Wine in Trentino Alto Adige, A Taste of the Dolomites – by Michele Shah [Part ll]

Trentino (the province of Trento) and Alto Adige (the more northerly province of Bolzano, also known as the South Tyrol or Südtirol, bordering Austria, unified to Italy in 1919, after World War I, share a range of fragrant white wines and German-accented syllables. Both Trentino and the Alto Adige produce notable amounts of the popular Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon, as well as Pinot Bianco, and Riesling.  While the more aromatic Müller-Thurgau, Moscato, Sylvaner and Gewürztraminer, which is said to take its name from Alto Adige village of Tramin, can be enticingly perfumed and unexpectedly age-worthy.

One main distinction between Trentino and Alto Adige is that production in Alto Adige comes mainly from small family-owned estates that sell their wines locally with limited exports to Germany and Austria. Trentino on the other hand counts on a large number of growers, and members of large cooperatives, such as Cavit and Mezzacorona. These popular wines have found their niche, both in Italy and abroad, among wine drinkers who look for reasonably good and affordable wines for daily enjoyment.

Alto Adige is divided by its waterways, the Adige River and the Isarco River, thus creating two valleys. The vineyards are dotted around the banks of the rivers rising from an altitude of 200 to 1,000 meters into the hills. Bolzano to Trento is an easy 60km and indications are well signposted with good restaurants, hotels and excellent wineries on the way.

Cooperatives in Trentino-Alto Adige, go as far back as the Hapsburg Empire and are quite common representing the lion’s share of production. Cooperative farming in Trentino-Alto Adige played a fundamental role, its success stems from the necessity to create an effective economic system for the region’s fragmented farming industry, including that of viticulture, the average grape grower owns little more than 1ha, and most vineyards rise up the mountainsides as spectacular steep terraced vineyards, some still using the ‘pergola’ system.

Cantina Terlano (www.kellerei-terlan.com), a cooperative founded in 1893, just above Bolzano at Terlano is one of the best expressions of ‘heroic vineyards’ in Alto Adige producing exquisite white wines, in particular its Pinot Blanc from the terraced Vorberg vineyards. Well worth the drive to visit the vineyards above Terlan.

Cantina Girlan (www.girlan.it) has built up a leading position as a Pinot Noir producer – with wines of great character and remarkable elegance. In the last few years, Cantina Girlan set itself still higher goals and conducted a search for a single site capable of producing an outstanding Pinot Noir combining an international standard of quality with the authenticity of the terroir. The choice finally made was a monopole site by the name of Ganger, home of the Pinot Noir Riserva Vigna Ganger.

Cantina Nals Margreid (www.kellerei.it)is a “star on Alto Adige’s wine scene. Their wines have received the highest accolades from prestigious wine publications, including Wine Enthusiast, Wine and Spirits, Wine Spectator and James Suckling. Their whites are particularly interesting, exhibiting an intense minerality and acidity.

Termeno or Tramin is home to Martin Foradori’s family estate, Hostätter, (www.hofstatter.com) one of Alto Adige’s historic estates established in 1907 especially to experience the zesty aromatic Gewurtztraminer of Tramin, his majestic single vineyard Pinot Noir Barthenau, Vinga S. Urbano is where Itlay’s best Pinot noir comes from 100-year-old vines of the Mazzon site, as well as home to local Lagrein.  Bolzano is one of Alto Adige’s top areas for red wines, including the light indigenous Schiava wines.  The surrounding chain of mountains creates a perfect microclimate characterized by warm summers protecting the vines, giving good ripeness.

As you reach Trentino, I suggest you visit the family-run Endrizzi estate (www.endrizzi.it). A beautiful old family house and estate at San Michele all’Adige producing some authentic indigenous and elegant varietal wines such as Pinot Grigio, Nosiola, Müller Thurgau in the whites and Teroldego Rotaliano, Lagrein, in the reds.  Top bottling includes their Masetto range. The estate has a well-stocked shop and a nice setting for a light snack.

Elisabetta Foradori’s (www.elisabettaforadori.com) a family-run certified biodynamic estate at Mezzolombardo, well worth a visit, produces indigenous wines from Teroldego, Pinot Grigio, Nosiola and Manzoni Bianc. Elisabetta is sought out for her Teroldego, characterized by its deep granite hue and soft tannins.  Her cellar with its hand-crafted amphorae which come all the way from an artisan in Spain is a must to see and a tasting with Elisabetta is a wonderful experience as she explains the importance of biodiversity in winemaking.

Trentino, which pioneered sparkling wine made by the classic method early in the century, has retained its leading position and these sparklers are now grouped under Trentodoc appellation. They are predominantly Chardonnay based, and the extensive amounts of Chardonnay in Trentino’s vineyards reflects the importance of this production. Today a fair amount of Pinot Noir is also used in Trentodoc production.  A visit to Ferrari, (www.cantineferrari.it) one of the oldest sparkling estates is a real eye-opener to premium Italian sparkling wines. If you have the time stop at the one starred Michelin Locanda Margon and then visit the family’s jewel which is Villa Margon.

South of Trento two distinctively different estates show up for the quality of their wines.  The first near Volano is home to Eugenio Rosi, a controversial, yet authentic production of the indigenous Marzemino wine, showing a fruity vibrant character, very enjoyable and versatile.  Slightly further south near Avis is Tenuta San Leonardo estate (www.sanleonardo.it), home to one of Italy’s premium age-worthy Bordeaux-style blends of extreme elegance and harmony. Top bottling Villa Gresti is a selection of 90% Merlot with 10% Carmenère.   This is another must, as the estate is comprised a large parkland and houses an interesting museum of farm machinery and tools, but above all the family Marchesi Guerrieri Gonzaga if in house are absolutely delightful hosts.

About Michèle Shah

Michèle Shah has championed and promoted Italian wines for more than 30 years. A noted marketer, writer, communicator and judge, she works with producers across Italy. She is passionate about bringing the quality and diversity of authentic Italian wine to an international audience: her “Speedtasting®” b2b tastings have helped hundreds of producers find new export markets. Her clients include the Consorzi of both famous and emerging Italian wine denominations. A great lover of Italian gastronomy and heritage, Michele also organises wine tours for businesses and enthusiasts. These allow her to share her infectious love for Italian culture, deep wine knowledge, and connections with many inspiring figures in Italian wine. 

The Magical flavors of the Dolomites – Fine Dining by Michele Shah [Part l]

Alta Badia lies in the heart of the mountainous chain of the Dolomites, which the famous architect Le Corbusier declared to be “the most beautiful work of architecture in the world.” The Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park and the Puez-Odle Natural Park, both of which are situated in Alta Badia, are part of the Dolomites and easily reachable from Venice or Milan

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, the Dolomites is comprised of a mountain range of 18 peaks that rises above 3,000 meters, featuring breathtaking vertical walls, sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys.

The Dolomites is famous for skiing, but not only!  Its picturesque towns and villages such as San Cassiano, Corvara and Colfosco situated close to its mountain peaks, or cradled in its many valleys traversing Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Arabba and Val di Fassa make the Dolomites an ideal place to plan a holiday winter, spring or summer.

What really makes this area special, in addition to breathtaking scenery, is its excellence in hospitality and fine dining – indulging and satisfying the senses at high altitude is what they do best in Alta Badia.  The Dolomites offer an amazing experience be it in winter for winter sports or summer for the sunny breezy days and cool evenings which allows one to trek, mountain climb, bike or walk in the Dolomites or just visit the small villages and enjoy the wonderful light, intense green landscape, bight skies, and sunshine.

The cooking of Alto Adige derives from distinct heritages, one Italo-Venetian, the other Austro-Tyrolean, but the intermingling of peoples drawing on shared resources along the Adige Valley has taken the sharp edges off the contrasts. Something akin to a regional style of cooking has emerged combining the best of Alpine and Mediterranean cuisine and this is what emerges from the top dining locations in the charming resorts of Alta Badia where you can find the highest peaks.

Nestled at the foot of the mountains is the charming village of San Cassiano which houses one of Italy’s top *** Michelin-starred restaurants’, St Hubertus*** awarded with a green star in the Michelin Guide.  St Hubertus is part of the Rosa Alpina – An Aman Partner Hotel in San Cassiano.  One of the historic hotels of the area which has years of experience in making one’s stay one of the most eclectic experiences.

Chef Norbert Niederkofler is the creative spirit of St Hubertus, which offers a fine dining experience of pairing signature dishes of Chef Niederkofler to top fine wines from around the globe as well as hidden local gems, a wine list that counts some 2.600 labels and a well-stocked cellar with 20,000 bottles selected by wine director Lukas Gerges.  The wines of the area from Trentino and Alto Adige offer some wonderful unique grape varieties, with whites characterized by stony, mineral freshness and bold and fruity red brambly wines.  There is also a terrific sparkling range to discover as well.

The Pizzinini family has run the Rosa Alpina Hotel for three generations. Hugo, the current owner, can be found at any moment helping to pack a breakfast hamper for a romantic trek or discussing where to find the finest ski slopes for powder snow and five minutes later, looking for one of Rosa Alpina’s best Champagnes to chill for a favored guest’s lunchtime arrival.  Their big news is that they are about to undergo a total face-lift, a complete restyling of the hotel to offer real Luxury accommodation with large 45sq meter and 75sq meter rooms as well as suits and full apartments.  No doubt this will be a move away from a traditional style to a re-vamped luxury style maintaining the same thumbprint of exquisite taste, comfort and charm which is what they are known for. The official opening will be in December 2024.

Talking of exciting cutting-edge dining experiences, the Cocun Cellar Restaurant run by Jan Clemens Wiser and his all under-30 staff is noteworthy.  The dining experience is located in the (large meandering) wine cellar of Ciasa Salares Hotel, which stands just outside San Cassiano.  Jan Clemens has personally selected 2,000 labels/19,000 bottles from some of the funkiest, biodynamic, and natural producers of Europe, many labels of course come from local producers in the area, as does the fresh seasonal produce that can be found in the equally creative menu.  Surrounded and sitting between rows of bottles you dine on massive wooden tables tastefully set out in separated areas sectioned off by shelves of wines.  This sets the atmosphere and pace, inviting you to explore further this fantastic selection and world of wines, many of which are offered by the glass.

Before leaving the dining, a must is to drive a few kilometers down the valley to Corvara, to visit Hotel La Perla’s hidden jewel, which lies underground in its cellar, a real mausoleum dedicated to Tuscany’s Tenuta’ San Guido’s eclectic wine, Sassicaia.  A visit to the cellar is a truly unique experience and takes one to the temple of Sassicaia comprising some 2,000 bottles of its different vintages, in fact, an entire room dedicated to every single vintage from start to date of Sassicaia, one of Italy’s benchmark wines of excellence.

La Stüa de Michil’s fine dining historic restaurant at la Perla’s exclusive hotel in Corvara is another experience that is not to be missed.  Chef Simone Cantafio’s has recently been awarded his first well-deserved Michelin star for his exquisitely prepared dishes.  The atmosphere in this authentic old ‘stube’ made up of many small dining rooms is really something special and symbolic also of the local Ladino culture.

With so much fine dining it’s a good thing that the Dolomites and the area of Alta Badia offers so many paths for hiking, walking, and bike trails, just so that one can justify all the good meals and wines.  The good news is that if you are hiking or biking, there are plenty of great restaurants at altitude where you can stop for a simple meal and refreshments to a full gourmet meal.  Just to mention a few, Club Moritzino restaurant and bar at 2,000 metres, open in summer and winter offering some of the best and freshest fish which is flown in daily from Chioggia near Venice.  Its tantalizing menu of fine fish dishes includes fresh lobster, prawns and oysters, as well as pan-fried bream, seabass, John Dory, Turbot and much more exquisite fish.

Another favorite is Rifugio Ütia de Bioch Hut in the midst of the slopes, also at around 2,000m which not only offers excellent views but also fine authentic Ladino dishes with a modern twist, accompanied by a wide selection from some of Alto Adige’s top wines.   There are many more great places but I’ll let you discover these as there is always something new to discover in the Dolomites.

Alta Badia has some of the world’s top ski instructors and experienced mountain guides eager to guide you around the beautiful scenic slops. In winter one can ski, or join snow walking excursions, in summer there is real mountain climbing at altitudes and gradients as well as gentle walks in the pine forests.  The Dolomites is famous for the ski excursion of the four passes, which takes one into the Val Gardena and over some spectacular mountain scenery.  Its extensive area of slopes which are all inter-connected allows for some of the best skiing in the world.

The Dolomites is famous for Sellaronda ski excursion of the four passes, which you can reach from San Cassiano, Corvara and Colfosco traversing four Ladino valleys Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Arabba and Val di Fassa, over some spectacular mountain scenery.  Alta Badia’s extensive area of slopes which are all inter-connected with the Super Ski Dolomiti pass includes 450 lifts and 1200 slopes, which makes it easy to ski over to Cortina or Corvara or to the Marmolada glacier, one of the highest peaks, which reaches some 3350 metres.  Views from here as from many other heights are amazing and this is what makes the Dolomites stand out above so many other ski destinations.  The higher you go the longer the slopes, so don’t miss the Marmolada glacier and the 12km descent to Malga Chapela.

Ski Dolomites https://www.skidolomites.it/ offers single and class lessons and has also been awarded the GOLD seal certification for ski school for children.

The Gourmet Ski-safari takes place on the slopes and allows you to share a culinary experience with star chefs of Alta Badia presenting their favorite dishes paired with some of the best South Tyrol wines (Alto Adige Trentino appellations) wines.  This event celebrates the official start of the culinary winter season on the slopes and is where you can meet Michelin-starred chefs creating unique dishes, prepared with seasonal, top-quality products – a hallmark of the region. It’s called a ski-safari because you ski from one mountain hut to another, trying each chef’s creations.

It’s quite unique and great fun to join the Wine Ski-safari which offers a similar expedition on skis across the valleys skiing for mountain hut/restaurant to hut enjoying the region’s multitude of wines. It’s a unique experience to taste some of Alto Adige’s best white, red and sparkling wines at an altitude of 2,000 meters.

For more information on the dolomites where to stay where to eat you can explore this very useful website: https://www.skidolomites.it/en/ski-school-lessons-alta-badia.htm

For ski school and ski lessons and excursions contact: https://www.altabadia.org/en/winter-holidays/italian-alps/ski-resort-alta-badia.html

lavilla@skidolomites.it  Tel +39 0471844018

sancassiano@skidolomites.it  Tel +39 0471840011

armentarola@skidolomites.it Tel +39 0471840001

 

Restaurant St Hubertus (3-star Michelin)
Rosa Alpina – An Aman Partner Hotel
San Cassiano in Badia – (Bolzano)

www.rosalpina.it
www.st-hubertus.it

Wellness Residence Ciasa Antersies
(excellent self-catering apartments in San Cassiano with great views)
Via Soplá, 12
I-39030 San Cassiano in Badia (BZ)

info@ciasaantersies.it
www.ciasaantersies.it


Cocun Cellar Restaurant
Hotel Ciasa Solares
San Cassiano in Badia – (Bolzano)

https://www.ciasasalares.it/en/restaurants/cocun-cellar-restaurant


La Stüa de Michil
Strada Col Alt, 105,
Corvara in Badia – (Bolzano)

https://www.laperlacorvara.it/it/la-stua-de-michil/
www.hotel-laperla.it

Club Moritzino – Café Restaurant Terasse
Piz La Ila

www.moritzino.it

Rifugio Ütia de Bioch Hut
Top of chairlift „Biok“

www.bioch.it

30 minutes from Piz Sorega
50 Minutes from Piz La Ila, or Col Alt, or chairlift Pralongiá I


Snow walking excursions in the Dolomites

SCUOLA SCI DA FONDO ALTA BADIA San Cassiano  www.scuolafondo.it

Ski & Snowboard in the Dolomites – E-Mail: info@skidolomites.it – Web: www.skidolomites.it

Alta Badia –website offers excellent info in the area: www.altabadia.org/en/alta-badia-italian-alps-dolomites.html

Part ll to follow… Wine in Trentino Alto Adige, a taste of the Dolomites
– by Michele Shah

 

Colli Piacentini + The Golden Shades of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Filippo Magnani

A day before the opening of the Val Tidone wine Festival (September 10th, 2022) a group of wine journalists and trade attended a press event “Emilia in villa”, which was presented by Emilia Wine Experience (the organization which regroups different wine and food consortiums and wine routes associations).

The press joined the tasting and explored the different styles of Malvasia and Gutturnio in the secular park of Villa Braghieri, in Castel San Giovanni, in the province of Piacenza. It was a pleasant dinner that “blended” gastronomic masterpieces with a focus on the productions of Malvasia, age-worthy white wines with powerful aromas and body.

The vineyards in Emilia are extensively cultivated with both red and white grapes. The homeland of Malvasia is Colli Piacentini DOC, where you can see the gentle hills around Piacenza, where vineyards are mainly under this appellation.  It is a very interesting place for wine production, because of the steep slopes of the hills, the different composition of soils such as red clay and limestone and a particularly suitable climate for the vines, with long and warm summers and very cold and cloudy winters. The Colli Piacentini DOC covers 3,600 hectares of hills in the western-most part of Emilia-Romagna and runs from the Appennine, on the border with Lombardy, through the main five valleys: Val Tidone, Val Luretta, Val Trebbia, Val Nure, and Val d’Arda.

The production covers a wide range of wine styles and grape varieties. Among the many native grapes cultivated there is no doubt that Malvasia Aromatica is the “golden shade” of these wines. As the name suggests, it is very aromatic, but the producers of the area (over 80) have been keen to develop different styles of Malvasia, from dry to sweet, to bubbly and e skin-fermented.

The DOC Colli Piacentini appellation has been protected by the local consortium since 1986, and each year celebrates the “Val Tidone Wine Festival” in the towns of the DOC area. The event joins art, culture and local food, with wine and hospitality, to create and promote the connection between the excellences of the territory. Tidone Valley is a land of scenic and breathtaking views over the vineyards. The smooth hills of the valley lead to Ziano Piacentino, the largest vine-covered area in Italy; and a historical town rich with castles under the same name. Because of the strategic geographic position, midway between North and Central Italy, the adjacent towns are also embellished with beautiful buildings and fortresses, some of them have ruins from Roman times. The entire area is blessed with green forests and pristine nature, around the river Trebbia, which contributes to the moisture of the area even during drought periods.

Emilia Wine Experience

The Emilia Wine Experience arises from the need of the representatives of the territory to emerge, or rather, to promote and communicate, in a more effective way, the potential of the fascinating Emilia. The project creates and promotes the territorial brand “Emilia” and has managed to involve 20 municipalities, gathered around the three main Provinces along the fascinating 5 roads of wine and flavours of Emilia: Piacenza, Parma and Reggio Emilia, two Consortiums of Protection, and a local association; all united to enhance the strong link between territory, wine, and tourism. The Emilia Wine Experience is a model of local development that brings together all the many experiences, events and quality initiatives of the territory, it collects them in the same portal, and gives them easy access.

“Emilia is a land of food and wine masterpieces”.

Here is the website for further details:

www.emiliawineexperience.it

Wine Estates and Tasting Notes

COLLI PIACENTINI MALVASIA DOC “SORRISO DI CIELO” 2020 – LA TOSA

This winery dates back to the nineties, being one of the first to focus on a still and dry Malvasia, that will age over time. No doubt, this is a winning project of La Tosa, as their Malvasia is one of the few that can be aged for decades and at the same time still keeping its body and aromas. This wine brings memories of Sicily, as the aromatic bouquet recalls Sicilian Muscat. The colour is deep golden, and on the nose, orange blossoms and dried apricot. On the mouth it is medium bodied, easy drinking with a green finish.

COLLI PIACENTINI MALVASIA DOC “BACIAMANO” 2020 – MOSSI 1558

One of the most historical wineries of the area, immersed into the vineyards. Their Malvasia is unique, as it is aged in porcelain stoneware, where it is fermented and aged for 6 months. The colour tends to be more golden, but with deep notes of citrus, exotic fruits and dried herbs, like hay. On the mouth, its alcohol is well balanced by the lashing citrusy acidity and long dry back taste.

COLLI PIACENTINI MALVASIA DOC “BOCCADIROSA” 2020 – LURETTA

An enchanting place for winemaking: a castle on the hills of Piacenza, a timeless place that was kept untouched through the years, since 1,000. The same walls of the Middle Ages actually host the winemaking area and aging cellar. Since 1988 the vineyards have grown organic for a wide production of wine. This Malvasia shows brilliant amber colour, with nice notes of cedar wood, beeswax, and candied orange zest; full-bodied, with an immediate cleanness, it tastes almost tannic and salty on the back taste.

COLLI PIACENTINI MALVASIA DOC “TASTO DI SETA” 2019 – CASTELLO DI LUZZANO

A family-run winery made of passion and bonds with Northern Italy, that has concentrated its efforts and resources on dry Malvasia, in order to produce one of the most elegant examples of this wine.

The straw yellow colour is enchanting, but the nose is even more, with intriguing notes of cantaloupe, orange blossoms and chalk. On the mouth its silky taste (as its name evokes, silk is seta in Italian) is well balanced with the mouth-watering taste and long finish.

#emiliawineexperience #stradavinicollipiacentini #collipiacentini#tastecollipiacentini #visitemilia #igerspiacenza #piacenza #vivopiacenza #piacenzanonsiferma #piacenzafood #wine #winelovers #winetravels #winetasting

 

Eugenio Collavini Winery – Part ll – Tasting the wines of Friuli’s ‘Lord of Ribolla Gialla’

…continued from Part l [ https://www.liz-palmer.com/eugenio-collavini-winery-part-l/ ]

Collavini brings together two contradictory practices: making wines in pioneering styles and at the same time drawing on indigenous varieties that have grown in Friuli for centuries. Blending innovation with history! It’s a formula that works.

Grape Varieties

Collavini’s focus is on local indigenous varieties, including Ribolla Gialla, Pignolo, Schiopettino and Fruliano, as well as some international varieties, particularly for sparkling wines.

Collavini Wines Tasted

Ribolla Gialla Spumante Brut Millesime 2018
Ribolla Gialla 100%

Brilliant straw yellow colour with slight green reflections with fine and persistent effervescence. A delicate and fine olfactory delight, with scents of nectarine, figs, green apple with some mingling mineral notes. In the mouth it is very fresh, rich in structure, with infinite nuances, including citrus with a long aromatic persistence.

Villa Canlungo Pinot Grigio DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2021
100% Pinot Grigio

The organoleptic analysis shows a pale straw color with vague copper reflections. The bouquet is varietal and floral with sweet citrus notes. On the palate, it is well balanced with delicate savoury notes enveloped in a silky texture and delivers a long, elegant finish.

T-Friulano DOC Collio 2021
100% Friulano

Straw yellow with greenish highlights. Penetrating fragrances of flowers , honeysuckle and pear, which is echoed on the dry, full-bodied palate. Fresh acidity with a long aromatic length.

Refosco Pucino DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020

100% Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

A beautiful violet hue, with a fresh and vinous bouquet: the varietal fruity perception of wild blackberry and raspberry with subtle hints of licorice. The harmoniously balanced palate has a faint background of herbaceous notes leading to a fresh and elegant finish.

Broy DOC Collio 2019
40% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon, and 50% Friulano

The organoleptic examination of this sensational Friulian wine shows A saturated straw-yellow color with slight green reflections. Intense and persistent nose of ripe tropical fruit, honey, orange peel and flowers. The palate has a powerful and long body is wonderfully balanced with pleasant notes of minerality.

Pignolo DOC Friuli  Colli Orientali 2012
100% Pignolo

Stunning ruby red colour. A very distinctive nose offering ripe red fruits, dark chocolate. and spice, which follows through to the palate. A medium-full body wine – try and elegant with a long finish.

Thank you “Collavini Team”… I certainly enjoyed this experience!

#collaviniwines #eugeniocollavini #studioCru #makeyourmark #madeinitaly #italianwine #italianwinelovers #italiansparklingwine #vino #winetasting #collliodoc #winetravel #winelife #friuliveneziagiulia #collavinimethod #rosso #colavini

A Unique “Women Wine Event” will be held for the first time at Vinitaly April 10th

Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator unite to tell the stories of seven women-led Italian wineries.

Monica Larner of Wine Advocate and Alison Napjus of Wine Spectator will share a podium for the first time during Vinitaly 2022, this Sunday, April 10th. These two leading wine critics and journalists will combine their powers to tell the stories of seven women-led Italian wineries. Seven iconic women, seven signature wines giving voice to the history and narrative that reveals the true soulfulness of Italian wine.

The question is why?  Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International and principal organizer of the event, said “This has been a long-standing dream for me, and I’ve been advocating for this event to happen for many years.  Why has something like this never happened before?”.  What seems a no-brainer is actually very complex.

Competing wine writers have never hosted such events before. Wine writing has a lot to do with competition. Between magazines, between the writers themselves, and certainly among readership; wine writing is based upon opinions and personal analyses, with the most technical, elegant, exacting and alluring tasting notes carrying a lot of weight and shaping careers in the sector. Nonetheless, Larner and Napjus, natural rivals for readership and prestige, have crossed all the historic boundaries between their publications in order to show the wine world the power of women to unite.

These two female wine critic titans are collaborating to create a once-in-a-lifetime event, featuring seven equally iconic female producers from Italy. Marilisa Allegrini, of Amarone fame; Albiera Antinori, the Queen of Super Tuscan; Chiara Boschis, the only female Barolo Boy; Elisabetta Foradori, one-woman pioneer from Trentino; Elena Fucci, genius of volcanic soils; Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, heiress to legendary Sassicaia; Arianna Occhipinti, firebrand from Sicily. These women will each present their signature wine, telling their personal stories with the support and engagement of Larner and Napjus.

As with the journalists, these producers have been competitors for many years and, in some cases, for many generations. They represent five different regions of Italy, and their ages span 40 years. Their wines constantly vie for market share and prominence across global markets. And yet, at Vinitaly 2022, they come together to share their wines and their stories in the name of hope and camaraderie. Never before has one wine event held so much significance or been such a role-model, leading the way for beating swords into plowshares, and hopefully not only the wine sector will sit up and take notice.

Registration and further details:  https://www.vinitaly.com/en/

@monicalarner @napjuswine @wine_advocate @wine_spectator @vinitalyofficial @steviekim222 @marilisaallegrini @marchesiantinori @chiaraboschis @agricolaforadori @elena.fucci @tenuta_sanguido_official @ariannaocchipinti @itatradeagency @italymfa

#womeninwine #womeninwinebusiness #italianwine #italianwinelovers #vinitaly #vino #winemaking #womenwinemakers #femalewinemakers #Wineadvocate #winespectator #womenwholead #Amarone #Vinitaly2022 #Tignanello #winejournalists #redwine #whitewine #womenwholead #winelife #winenews #winebusiness