Category: Wine Education

Thirteen Masters of Wine inducted at the 2021 IMW awards ceremony this week

The Institute of Masters of Wine officially welcomed thirteen new Masters of Wine to its membership at the IMW’s awards ceremony in London December 1, 2021.

The ceremony celebrates the induction of the new Masters of Wine to the IMW and recognizes individual excellence in all aspects of the MW exam. Currently, there are 418 MWs based in 30 different countries.

The 2020 ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic. Instead, a digital celebration was released last year to honour the achievements of the 23 new members who became Masters of Wine in 2020.

A second awards ceremony in March 2022 will inaugurate the 10-remaining new Masters of Wine from the 2020 vintage, who could not attend the celebration at Vintners’ Hall, London, along with the 2021 vintage MWs.

The ceremony, which took place on December 1st was live-streamed for the first time, and viewers could see video messages from the MWs who were unable to attend.

The new 2020 MWs who attended in person were Mike Best MW (UK), Vanessa Conlin MW (US), Róisín Curley MW (Ireland), Tracey Dobbin MW (France), Christophe Heynen MW (Belgium), Elizabeth Kelly MW (UK), Ido Lewinsohn MW (Israel), Lin Liu MW (France), William Lowe MW (UK), Curtis Mann MW (US), Ray O’Connor MW (UK), Beth Pearce MW (UK) and Adam Porter MW (UK).

The MWs in the 2020 vintage not able to attend were Nick Bielak MW (UK), Beans Boughton MW (UAE), Duane Coates MW (Australia), Jacqueline Cole Blisson MW (Canada), Heidi Iren Hansen MW (Norway), Pasi Ketolainen MW (Finland), Annette Lacey MW (Australia), Geoffrey Moss MW (Canada), Louise Wilson MW (Canada) and Ross Wise MW (Canada).

The 23 MWs passed the final part of the MW exam in 2020 and were announced in February and August last year.

During the ceremony, individual awards were given to the MWs who performed exceptionally in a particular area of the MW exam.

Adam Porter MW received the IMW Chair’s Award, presented by Neil Hadley MW, for the top performance in the business of wine paper. Adam was also awarded the Noval Award, sponsored by Quinta do Noval, part of AXA Millésimes, for the best research paper by a new MW. Adam’s research paper, Can premium wines be marketed in single-serve cans in the UK retail market? is available to download from the IMW’s website here.

Curtis Mann MW received the Taransaud Tonnellerie Award for his excellent knowledge in the production and handling of wine.

Geoffrey Moss MW received the Villa Maria Award for his outstanding knowledge and understanding of viticulture and the Robert Mondavi Winery Award for the best performance across all the theory papers in the MW exam.

For her outstanding tasting ability, Heidi Iren Hansen MW received the Bollinger Medal. Heidi also received the final accolade of the evening, the Austrian Wine Marketing Board Outstanding Achievement Award. The prize was given to Heidi for her overall performance in all areas of the MW exam.

Both Heidi and Geoffrey could not attend the ceremony but shared their delight and thanks via video link. They will be presented with their awards in person at the ceremony in March.

The Masters of Wine who celebrated their 50th year as MWs in 2020 were also honored during the ceremony. Philip Goodband MW, Sarah Morphew Stephen MW and John Salvi MW passed the MW exam in 1970. Special mention was given to Michael Broadbent MW, who sadly died in March 2020 – his 60th year as an MW.

Continuation of the 2021 Port Wine Day celebrations…

I’m absolutely thrilled to be invited by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto to participate in the tasting panel for the “Port Wine Day” celebrations!

This Friday, November 12th, at 7pm (Portugal) 2pm (Canada/US), watch live on the Port and Douro Wines Facebook page!

The global tasting panel will be tasting six different styles and vintages, which are listed below and will be presented by a representative of the brand, as follows:

Catarina Machado – @churchills_port | Churchill’s Dry White Aperitif

Lígia Marques – Sogrape | @kopke1638 20-Year-Old White

@sandemanporto 10-Year-Old Tawny

Emiliano Di Renzo – Symington Family Estates – @dows_port | Dow’s30-Year-Old Tawny

Manuel Sapage – @conceito_wines | Conceito 2016 Vintage

David Guimaraens – Fladgate Partnership | @taylorsportwine Fladgate 2015 LBV

The Host: Paulo Russell-Pinto – IVDP

 

#portwine #portwineday #dourowines #ivdp #vinhosdodouro #churchills #symington #sogrape #kopke #dows #taylors #sandemanporto #symingtonfamilyestates #dowsport #portlovers #instaport #winelovers #conceito #fladgate #taylorsport #portugal #port #porttasting

Bolgheri, a wine territory in the pursuit of excellence – Filippo Magnani

The first edition of “Bolgheri Divino” celebrates a unique and cohesive vision of the producers…. 

On September 4th, 2021, the Consortium of Bolgheri and Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC gathered 65 vintners of the DOC to tell their story of the land and its winemaking excellence, through personalities and productions. The event was named “Bolgheri DiVino.” It was a magical day to celebrate an extraordinary and cohesive wine territory in the pursuit of excellence. The first edition aims to become a must-attend occasion for dedicated oenophiles from all over the world who love this wine pearl on the Tuscan coast: Bolgheri.

The day began with an exclusive tasting held at Castello Della Gherardesca, in the morning, in Castagneto Carducci where I took part with other selected Italian and international journalists of the wine sector. The morning was dedicated to the preview of Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2019 vintage. A unique occasion since the tasting anticipates nearly 4 months to its release on the market.

The wines of 2019 generally showed deep colour, ripe fruit, with good aromatic intensity. An appropriate level of natural acidity guaranteed freshness and good fragrance. Apart from certain cases, where I perceived generous, firm tannins also due to the young fullness, the majority of wines I tasted were graceful, well-made with harmony from start to finish.

In the afternoon, we participated in a further tasting at 7 selected wineries where we had the chance to taste the promising 2020 vintage of Bolgheri Rosso. As I tasted the wines, I noticed they were fruity with a good structure and with lively acidity, while showing great potential for aging.

Like those overwhelming love stories, Bolgheri is the result of the harmonious relationship between an extraordinary land and the genius of man. A “little Italian miracle”, said the President of the Consortium Albiera Antinori in the closing evening of Bolgheri DiVino, in front of nearly 1,000 international guests seated for a beautiful dinner at a 1 km-long table on the iconic “Viale dei Cipressi”, a landmark of the Bolgheri landscape.

The event has shown the world that Bolgheri has climbed the “Olympus of Italian wines” in just a few decades. Its land has always been a sitting gold mine for the potential of the agricultural district. This territory, in its fairy tale appearance, is a wonderful symbol of the “Italian Bel Paese”. 

A small pearl embraced by the “Macchia Mediterranea”

The area of the DOC Bolgheri is delimited by the municipality boundaries of Castagneto Carducci village. It is a small wine area that measures 13km from the southernmost point to the northernmost one, while the west-east extension is about 7km. The total vineyards are of DOC are 1359 hectares, positioned at an altitude ranging from 10 metres to 380 above sea level. The so-called “Macchia Mediterranea” stretches all along the coast, Bolgheri is literally embraced by this thick dark green forest.

The amphitheatre of Bolgheri is exposed to perpetual light and aerated by continuous sea winds from the Tuscan archipelago. Exposure and natural aeration, in addition to preventing many plant diseases, gives the wine an exuberant freshness and incredible elegance. However, most fascinating is the extraordinary and varied type of soils. A miscellaneous of soils composition; mainly sandy towards the sea, more clay-sandy alluvial, clay-silty in the vineyards located on the foothills, and gravellier in the hills belonging to Colline Metallifere (metallic hills). To better understand the richness of the soils for wine production, the Consorzio has conducted an accurate zonation research, a ten-year study on the potential of this territory. Up to now 27 units have been identified, not grouped into macro areas though because in a few metres the composition of the soil can change incredibly. 

A “chair at the table of the prime Italian wines”
earned in just a few decades

 

Between the hundred-year-old stories of the famous Tuscan wine areas, well known and affirmed in the wine world scene, a place is reserved for the “young” Bolgheri district. The first red was produced around the 1940s, by the brilliant intuition of Marquis Mario Incisa of Rocchetta, founder of the estate Tenuta San Guido to plant red French varieties in the hills. Particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc. The first real success production comes indeed from a blend of these two varieties, and first labelled as Sassicaia in 1968, and lately proclaimed as one the best wines of the world with the 1985 vintage.

After an initial period of white and rosè wine production for local consumption (regulation of 1983), the path tracked by Tenuta San Guido and its Sassicaia was followed by a small group of pioneer producers that invested and interpreted the possibility of producing fine red wines in this area.

From the second half of 1980’s Bolgheri became an area extremely vocated to the production of red wines. Rapidly those wines were recognized worldwide as so, called “Super Tuscan” by famous wine writers, showing off not only the outstanding potential of the land but also the commitment of the estates in pursuing the brilliant intuition of this group of winemaker pioneers.

The cohesive effort of the producers led in 1994 to the first DOC Bolgheri red wines regulation, together with the creation of Sassicaia subzone delimited by the proprieties of the Tenuta San Guido. In the last 25 years the endeavours to look for quality with no compromise has made Bolgheri a symbol of Tuscan wine excellence.

Another significant moment in the strengthening of Bolgheri wines among the world of premium wines was the recognition of the Doc Bolgheri Sassicaia in 2013, conferring its own appellation. A remarkable occurrence since Bolgheri Sassicaia is the first and only Italian denomination dedicated solely to an estate and its cult wine.

Land of Innovation.

In Bolgheri, wine production has always innovated and is still continually developing with a common vision of the pioneer producers. Following this trend, an update of the wine regulation has been approved by the Consorzio Doc Bolgheri and will be effective soon. The first modification is related to the base ampelographic of Bolgheri DOC white:

The first modification is related to the base ampelographic of Bolgheri DOC white, which will give more space to the productions of Viogner, Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino (already widespread).

The second intervention on the specification concerns the labelling. In particular for all DOC Bolgheri wines, it is mandatory to have the word “TOSCANA” on the back of the label. It will then be up to the producers to include the word “TOSCANA” on the front-label as well. Today in Bolgheri there are three types of DOC red wines: DOC Bolgheri Rosso, DOC Bolgheri Rosso Superione, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia and three additional Doc, one for Doc Rosato (rosè) and two Doc Bianco (white)

DOC Bolgheri red wines are a blend or monovarietal produced with Cabernet Sauvignon or Franc and Merlot. Often the blends include Syrah, a small percentage of Petit Verdot and in certain occasions Sangiovese.

An iconic wine destination with unique charm

In the last 20 years, in this area of the shore that I proudly call home, I personally witnessed the incredible evolution of high-end wine tourism. International wine travellers, thrilled for Tuscany and its beauty, are nowadays considering it a “MUST” to visit the cellars of Bolgheri, and to taste the fine wines of those producers. The wind of sudden success of Bolgheri wines has also marked a significant development and attitude to the organized hospitality at the estates. When I began my activity in the early ‘90s in Bolgheri just a few estates were open and ready to welcome visitors. Today, almost all the cellars have opened their doors to wine enthusiasts and wine professionals. A unique range of hospitality proposals at the estates, offered by small familiar properties and legendary wineries.

The diversification of the wineries, both in their own stories and their production, under the libertarian philosophy of the DOC cited above, permit the interpreters to tell their very personal interaction with the environment.

The word “diversity” is important, starting from the natural factor. Bolgheri is a territory that knows how to touch all the sensory spheres, perfumes, flavours, charming hamlets in perfect harmony with the landscape and, most certainly, land of great wines. From the gentle hills, in a matter of a few kilometres the land gets lost in a beautiful natural sea reserve.

“Diversity” in the cuisine; it is ideal to enjoy different styles, from family and traditional cookery to gourmet, from dishes based on meat and vegetables in the countryside, to other locations to enjoy a fresh fish menu by the sea. The countryside around Bolgheri’s town walls is overwatched by other ancient, hilltop villages. Where Village life is livened up by artisan boutiques, open-air markets, taverns, and cosy accommodation where travellers can still closely appreciate the authentic tranquil Tuscan lifestyle.

We’ve been talking a lot about Bolgheri and its extraordinary terroir, but I find the human factor is of extreme importance If Bolgheri has been included today among the hall of fame of the Italian wine destination it is thanks to the outstanding production of each producer, but also by the new strategic vision of the Consorzio Doc and its Presidency who always considered quality wine tourism as a fundamental aspect in social and territorial development.

That’s Bolgheri and its wine!

 

 

WSET, a valuable partner for Bolgheri 

I’d like to proudly underline that the Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini DOC Bolgheri e DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia has recently become the first-ever Italian appellation WSET Corporate Patron. I am sure this collaboration will bring a great value in terms of education and qualifications to inspire and empower all the actors of the Bolgheri wine territory.

 

#WSET #BolgheriSassicaia #Bolgheri #Sassicaia #winetourism #italy #italianwinelovers #BolgheriDivino #bolgheriwine #bolgheridoc #bolgherisassicaiadoc #Sassicaia #consorziovinibolgheri #Toscana #vino #wine #sommelier #winelovers #instawine #redwine #wineeven

@CBolgheri

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milano Wine Week October 2 to 10, 2021

Milano Wine Week: The global event has become more technical.

Milano Wine Week, the first wine event to connect the city of Milan with 11 metropolises in seven key export markets – the U.S.A, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Hong Kong and Japan – has become more technical.

This innovative interactive event will facilitate direct connection between the world’s wine business community along with Italian wineries and producers. The platform represents an interactive hub and a medium that can be used free by all members of the trade and buyers who register and will allow them to take part in the masterclasses in the 11 cities involved – Montreal, Toronto, New York, Chicago, Miami, London, Moscow, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

The masterclasses with simultaneous translation from Italian to English, the 4 forums of in-depth analysis – devoted to wine science, wine retail, internationalization, and emerging trends in the industry – which will involve prestigious speakers and international experts in the sector, the workshops and webinars will be available both live and on demand for professionals who have registered from all over the world, who will also be able to consult the catalog of producers and of the wines that are being presented during the event and contact the wineries and producers directly.

Milano Wine Week goes even further and is launching the innovative “W” app, an instrument for wine lovers, so that they can enjoy to the full the nine days of the event, from 2nd to 10th October, and navigate among the hundreds of appointments and meetings spread around Milan, all organized with total respect for the regulations safeguarding the health and safety of participants.

Innovation is part of Milano Wine Week’s DNA: thanks to the digitalization of the wine lists of all the city’s restaurants, Milan will be the first city in the world in which one can choose where to go and eat based on the wine that one wishes to drink: an innovative experience that will be possible using the “W” App, which will also allow users to take advantage of many of the city’s services: renting a bike, booking a visit to an exhibition, reserving a place at an event or taking part in the Wine Tours which, during Milano Wine Week, will connect Milan with the wine regions that are nearby or not too far away.

In the USA, the tastings – organized with the support of ITA – Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, entirely in line with the current regulations for the health and safety of those participating – will take place in New York from 4th to 7th October at Il Gattopardo (13-15 W 54th Street), from 4th to 6th October in Chicago (at Gibsons Italia, 233 N Canal St) and Miami (at SLS Brickell,

Further details on the event can be found at www.milanowineweek.com

 

#MWW #BacktoWine #wine #vino #vinoitaliano #winetime #winecommunity #winelovers #winetime #MilanoWineWeek  #WineHappens #vino #vinoitaliano #winenews #instawine #wineevent #italianwine #italianwinelovers #winetasting

2021 MW Exam Questions and Wines Revealed

The Institute of Masters of Wine has just published the questions from the 2021 MW exam, including the list of wines for the practical (tasting) part of the exam.

The complete list of wines can be found here: https://www.mastersofwine.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMW-MW-Exam-2021.pdf  The list also shows the questions from the theory component of the MW exam.

From August 31 to September 3 106 students sat the theory and practical exams in Adelaide, Helsinki, London, Malaga, Napa, Ontario and Singapore. The exam, usually held in June each year, was postponed to September due to the pandemic.

The practical and theory exams form the second stage of the MW study programme. Over four days students had three 12-wine blind practical papers and five theory papers on the subjects of viticulture; vinification and pre-bottling procedures; handling of wines; the business of wine; and contemporary issues.

Those who successfully pass the stage two theory and practical exams will progress to stage three, the research paper, the final stage of the MW study programme.

The first step is the stage one assessment, a one-day exam comprising a 12-wine blind tasting exam in the morning and a theory exam in the afternoon. One hundred and twenty-eight students sat the stage one assessment, which this year was held online on 4 August. Students can only progress to stage two of the MW study programme by successfully passing this assessment.

#TheInstituteofMastersofWine #MW #Mastersofwine #wine #wineeducation #wineresearch #wineexam #mwvintage2020 #winetasting #instawine #winetrade #winenews #somm #vin #vino #sommelier #wein #winelovers