seasonal Events

Brunello Crossing (February): A series of competitive and recreational hiking trails through the vineyards, offering routes of varying difficulty from 10 to 44 kilometers
Jazz & Wine Festival (July): Combining world-class jazz performances with wine tastings in historic settings
L’Eroica (October): The famous vintage bicycle race traversing the scenic white roads of Tuscany, with a special route through the Brunello vineyards
Honey Week (September): Celebrating local honey production with tastings and pairings with Moscadello di Montalcino

Natural and Cultural Attractions

The surrounding UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Val d’Orcia offers activities for every interest:

Hiking and biking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain bike routes
The famous cypress-lined roads featured in countless photographs and films
Historic abbeys including Sant’Antimo, where Gregorian chants still echo through the stone halls
Natural hot springs in nearby Bagno Vignoni and San Filippo
The artistic treasures of nearby Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia

Practical Information for Visitors

Accommodation

Montalcino offers diverse lodging options:

Luxury wine resorts integrated with working wineries
Historic palace hotels in the town center
Intimate bed & breakfasts in converted farmhouses
Agriturismos offering authentic farm stays
Self-catering apartments in restored village houses

Transportation

The nearest train stations are Buonconvento (10 km) and Monte Amiata-Castiglione d’Orcia (13 km)
Regular bus service connects Montalcino with Siena (40 km)
Car rental is recommended for exploring the region’s wineries
Several companies offer private driver services specialized in wine tours
Electric bike rentals are available in town for environmentally conscious exploration

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures and wildflowers in bloom
Early Summer (June): Perfect weather for outdoor activities
Autumn (September-November): Harvest season and cultural events
Winter (December-February): Quiet season with crisp days and cozy wine tastings

This year’s Benvenuto Brunello is supported by the SRG10 “Promotion of quality products” intervention of the Complement for Rural Development of Tuscany 2023-2027, co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), demonstrating the continued investment in promoting this exceptional wine region’s heritage and future.

The 33rd edition of Benvenuto Brunello was a comprehensive celebration of one of Italy’s most prestigious wines, offering participants an immersive experience in the tradition, innovation, and excellence that define Brunello di Montalcino. Through technical tastings, producer interactions, and educational masterclasses, the event continues to evolve while honoring the timeless appeal of this iconic Tuscan wine.

PART ll – Wine Reviews by Liz Palmer

Delta’s Revamped Wine Selection Elevates the In-Flight Experience

As the holiday season approaches, Delta Air Lines has announced an enhanced, carefully curated wine program, along with seasonal meals and gourmet snacks crafted in collaboration with award-winning chefs.

Enhanced Wine Program

Delta’s wine selection is now expanding to feature a range of varietals and flavors from across the globe, developed in partnership with Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. The airline’s commitment to diversity and sustainability in sourcing means each wine reflects the unique identity and craftsmanship of its region, appealing to both casual sippers and wine connoisseurs.

A sampling of this year’s wine program includes:

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec (Argentina): A rich, dark-berry Malbec from a woman-led winery, pairing seamlessly with beef dishes.
Barbanera in Bianco (Italy): A unique white Sangiovese with fruit and citrus notes, ideal for seafood and cheeses.
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc (South Africa): An aromatic Chenin Blanc that complements spicy and full-flavored dishes.
Hahn Chardonnay (California): An elegant, balanced, vegan-friendly Chardonnay with tropical and oak notes.
Albert Bichot Pouilly-Fuissé (France): A lively and aromatic wine, pairing well with buttery seafood and creamy pastas.

Each wine undergoes a meticulous selection process, highlighting the diverse communities within the wine industry. Delta’s Sky Sommelier program, aimed at training flight attendants, further enhances in-flight service by educating staff on varietals, regional attributes, and food pairings, enriching guests’ travel experience.

“Exceptional in-flight meals create memorable travel experiences, whether 35,000 feet above ground or in new destinations,” notes Kristen Manion Taylor, Delta’s SVP of Inflight Service. “Our dedication to quality, diversity, and sustainability ensures each selection aligns with our guests’ expectations of a high-standard culinary journey.”

“Dinner of the Thousand” – Bolgheri’s 30-Year Legacy at the Iconic Viale dei Cipressi

On September 4, 2024, Bolgheri, the small yet iconic wine region on the Tuscan coast, celebrated a significant milestone: 30 years of the Bolgheri and Bolgheri Sassicaia Denomination of Origin Control (DOC). This memorable evening took place at the breathtaking Viale dei Cipressi, symbolizing Bolgheri’s dedication to wine excellence and its reputation as a global icon of Italian viticulture.

The event, titled the “Dinner of the Thousand,” continued the success of the first edition in 2021, organized by the Consortium of Bolgheri and Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC Wines. The dinner underscored the unity and teamwork among producers who have elevated Bolgheri wines to international prominence. Albiera Antinori, President of the Consortium, warmly welcomed guests, expressing pride in the region’s achievements. Over the last three decades, Bolgheri has earned a place among the world’s most celebrated wine regions. The Viale dei Cipressi—planted by Guidalberto della Gherardesca in 1832 and immortalized by poet Giosuè Carducci—enhanced the grandeur of the evening. Guests enjoyed an exceptional dinner at a one-kilometer-long table, surrounded by the iconic cypress trees.

En Primeur: A First Taste of Bolgheri’s Finest
The finest DOC wines, including en primeur selections from 74 producers, flowed freely throughout the evening, reaffirming Bolgheri’s standing as a destination of exceptional wine quality. My day began with a tasting at the Consorzio headquarters, attended by select Italian and international wine writers. The afternoon featured a preview of the Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2022 vintage—an exclusive opportunity, as the tasting occurred nearly four months before the vintage’s market release. The wines from 2022 showcased vibrant fruit and aromatic intensity. Natural acidity ensured freshness, while most wines displayed a graceful balance from start to finish, although some exhibited softer tannins typical of youthful wines.

The Unique Terroir That Defines Bolgheri’s Wines
The celebration of Bolgheri’s 30 years as a DOC highlights the region’s natural advantages. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding hills, Bolgheri’s amphitheater-like setting provides ideal conditions for grape growing, with diverse soils and a temperate coastal climate. The intricate mix of sandy, clay-sandy, and gravelly soils forms a unique foundation for some of Italy’s most prestigious wines. The Consortium’s dedication to preserving this terroir, supported by rigorous research, has secured Bolgheri’s place as one of the world’s most sought-after wine regions, with vineyards now covering 1,350 hectares.

A Small Jewel Along the Mediterranean Coast
The DOC Bolgheri area, located within the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, spans 1,359 hectares of vineyards across 13 kilometers north to south and about 7 kilometers from west to east, ranging from 10 to 380 meters above sea level. Surrounded by the “Macchia Mediterranea,” a dense green coastal forest, Bolgheri benefits from continuous sunlight and cooling sea breezes, which foster wines with freshness and elegance. Diverse soil compositions—sandy soils near the sea, clay-sandy alluvial soils, clay-silty soils in foothill vineyards, and gravelly soils in the hills—contribute to the distinct character of Bolgheri wines. The Consorzio’s decade-long zoning study deepens the understanding of this terroir, analyzing each soil type’s potential.

Innovative Tradition: Bolgheri’s Evolving Legacy
Bolgheri’s success stems from its producers’ shared vision of quality and innovation. The region continues to evolve, adapting wine regulations to meet contemporary tastes while maintaining high standards. As a young yet esteemed district among historic Tuscan wine regions, Bolgheri began red wine production around the 1940s, when the visionary Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted French varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, on his Tenuta San Guido estate. The first significant success came with the 1968 vintage of Sassicaia, a blend later hailed as one of the world’s finest wines.

Initially known for local white and rosé wines, Bolgheri’s journey shifted following the pioneering success of Tenuta San Guido. By the mid-1980s, Bolgheri had emerged as a powerhouse for red wine, producing “Super Tuscans” that garnered global acclaim. This success led to the first DOC Bolgheri red wine regulation in 1994, with a subzone for Sassicaia. In 2013, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia received official recognition, becoming Italy’s only appellation dedicated to a single estate and wine.

Bolgheri remains innovative, with recent updates in wine regulations expanding the varietals for DOC Bolgheri white wines to include Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vermentino. Currently, Bolgheri produces three DOC red wine types: DOC Bolgheri Rosso, DOC Bolgheri Rosso Superiore, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia, as well as DOC Rosato (rosé) and two DOC Bianco (white) designations.

Bolgheri: A Destination for Wine Enthusiasts
Bolgheri’s prominence has also made it a magnet for wine tourism. Over the past two decades, wine estates have embraced hospitality, offering visitors the chance to experience the region’s beauty and wines. Whether exploring the vineyards or tasting wines, Bolgheri combines tradition, innovation, and natural beauty, drawing wine lovers worldwide.

As the evening drew to a close, the significance of Bolgheri’s journey over the past 30 years was clear. From modest beginnings to becoming a wine powerhouse, Bolgheri’s commitment to quality and connection to the land remain as inspiring as ever.

An Iconic Wine Destination with Unique Charm
Over the past 20 years, Bolgheri’s wine tourism has flourished, becoming a must-visit destination for international travelers. While only a few estates welcomed visitors in the early 1990s, today nearly all wineries open their doors to wine enthusiasts and professionals. A variety of hospitality options is available, from family-owned properties to renowned wineries.

The DOC philosophy encourages each winery to express its unique relationship with the environment, creating a sense of “diversity” that reflects Bolgheri’s natural elements. The landscape enchants the senses, with aromas, flavors, and picturesque villages harmonizing with the surroundings. From gently rolling hills to a stunning coastal reserve, Bolgheri enhances the experience of its exceptional wines.

The Diversity of Bolgheri: A Land of Flavor and Tradition
Bolgheri boasts a rich culinary scene, from family-style, traditional cooking to gourmet dining. The region offers diverse dining options, whether savoring countryside dishes of meat and vegetables or fresh seafood by the coast. Beyond Bolgheri’s town walls, ancient hilltop villages add to the experience, featuring artisan boutiques, open-air markets, and cozy accommodations that capture the authentic, serene Tuscan lifestyle.

Filippo Magnani

Five Food and Drink Trends for 2025 from Bidfood +CGA by NIQ

Bidfood, a leading foodservice provider in the UK, has published its forecast of key food and beverage trends for the out-of-home market in 2025. CGA by NIQ, a research firm, served as Bidfood’s strategic research partner for this annual trend report.

As well as value, quality and elevated experiences, this year’s trends are influenced by consumers’ desires to make healthier and sustainable choices, as well as emotional drivers such as comfort, tradition, reward and sharing.

The 2025 Food and Drink Trends Report from Bidfood offers critical insights into key developments shaping the foodservice industry. The following five trends are particularly noteworthy:

1. Flavours less travelled

Trying new and unique cuisines are top of consumer’s priorities and a key factor influencing this year’s report, with 55% frequently looking to explore these new and exciting flavours when eating out. The flavours less travelled trend encourages consumers to embrace their sense of adventure with authentic ingredients, flavours and formats, while experiencing and learning about the cultures they come from.  Research has shown that the global cuisines gaining momentum this year are:

Southern States - Southern USA cuisine refers to the comfort food from the Deep-South including Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida and has seen a rise in popularity with consumers who consider themselves as ‘foodies’. Offering diversity, the cuisine can be adapted to suit lunch or dinner, as well as on the go. Hearty and comforting, this is trend full of potential with a real gap in the market ready to be filled.

Turkish – Turkish cuisine is growing in popularity right now, appealing to a whopping 79% of consumers. Offering bold and aromatic flavours, warming spices and meze sharing dishes, the Turkish food has far more to offer than just kebabs that most associate it with.  

Greek – Characterised by its simplicity, Greek food is renowned for its use of fresh and seasonal ingredients. A great fit with both street food, on the go as well as sit down venues, Greek cuisine boasts familiar favourites such as quality grilled meats, fresh feta salads and creamy dips such as hummus and tzatziki, alongside many lesser-known dishes like courgette balls that offer opportunities for operators. 

Argentinian – With more cattle than people, Argentinian cuisine is characterised by its hearty flavours, rooted in locally-grown and sourced produce. Argentinian cuisine is certainly growing in popularity, with more than half of consumers wanting to try it. Classics dishes include steak, chimichurri, empanadas and dulche de leche, along with a rich reputation for wine.

Portuguese – Despite being an already familiar cuisine to 1 in 5 consumers, Portugal still has a wealth of authentic dishes waiting to be discovered. Although piri piri chicken and Portuguese tarts will always be popular, operators should look towards one-pot rice dishes (called arroz), rice pudding (known as arroz doce), and mixed seafood stew (known as cataplana de marisco), to really nail authenticity.

Swiss: The ultimate comfort food, Swiss dishes featuring cheese, potatoes, cream and meats are at the very heart of this cuisine. Popular with consumers but often hard to come by, Swiss cuisine includes sharing options such as fondue, breakfast dishes like rosti and bircher museli and of course, cheese.   

2. Closer to home

As consumers continue find provenance on menus appealing, many seem to be drawn to learn more about those cuisines that are on our doorstep, but which offer something different to the traditional English classic dishes that are familiar. Nearly half (43%) of consumers are interested in trying Scottish, Welsh and Irish cuisine, due to its traditional flavours, comforting nature and their desire to support British suppliers. Take consumers on a journey across the British Isles with a warm and hearty Irish stew, rich and flaky Scottish salmon and tender Welsh Lamb. However, a number of lesser known dishes such as stovies, oggies and coddle also draw appeal.

3. Buns and Bowls

In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are busier than ever. It’s therefore no surprise that on-the-go options have become a staple for individuals seeking convenience without sacrificing quality. Whilst over 40% of consumers already eat staples such as wraps and cakes when out of home, the demand to try the lesser eaten options like poke, Buddha, and acai bowls as well as chia pots is increasing in popularity. This is coupled with a desire for next level hot and cold premium sandwiches, packed with innovative quality fillings.

4. Friendly Fibre

Healthy eating is increasingly front of mind for consumers, in particular the awareness and understanding of gut health. Bidfood’s friendly fibre trend explores how this important nutrient helps keep our digestive system healthy, which foods are rich in fibre and how operators can include a variety of tasty dishes on their menus that debunk the myth of high fibre foods not tasting good.

5. Proactive Practices

Consumers are still highly conscious of the environmental impact within their own lifestyles. This is evident when they make choices in the out of home sector, with 7 in 10 saying that sustainability is an important factor when deciding which out of home venue to visit. Not only will consumers be more likely to visit, but they will also pay more if they can see that their food and drink comes from sustainable sources, making it important for operators to demonstrate the great work they do around ESG. Some of the areas that consumers are most interested to see operators engage with are:

Food waste
Carbon reduction
Seasonality
Certifications
Regenerative farming
Sustainable seafood

“It’s great to see that this year’s trends are shaped by consumers eagerness to experiment and try something new, along with their desire for indulgence, premiumisation and comfort. This will allow chefs to showcase their creative skills, while providing operators the opportunity to increase margin.

Encouraging sustainable practices remains incredibly important for us as a business, and so it is reassuring to see this reflected within the trends this year. Similarly, gut health is also emerging as a key area of interest to consumers in 2025, something we feel well equipped for with our expert nutrition team on hand to support with implementing this trend.” – Catherine Hinchcliff, Head of Corporate Marketing and Insights at Bidfood

For further details: https://www.bidfood.co.uk/food-and-drink-trends-2025/

Sources: CGA Strategy, Bidfood, CGA by NIQ

Discover Noyan Tun Wine and Spirits Shop in Yerevan, Armenia

We stumbled upon this gem yesterday, just a short walk from our hotel, and were immediately impressed by its well-stocked, beautifully curated selection of wines and spirits. The shop offers an excellent variety of both Armenian and international wines.

Noyan Tun highlights Armenia’s diverse wine regions, featuring everything from the bold reds of Vayots Dzor to the unique varieties of the Ararat Valley.

For fellow Riedel collectors, Noyan Tun carries the exclusive Riedel Areni glass, specifically designed to enhance the aromas and flavors of Armenia’s signature Areni grape.

After my tastings this past week, I highly recommend using this glass when enjoying a 100% Areni varietal—it truly elevates the experience!

Conveniently located at Amiryan St., 12, in Yerevan’s vibrant Kentron district, Noyan Tun is a must-visit for wine lovers exploring the wonderful city.

Website: https://noyantunonline.am/en/