Tag: Italian Wine

Alto Adige Wine Summit 2025: Expanding Horizons and Strengthening Global Influence

The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines has successfully concluded the Alto Adige Wine Summit 2025, marking its most ambitious and internationally resonant edition to date. Held biennially, the summit serves as the preeminent platform for positioning Alto Adige as a dynamic contributor to the global wine dialogue, uniting international trade media, sommeliers, wine merchants, and hospitality professionals.

For the first time in its history, the summit extended its program by two additional days, reflecting its growing scope and influence. From September 4 to 8, a total of 82 delegates from thirteen countries immersed themselves in the cultural and viticultural fabric of Alto Adige. Participants engaged in exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, in-depth tastings, and direct exchanges with local winegrowers and producers, thereby gaining a comprehensive understanding of the region’s unique terroirs and winemaking traditions.

The summit’s opening sessions introduced international wine journalists and opinion leaders to the region’s viticultural identity, while the expanded program specifically targeted sommeliers, wine merchants, and hospitality professionals. This deliberate broadening of audiences reflects Alto Adige’s strategic aim of deepening its global market presence and strengthening cross-sector partnerships.

A major highlight was the large-scale tasting hosted at NOI Techpark in Bolzano, which presented 365 wines from 100 producers. This unprecedented showcase provided delegates with a singular opportunity to appreciate the breadth, quality, and stylistic diversity of Alto Adige’s contemporary wine production.

The strong representation of U.S. media reinforced Alto Adige’s rising prominence in the American market, its most dynamic export destination.

With its expanded scope, the Alto Adige Wine Summit 2025 has further cemented its role as a global reference point for promoting wine culture, trade dialogue, and cross-cultural exchange, strengthening Alto Adige’s position within the evolving landscape of international wine.

A Montefalco 2025: Celebrating an Entire Region Beyond the Sagrantino Grape

The third edition of A Montefalco took place on June 17–18, 2025, in the beautiful medieval village of Montefalco, Umbria. Building on the success of the reimagined event that began in 2023, this year’s celebration honoured not only the current vintage release of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG but also the full diversity of wines produced across this exceptional region.

Alongside the 2021 release of the area’s flagship red, visitors experienced a comprehensive lineup of local wines, including Montefalco Bianco DOC, Montefalco Grechetto DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Spumante DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Passito DOC, Montefalco Rosso DOC, and Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC, all showcased in tasting rooms that welcomed both Italian and international press.

Participating Wineries

The 2025 event featured an impressive roster of over 40 participating wineries, including established names like Arnaldo Caprai, Antonelli San Marco, and Lungarotti, as well as emerging producers, all contributing to the rich tapestry of Montefalco’s wine heritage.

A Montefalco 2025 proved to be a standout celebration of this unique wine region, offering visitors the chance to explore not only the renowned Sagrantino grape but the entire portfolio of wines that make Montefalco so special. Highlights included dedicated events for accredited journalists and trade professionals: professional tasting rooms with extended hours and sommelier service, direct winery visits, the Gran Premio del Sagrantino national sommelier competition, and the unveiling of the commemorative artist label for the 2021 vintage.

Montefalco: Umbria’s Medieval Wine Capital

Perched high above the Umbrian valley and known as the “Balcony of Umbria,” Montefalco has earned its place among Italy’s most distinctive wine regions. Its medieval charm is matched by a winemaking tradition deeply rooted in the land’s mineral-rich, clay-limestone soils and Mediterranean-influenced climate. Sun-soaked days followed by cool evenings allow for the slow ripening and concentration that characterize wines of exceptional depth and aging potential.

Vineyards cascade along gentle hillsides that maximize sun exposure while protecting vines from harsh conditions. This unique microclimate, paired with expert viticulture, has made Montefalco a benchmark of Italian wine excellence.

The Indigenous Grapes That Define Montefalco

Sagrantino

The undisputed king of Montefalco, Sagrantino is one of Italy’s most powerful indigenous red grapes. With its thick skins and bold tannins, it produces intensely structured wines rich in dark fruit, spice, and minerality. Over time, its formidable structure transforms into elegance, making it one of the few Italian reds capable of long-term cellaring.

Sangiovese

In Montefalco, Sangiovese takes on added nuance from the region’s terroir. While retaining its bright cherry character and natural acidity, it gains complexity and structure, making it the perfect blending partner for Sagrantino in Montefalco Rosso.

Trebbiano Spoletino

This revived white variety thrives in the hills of Montefalco and Spoleto. Known for its balance of citrus, florality, and herbal intrigue, Trebbiano Spoletino showed its versatility at the event through several expressions: crisp DOC bottlings, elegant Superiore, vibrant Spumante, and luscious Passito dessert wines.

Grechetto

A full-bodied white that thrives in central Italy, Grechetto is known for its rich texture, stone fruit flavours, and nutty undertones. When paired with Trebbiano Spoletino, it adds dimension and complexity to Montefalco’s white wine offerings.

Wine Tourism in Montefalco

Montefalco has emerged as one of Umbria’s leading wine tourism destinations, attracting visitors eager to discover its blend of history, culture, and exceptional wines. The rolling landscape, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, offers an immersive Italian wine country experience.

Family-owned wineries open their doors to guests, offering personal insights into generations-old winemaking traditions and innovations that push the boundaries of indigenous varietals.

The Strada del Sagrantino

The region’s official wine route, Strada del Sagrantino, provides a curated journey through Montefalco’s top wine estates. From boutique producers to architectural landmarks, each stop reveals unique expressions of terroir, craft, and culinary connection. This route encapsulates the spirit of the region, where tradition meets contemporary excellence.

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2021: A New Vintage to Celebrate

The 2025 event presented the much-anticipated 2021 vintage of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG in both traditional and blind tastings. Visitors were able to experience its complexity and potential firsthand.

The tasting program ran from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both days, with sommelier-guided sessions held in the Sala Consiliare. Access was granted through pre-booked time slots via the “Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco” app.

Winery Visits at A Montefalco 2025

Lunelli / Tenuta Castelbuono

The Lunelli family, masterminds behind four diverse siblings (Matteo, Marcello, Camilla, and Alessandro), have built an impressive portfolio spanning from their original Trentino operations to Tuscan holdings at Tenuta Podernovo. Their empire extends beyond wine to include the Michelin-starred Locanda Margon restaurant, the historic Tassoni cedrata brand acquired in 2021, and Surgiva mineral water.

The Lunellis entered Umbria in 2000, initially working with leased vineyards before acquiring Tenuta Castelbuono in 2001. Their first Sagrantino harvest came in 2003. The estate’s crown jewel is the architectural marvel “Carapace,” designed in collaboration with renowned artist Arnaldo Pomodoro between 2005-2012. This turtle shell-inspired structure symbolizes four key elements: sacred profile, longevity, deliberate process, and power. At its heart sits the circular “Ziggurat” room, an inverted cone used for private tastings.

The estate produces approximately 130,000 bottles annually from 40 hectares, focusing exclusively on red wines in Umbria. Luca D’Attoma recently took over winemaking duties from Ruben De Laurentis, who managed the operation for 11 years.

Valdangius

Representing the new generation of Montefalco estates, Valdangius is a family-run winery led by Danilo Antonelli, with daughter Jessica and winemaker Alessandro Meniconi. This multigenerational collaboration reflects a balance of heritage and forward-thinking.

Terre de Trinci

Terre de Trinci holds a unique place in Sagrantino history as the cooperative that pioneered dry Sagrantino production. Founded in 1968, this cooperative of 100 members farms 120 hectares, plus an additional 50 hectares of estate-owned vineyards. In 1972, they released the first bottles of dry (non-passito) Sagrantino di Montefalco, helping establish what would become a DOCG in 1992.

Located in Foligno rather than within Montefalco’s borders, they’re the only consortium members authorized to vinify outside the denomination’s territorial boundaries due to their historical significance. The cooperative transitioned to member ownership in 1992 after initially being managed by the local agricultural consortium.

Antonelli San Marco

One of Montefalco’s most respected family estates, Antonelli San Marco has been a benchmark producer in the region for generations. The winery is known for both innovation and respect for tradition, particularly in their work with indigenous varieties.

Filippo Magnani

Exploring Three Unique Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wineries

As part of the 2025 Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest, I set out to explore three significant wine estates:  Teruzzi, Poderi Arcangelo, and Il Palagione. Each winery presents a compelling narrative of terroir expression, sustainable viticulture, and the enduring legacy of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Tuscany’s iconic white wine and the first Italian white to receive DOCG status.

Vernaccia

Vernaccia is a varietal that holds a unique position in the Italian wine lexicon. This grape variety, cultivated almost exclusively in the San Gimignano area, produces Tuscany’s only DOCG-classified white wine. Its hallmark lies in its vibrant acidity, floral aromatics, and mineral depth.

Grape & Vinification: The Vernaccia grape is gently pressed and fermented at low temperatures to preserve its delicate aromatic compounds.

Aging Regulations: Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG requires a minimum aging of 11 months in the cellar and 3 months in bottle before release.

Organoleptic Profile: Typically, light to medium-bodied, this wine expresses crisp citrus notes, golden apple, and a distinctive bitter almond finish.

General Tasting Notes: Floral and citrus aromas, with nuances of pear, herbs, and minerality. The palate is marked by freshness, structured acidity, and a long, saline finish.

Optimal Serving Temperature: Chilled between 8°C for an aperitivo and 12°C with meals to highlight either freshness or textural complexity.

Teruzzi: A Vanguard of Vernaccia Innovation

Teruzzi, founded in 1974 by Enrico Teruzzi and his wife Carmen, is today owned by Terra Moretti. The estate spans 180 hectares, with 96 under vine, including 62 dedicated to Vernaccia. This makes Teruzzi the largest estate dedicated to Vernaccia. Teruzzi blends advanced winemaking technology with deep respect for San Gimignano’s traditions.

Their vineyards are planted at varying elevations and have a variety of soil compositions, contributing to complex and age-worthy wines. Teruzzi’s flagship, Terre di Tufi, a white Toscana IGT blend, is considered a “Super Tuscan Bianco” and is emblematic of the estate’s modern vision. I found that their Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG “Isola Bianca” stood out for its mineral-driven profile, citrus blossom aromatics, with saline finish, highlighting the varietal’s capacity for structure and finesse.

With state-of-the-art vinification equipment and a commitment to sustainable practices, Teruzz exemplifies how tradition and technology can harmoniously co-exist. The wine estate produces high-quality wines while respecting the local heritage and ancient history of Tuscany’s great winemaking tradition. Teruzzi epitomizes the vision of the Moretti family, a commitment to advancing estates with a strong place of origin, heritage, nobility and personality, like that of San Gimignano!

Teruzzi Website: https://www.teruzzi.it

Tasting Notes:

2019 Teruzzi ‘Isola Bianca’ Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Fruity notes on the nose, integrated with a strong mineral presence. On the palate, the wine is fresh and structured with a floral backbone, citrus lift, and a persistent almond-tinged finish.

Score: 92/100
Liz Palmer

Poderi Arcangelo: A Sustainable Family-Run Estate

This family-owned estate operates under a holistic organic model that integrates vineyard biodiversity, agritourism, and farm-to-table cuisine. Poderi Arcangelo blends Tuscany’s agrarian past with a modern commitment to sustainability. Nestled atop a hill, surrounded by organic vineyards and olive groves, the estate is a winery and offers agritourism that including glamping, three farmhouses, and an organic barn. They are known for their organic wines, extra virgin olive oil, and commitment to sustainability, offering guests a chance to experience the authentic side of Tuscany, including truffle hunting with the estate’s dog. They also offer wine tastings and cooking classes and feature a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Following a guided vineyard and cellar tour, we enjoyed a light lunch paired with estate wines overlooking the rolling Chianti hills. It is also interesting to note that their Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is produced from organically grown grapes and fermented in stainless steel to preserve the purity of fruit and terroir. I found in most of their Vernaccia di San Gimignano notes of golden apple, acacia, and wet stone – a perfect match for the regional dishes!

Website: https://www.poderiarcangelo.it

Tasting Notes:

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG ‘Primo Angelo’ 2024
Pale straw yellow. A penetrating and delicate aroma with notes of fresh fruit and white wildflowers. Dry, fresh, and full-bodied with excellent aromatic persistence. Characteristic almond bitterness in the finish.

Score: 92/100
Liz Palmer

My day concluded with a visit to Il Palagione, an artisanal estate producing high-elevation Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The wine estate is located between 300 and 350 meters above sea level. The vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure and dramatic diurnal shifts, which translate to freshness and aromatic complexity in the wines.

Il Palagione: Artisanal Vernaccia and Altitude Precision

Situated on a hilltop along the road connecting San Gimignano to Volterra, Il Palagione offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and San Gimignano.

Dating back to 1594, Il Palagione is a historic family-run estate located between 300–350 meters above sea level. The estate spans 50 hectares, of which 17 are vineyards, and focuses on organic production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi wines.

Their high-altitude vineyards and small-scale artisanal approach result in expressive, age-worthy wines. Tastings and tours are hosted in their ancient barn overlooking the Tuscan hills.

Production:

Il Palagione focuses on organic production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Vernaccia Riserva, and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG wines, as well as extra virgin olive oil.

Il Palagione is known for producing limited quantities of Vernaccia that are expressive, textured, and cellar-worthy. The Hydra Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG stood out for me.

Website: https://www.ilpalagione.com

Tasting Notes:

Il Palagione ‘Ori’ Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG 2010
Poised and elegant. Notes of lemon zest, quince, poached pear. Balanced and creamy with a subtle oak finish and savory undertones. Wonderful wine 15 years later !!

Score: 94/100
Liz Palmer

My visit in San Gimignano offered more than a tasting tour; it was a masterclass in regional identity and winemaking evolution. Each estate presented its own narrative, illuminating Vernaccia’s potential as a terroir-driven, age-worthy white wine. From Teruzzi’s modern vision and large-scale innovation, to Poderi Arcangelo’s organic embrace of Tuscan tradition, and Il Palagione’s artisanal, high-altitude expression, the experience was an inspiring reminder of how deeply wine can reflect both land and legacy.

The 2025 Edition of Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest Successfully Concluded!

The 2025 edition of Regina Ribelle—Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest concluded triumphantly, reaffirming its status as a pivotal wine event in Italy’s calendar. Dedicated to Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the historic white wine [the ‘White Queen’] in a land of reds, the festival drew over 1,500 visitors to the medieval streets of San Gimignano for a multi-sensory journey through tastings, seminars, and cultural encounters.

Strongly promoted by the Consorzio del Vino Vernaccia di San Gimignano, in collaboration with the Municipality of San Gimignano, the festival featured 34 wineries, facilitating over 10,000 tastings across the two-day celebration. The program extended beyond wine to include masterclasses, gastronomic pairings with Tuscan delicacies, and family-friendly entertainment.

An important highlight was the Best Sommelier of Tuscany competition—organized by the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS)—with Luca Marchiani receiving top honours.

From an industry standpoint, the event served as a crucial platform for media engagement. Over 80 international and Italian journalists, including myself, were hosted for exclusive press days (May 15–16), which featured technical tastings and curated winery visits. The gala dinner, held in the breathtaking historic Piazza del Duomo, was curated by Chef Gaetano Trovato of the two-Michelin-starred Arnolfo Ristorante.

Adding a cultural dimension, the unveiling of a sculpture by renowned Tuscan artist Andrea Roggi underscored the connection between Vernaccia and the arts, both classical and contemporary.

The 2024 Vintage

The 2024 vintage marks a return to productivity after the decline of 2023. Despite a rainy September that delayed the harvest, the results were notably elegant. Vernaccia di San Gimignano demonstrated once again its remarkable adaptability to its native territory. In terms of numbers, the 2024 harvest produced 5,904,698 kg of grapes for Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG wine, equating to 4,069,843 litres of wine, with a 44.18% increase compared to the previous year. The number of bottles released to the market is 3,670,357.

“We are extremely pleased with the great public response at this 2025 edition of Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest. It was truly exciting to see so many people—journalists, tasters, professionals, and wine lovers—come together to celebrate this unique wine, a symbol of an extraordinary region. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who believed in this challenge alongside the Consorzio, from the authorities and producers to local businesses and communities, contributing to an event that celebrates a truly unique Denomination: eight centuries of history looking decisively toward the future. Regina Ribelle is now an unmissable event in the wine world, a moment to narrate Vernaccia di San Gimignano as the oldest white wine in our region.

This festival represents not only a great celebration and an ode to the ‘Beauty’ of Vernaccia di San Gimignano but also an opportunity to reinforce the bond between tradition and the future, celebrating its identity and its central role in the Tuscan and national wine scene. Let’s not forget that in 2026, we will celebrate 750 years of this denomination in the territory and 60 years as Italy’s first DOC—a truly unique milestone,” commented Irina Strozzi, President of the Consorzio del Vino Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

The next edition of Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest will occur from May 14 to 17, 2026, in San Gimignano.

A Night with Cecchini – Butcher, Philosopher, Legend

Last night’s dinner at CECCHINI IN CITTÀ @ 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino, was nothing short of theatrical, an unforgettable culinary performance by the legendary Dario Cecchini, right in the heart of Florence!

Between bold Chianti pours, perfectly seared “Cecchini Signature Cut”, and the energy of the room alive with conversation, every bite was a celebration of Tuscan passion and precision!

From the rustic soul of Panzano to this urban stage, Cecchini brings the Fire—and the Philosophy.

“Meat is life,” he says, and last night I believe him!

Liz Palmer