Italian Wine Archives

Trento D.O.C – A Sparkling Journey Through Italian Excellence – Filippo Magnani

Italy is renowned for its incredible wines, and one region that genuinely stands out is Trento. Located in the picturesque Trentino-Alto Adige region, Trento was voted “Wine Region of the Year in 2020” but it remains a hidden gem for many sparkling wine enthusiasts. Trento D.O.C wines have a long and storied history that dates back centuries. The region’s viticulture roots can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire. However, it was during the Austrian rule in the 19th century that the art of winemaking in Trento developed a reputation for exquisite sparkling wines.

In the early 1900’s a young enologist named Giulio Ferrari recognized the geographic and climatic similarities between the Champagne and Trentino. He and other producers planted Chardonnay and began to make wines in the classic method. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier were soon planted as well, and these grapes quickly began to thrive. By 1993 the region received its D.O.C status becoming Italy’s first for sparkling wine in the classic method and one of the earliest traditional sparkling D.O.C’s in the world! In 2007 the collective trademark Trentodoc was created which now includes 67 producers affiliated with the Istituto Trento DOC.

Trentodoc is also an active partner with the Institute of Masters of Wine showing that the Trentodoc brand has achieved international recognition and upholds the excellence of classic method sparkling wines. The IMW’s support ensures the knowledge of the Trentodoc territory will be shared with their students and the global wine community.

The Terroir – A Perfect Blend of Nature’s Gifts

Trento’s unique terroir, with its breathtaking Alpine landscapes, plays a crucial role in the production of these extraordinary wines. The vineyards, nestled between the Dolomite Mountains and Lake Garda, benefit from a mild and temperate climate. The cool nights and warm days, combined with the well-drained soils, create the perfect conditions for grape cultivation. The mineral-rich soils derive their complexity from both oceanic and volcanic activity over millions of years. The high elevations of the vineyards maintain high acidity in the grapes. It’s interesting to note that 70% of the region’s vineyards are over 3200 feet and 20% over 6500 feet. The region gets plenty of sunshine and the warming effects of Lake Garda which helps ensure grape maturity. These significant temperature variations contribute to the complexity and elegance of Trento D.O.C wines. Trentodoc is produced in 6 areas: Rovereto and the Vallagarina, Valle dei Laghi and Alto Garda area, Trento and the Valle dell’Adige, the Valsugana, the Val di Cembra and the Piana Rotaliana.

The Classic Method

This meticulous process of the classic method “metodo classico” involves a second fermentation in each bottle, resulting in fine bubbles and complex flavors. A base wine is first made following the same steps as a still wine. The wine is then bottled and a ‘liqueur de tirage’ is added which is made of yeast and sugars. This eventually triggers a second fermentation in the bottle releasing carbon dioxide creating bubbles. The bottles are placed on racks angled downwards so that the dead yeasts slowly collect in the neck of the bottle. This is called ‘riddling’. The sediment is eventually removed, a process called ‘disgorgement’ and reserve wine with sugar can be added according to the ‘dosage’ which ultimately determines the sweetness of the wine. Trento D.O.C sparkling wines require at least 15 months of aging on the lees adding depth and richness to the wines. Vintage wines require 24 months of lees aging and Riserva wines require 36 months. The DOC requirements are also applied to vine cultivation and yield.

The Grapes – the Essence of Elegance

The primary grape varieties used in Trento D.O.C wines are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes imbue the wines with remarkable elegance, character, and freshness. Each variety adds its own unique personality to the final blend, ensuring a diverse range of flavors. Chardonnay brings acidity and a delicate floral aroma, while Pinot Noir contributes structure and fruity notes. Pinot Meunier adds complexity and brings out a rich aromatic profile in the wines. Due to the steep mountainsides in the Trentino region, many of the vines are trained using the pergola system. Vines are trained vertically straight up posts and then tied horizontally parallel to each other. This method ensures they get enough sunshine but also makes it easier to prune them. Harvesting is still done by hand. Other vine training methods are also used here such as guyot and spurred cordon.

A Symphony of Flavors

Trento D.O.C sparkling wines offer a delightful sensory experience. With their pale straw color and fine perlage, they captivate the eye. On the nose, aromas of white flowers, green apple, and citrus fruits come alive, inviting you to take your first sip. The palate reveals a perfect balance of crisp acidity, creamy mousse, and a medley of flavors, including toasted almonds, brioche, and ripe tropical fruits. The overall effect is both elegant and refreshing, leaving a lasting impression.

Pairing Trento D.O.C wines with the right food elevates the whole tasting experience. The refreshing acidity and complex flavors of these sparkling wines make them a perfect companion for many dishes. From seafood and sushi to creamy risottos and aged cheeses, their versatility makes them an ideal choice for any occasion. The fine bubbles and vibrant acidity also help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of the food.

Exploring A Wine Lover’s Paradise

For wine enthusiasts seeking a unique and memorable experience, a visit to Trentino will not disappoint. A short drive north of Lake Garda and you are surrounded by forest-covered hills and the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. Trento itself is one of the liveliest towns in the Alps. Colorful facades surround charming piazzas and the castle and cable cars offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Many wineries are just outside of town. Winery visits can be combined with a trip to the lake or a hike into the nearby canyons. Most wineries offer tours and tastings that allow you to discover not only the intricacies of the region’s winemaking process but also to explore the vineyards with spectacular landscapes.

For active travelers, visiting Trentino is a sports lover’s dream. The Dolomites offer world-class biking, hiking, and trekking through breathtaking landscapes. Lake Garda offers ideal conditions for windsurfing and other water sports. If you choose to visit in the winter you can ski or snowboard out of your chalet and in less than a half hour be sipping bubbles at a local winery. Additionally, every year in November and December Trento puts on its ‘Bubbles in the City’ event which offers different types of tastings and food workshops with local chefs.

Wineries to Visit

Altemasi
Produced by Cavit one of the leading wine groups in Trentino. The name Altemasi means “high estate” and these wines come from vineyards as high as 2600 feet and are some of their most awarded wines. Cavit’s wine enoteca just outside Trento is a great place to taste an impressive array of wines from the region, both still and sparkling.
www.altemasi.it

Abate Nero
Founded in 1973 by two friends, Eugenio de Castel Terlago and winemaker Luciano Lunelli. The name means “black abbot” and is a reference to the dark robe the monk Dom Perignon wore. They started in the same cellars where Giulio Ferrari wines were once made, focusing only on sparkling wines in the classic method. They have earned a reputation for producing wines that are a stylistic symbol of the Trentino territory.
www.abatenero.it

Balter
Located in a 16th-century castle bought by Francesco Balter in 1872, the Balter family has used this special location to grow grapes since the 1960’s. They built a winery underneath the vineyards in 1990. Visitors can tour the grounds and taste their wines in a truly unique setting.
www.balter.it

Cantina Toblino
Located in the Valle dei Laghi area just north of Lake Garda this winery is a cooperative founded in 1960 by a group of passionate winemakers. The winery produces some of the region’s top wines using innovative techniques and promoting native varieties such as Nosiola, also used to make the sweet Trentino Vino Santo. Visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner at their restaurant Hosteria Toblino which serves traditional dishes with a modern touch.
www.toblino.it

Cesarini Sforza
The Cesarini Sforza Family moved to Trento 200 years ago when Count Filippo Cesarini Sforza was elected as its mayor. In 1974 they created a winery to produce high-quality sparkling wines. Two years later they were making classic method wines of national repute. Today their wines are an assemblage of six different vineyards each contributing their own character.
www.cesarinisforza.it

Ferrari Trento
Founded in 1902 by Giulo Ferrari, a pioneer in Trentino who recognized the potential of Chardonnay to produce sparkling wines that could rival those in Champagne. His vision and obsession for quality laid the foundation for one of Italy’s most prominent classic method wineries. With no sons or daughters, Giulio passed on leadership to a local wine shop owner, Bruno Lunelli in 1952. The Lunelli Family had carried on their tradition of excellence since then. Visitors can enjoy several different tastings and guided tours including that of the Venetian style 16th century Villa Margon complete with frescoes, antique furniture and priceless art. For those who enjoy Michelin-star dining experiences, the Lunelli Family also opened Locanda Margon, a 2-star restaurant just up the hill from the winery.
www.ferraritrento.com

Monfort
Four generations of winemakers have carried on the sparkling wine tradition of Monfort. In 1965 the Simoni Family bought the cellars of Palazzo Monfort nestled in the heart of the town of Lavis just north of Trento. Since 1985 they have been producing quality sparkling wines in the classic method. They offer an immersive guided tour of the cellars that also takes you through the historic streets of Lavis to the terraced botanical garden of Ciucioi.
www.cantinemonfort.com

Marchesi Guerrieri Gonzaga
Originally a monastery in the early Middle Ages, the San Leonardo estate has been the residence of the Marquis Guerriere Gonzaga for over 300 hundred years. Today the family produces still, sparkling wines, grappa and honey. The Marchesi Guerrieri Gonzaga is a blanc de blanc Trento Doc flagship wine. The estate is comprised of 50 acres of vineyards, their guided visit explores the grounds, winery, cellars, monastic garden, church, and museum.
www.sanleonardo.it

Photos: Istituto Trento Doc

CAMPANIA STORIES: AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE DISCOVERING GREAT WINES AND DISTINCTIVE TERRITORIES – Filippo Magnani

The Campania region is well-known due to the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast, the authentic food of Naples, and the fascinating history of Pompeii. However, a deeper look beyond these treasures reveals a region rich in viticultural history, from the urban vineyards of Naples to the pristine nature and wild soul of Irpinia, one of the most fertile wine-growing regions in Italy.

The unique region of Irpinia was the backdrop to this year’s edition of Campania Stories. This event must not be missed by international journalists and wine professionals each yearm who come to experience Campania’s newly released wines. Organized by the Miriade and Partners press agency and managed by Massimo Iannaccone, Diana Cataldo and Serena Valeriani, this is an integral part of their mission to promote the wines of Campania throughout the year. Their Campania stories can be followed at #campaniastories and #iobevocampano or by visiting their website www.campaniastories.com.

This year 90 wineries participated in Campania Stories 2023, which started with a wine tasting and gala dinner in the castle of Gesualdo, a charming town known as the home of several poets and the origin of the marble used to make the famed statues of the Royal Palace of Caserta. Gesualdo overlooks the valley of North Irpinia, with sweeping views that reach the dormant volcano Vulture in Basilicata and the plains of Puglia. In two days over 300 wines were sampled, both red and white, with a day of touring dedicated to visiting their producers. These visits were undoubtedly the most exciting part of the entire event.

Irpinia is home to Campania’s three DOCG’s, the internationally renowned Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino and Taurasi with the key grape varieties being Greco and Fiano for the whites and Aglianico for the reds. The terroir here benefits from high-altitude hillsides and a diurnal shift in temperatures that helps ensure slow ripening and good levels of acidity in the grapes. Here you can find a mixture of volcanic, limestone, and clay soils. The vineyards are surrounded by forests and hazelnut orchards cultivated for generations.

The winemakers here let nature take control as much as possible. This is the case at the family winery Di Prisco, founded in 1994 just outside of Fontanarosa, renowned worldwide for its pink marble. The owner Michele Di Prisco works with just 15 hectares of vines. My favourite wine of the tour is the 2003 Taurasi; the 2003 vintage was a scorching and dry year that is now showing its best. The dark, deep, impenetrable colour was illuminated with orange reflections. On the nose, it showed jammy notes – blackberry jam – some tomato sauce notes and slightly bloody. On the mouth it was impressive with notes of molasses and dark fruit, earthy but with live grippy tannins.

Another important area showcased on these winery visits was the Sannio district, a hidden gem in Campania. This historical place has been cultivating the white grape Falanghina for over 2000 years. Roman buildings stand next to modern ones. The landscape is breathtaking, covered in vineyards, olive groves, steep slopes, and rivers, dominated by the imposing Taburno mountain. Formerly known as an area for bulk white wine production, Sannio producers along with the Consortium Sannio DOP have worked hard over the last decade to develop high-quality wines with complexity, many of which are suitable for aging.

A perfect example is Fattoria La Rivolta in Torrecuso. A century-old winery was founded from a family tradition of farming when the grandson and then pharmacist, Paolo Cotroneo, decided to plant vineyards in the late 90’s. With the help of his sisters Giovanna and Gabriella and their cousin Giancarlo they have built an estate that is now 60 hectares, with 30 hectares of vineyards located in Sannio and mainly on the hill of Taburno. The exposure and richness of soil is its defining characteristics. This is also the origin of their flagship wine, Falanghina Sannio DOP, Sottozona Taburno, a wine with green hues and a lot of personality. Nectarine, stone fruit flavours, a touch of floral notes, such as acacia on the nose, while in the mouth it shows a light salty taste and vibrant citrusy notes that dissipate with an almondy finish. This a clear example of the finest quality of local wines from Sannio.

I look forward to attending next year’s Campania Stories which has just been announced will be held in Sannio itself!

Sicily En Primeur: A Glimpse at a Wine Destination Par Excellence – Filippo Magnani

A few weeks ago, one of Sicily’s highly anticipated wine events took place in the beautiful town of Taormina, one of Sicily’s main tourist destinations, on the slope of the tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna or ‘A Muntagna’ as locals call it. Sicily En Primeur is an itinerant event created by the association Assovini Sicilia to introduce the wines of the most recent harvest and to highlight its member wineries as the “ambassadors and guardians of culture and territories.” Starting in 2004, this was the nineteenth edition of the event which was attended by over one hundred national and international accredited wine writers and included nine wine tours, eight hundred wines for tasting, sixty wineries and five masterclasses, hosted by Elizabeth Gabay, Master of Wine. Assovini Sicilia was founded in 1998 by Diego Planeta, Giacomo Rallo and Lucio Tasca d’Almerita. Their mission was to bring together a team of producers who shared a common goal: to raise awareness about the importance of Sicilian wine. Today the association strives to protect and strengthen its territorial identity by highlighting the cultural richness of the different terroirs as well as the stylistic interpretations of their winemakers.

The association presented its vision for Sicilian wine production, and its connection to tourism as a means to create unique wine experiences. The President of Assovini Sicilia, Laurent de la Gatinais, described Sicily as “a wine destination of excellence, the Napa Valley of the Mediterranean, because of its variety and quality of wine, beautiful landscapes, and unique historical and archaeological heritage.” The event also highlighted the fact that, in addition to wine tourism, the new generation of Sicilian winemakers is focusing on sustainability and the environment. Of the fifteen new producers, eleven of them are women. These dynamic young people have studied and worked outside Sicily to gain valuable skills in marketing, economics, and oenology. They share a passion for the history of their island and families, but also a strong desire to bring new ideas and innovation to Sicilian viticulture.

Layers of terroir, culture and history have created a truly unique territory

Sicily holds over 3,000 years of rich viticulture history. From the Greeks to the English, the island has been influenced by many civilizations but has managed to preserve a unique identity in its language, cuisine, and territory of wines without fully yielding to these outside influences. As a Mediterranean crossroads it has developed a rich culture that can be experienced through its architecture, cuisine, music, and art. Perhaps even more diverse, however, is its terroir and wine. In an hour you could be skiing on Mount Etna at 2,000 metres over lava and black volcanic soil, and then move to the shores of Catania to bask on the sandy beach. Other areas to the west and south are rich in limestone and clay. The island is the biggest in the Mediterranean and one of its most mountainous. This of course is reflected in the impressive variety of wine styles you can find here, from crisp, clean sparkling wines to full, deep reds and luscious fortified wines. Sicily has 1 DOCG (Cerasuolo di Vittoria), 23 DOC’s and 7 IGP’s.

The main grapes grown in Sicily are the white Grillo and black Nero d’Avola, together with the main grapes of Mt. Etna being: Nerello Mascalese and Carricante. Many local producers, including long-established families who planted international grapes like Cabernet, Chardonnay and Syrah 40 years ago, have now started to draw attention to lesser-known varieties like Nerello Cappuccio, Catarratto (named Lucido) Insolia, Zibibbo, Frappato and Perricone.

Made In Sicily: Wine tourism creates a cultural symbol of excellence

It is no surprise that the President of Assovini Sicilia compared Sicily to the Napa Valley. It is roughly at the same latitude, and for an island just slightly bigger than Massachusetts its total vine covered acreage is about 40% of that in California. In addition to the broad array of high-quality wines, it offers stunning scenery and a unique historical and architectural heritage. Some of the best-preserved antiquity sites are found across the island and are layered in with all the cultures that came after. One can visit Sicily’s largest Greek theatre in Taormina and in less than an hour be wine tasting on the slopes of Mt Etna, or visit Moorish influenced mosaics at a Normand cathedral in Palermo then spend the afternoon exploring the best Marsala wineries. Few places offer such rich experiences with wineries so well equipped to receive visitors. Among the members of Assovini Sicilia, almost all of them have a dedicated facility for wine tourism with a cellar for tastings and over half of them offer integrated experiences from cooking classes to wellness and wine tours that interact with the landscape and culture. The most popular wine experiences offered are sunset tastings, dinners in the vineyard and a chance to join the grape harvest. One third of these wineries also have lodging facilities where wine enthusiasts can fully immerse themselves in the terroir and team culture of the winery.

During the Sicily en Primeur some fantastic wines were presented, all of which were from the Etna region, where viticulture is still manually done on its steep slopes. With an average altitude of 800 metres, wines from Etna are vertical, sharp, and crisp. It’s no coincidence that the largest producer of sparkling wine from Southern Italy is based here which is Firriato, with a total production of 200K bottles per year.

18th Edition of Radici del Sud – Results Announced [Part ll]

The award winners for the 18^th Edition of Radici del Sud were announced at the award ceremonies this morning at Sannicandro di Bari. Over 350 wines [from Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily] were tasted and judged by four juries which were composed of International and Italian journalists, enologists, and buyers. In attendance was Giuseppe Giannone, the Mayor of Sannicandro di Bari (Italy), Nicola Campanile, President, Radici del Sud, the four panel chairs, the wine judges and the wineries or their representatives.

The four panel chairs who are well-known ad Italian wine experts include: Richard Baudains from @ass_enoteche_italiane_vinarius; Andrea Terraneo, President of @20italie; Luca Matarazzo from @decanter, and Maurizio Valerian from @vinodabere.

Here is a breakdown of the four groups:

International Jury Group 1:

Luca Matarazzo – Presidente di giuria- IT – 20Italie.com

Anais Cancino – Mexico – Wineteller

Liz Palmer – Canada – Wine Journalist, Author, and Influencer

Torge Thies – Germania – TRCT MEDIEN GmbH

Anthony Rose – Regno Unito – Decanter / Freelance wine journalist / Author

International Jury Group 2:

Richard Baudains – President of the Jury – United Kingdom – Decanter

Young Shi – United Kingdom – TS WINE www.tastespirit.com

Robert McNulty – USA – Wine Academy Italia

Jeff Barrows – USA – Food Wine Click!

Ben Little – Ireland – Thenativegrapes.com

National Jury Group 1

Maurizio Valeriani – President of the Jury – IT – Vinodabere.it

Franco Santini – IT – Acquabuona.it

Luigi Salvo – IT – Vinup.it

Francesco Fortunato – IT (Enologist)

Salvatore Digiacomo – IT (Enologist)

National Jury Group 2

Andrea Terraneo – President of IT Jury – President Vinarius

Francesco Bonfio – IT – Presidente AEPI

Katarina Andersson – IT – Grapevine Adventures

Matteo Esposito – IT (Enologist)

Tiziana Micelli – IT (Enologist)

The full list of the “Award Winning Wines for 18^th Edition of Radici del Sud”

Award	Name of Winery	Region	Label	Variety/Varieties	Vintage
1st place national jury	BRARONE G.R. MACRÌ	CALABRIA	CENTOCAMERE BIANCO	MANTONICO 100%	2019
2nd place national jury	CAIAFFA VINI	PUGLIA	MYRIA	FIANO 100%	2022

1st place international jury	CAIAFFA VINI	PUGLIA	MYRIA	FIANO 100%	2022
2nd place international jury	GIOVANNI AIELLO	PUGLIA	CHAKRA BLU	VERDECA 100%	2021
2nd place international jury	ORIGINE & IDENTITÀ	CALABRIA	20-18	ZIBIBBO 100%	2021


1st place national jury	VITIVINICOLA PUDDU	SARDEGNA	BALOI	CANNONAU 100%	2022
2nd place national jury	VIGNAIOLI PUGLIESI	PUGLIA	BULLA AUFIDUS ROSÉ	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2021

1st place international jury	BRARONE G.R. MACRÌ	CALABRIA	CENTOCAMERE ROSATO	NERELLO MASCALESE 100%	2019
2nd place international jury	VITIVINICOLA PUDDU	SARDEGNA	BALOI	CANNONAU 100%	2022


1st place national jury	AGNANUM	CAMPANIA	AGNUM FALANGHINA	FALANGHINA 100%	2021
2nd place national jury	NATIV	CAMPANIA	CUPA DEL PARADISO	FALANGHINA 100%	2022

1st place international jury	ALABASTRA PINTORE & VALENTINO	CAMPANIA	FALANGHINA	FALANGHINA 100%	2018
2nd place international jury	CANTINE KANDEA	PUGLIA	COSTANZA	FALANGHINA 100%	2019


1st place national jury	CANTINE KANDEA	PUGLIA	ANAIS	GRECO 100%	2019
2nd place national jury	ALABASTRA PINTORE & VALENTINO	CAMPANIA	GRECO	GRECO 100%	2018

1st place international jury	DI PRISCO	CAMPANIA	GRECO DI TUFO	GRECO 100%	2020
2nd place international jury	SAN SALVATORE 1988	CAMPANIA	CALPAZIO	GRECO 100%	2022


1st place national jury	CANTINE KANDEA	PUGLIA	BIANCOFIORE	FIANO 100%	2021
2nd place national jury	AGRI GIRARDI	PUGLIA	CIMAGLIA	FIANO 50% MALVASIA 50%	2022

1st place international jury	DI PRISCO	CAMPANIA	IRPINIA FIANO	FIANO 100%	2020
2nd place international jury	SAN SALVATORE 1988	CAMPANIA	PIAN DI STIO	FIANO 100%	2022


1st place national jury- Sicilia	IUPPA	SICILIA	LINDO ETNA BIANCO SUPERIORE DOC	CARRICANTE 90% CATARRATTO 10%	2020
1st place national jury- Calabria	CANTINE BENVENUTO	CALABRIA	BENVENUTO ZIBIBBO	ZIBIBBO 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Campania	MARISA CUOMO	CAMPANIA	FURORE BIANCO FIORDUVA	40% RIPOLI 30% FENILE 30% GINESTRA	2021
1st place national jury- Sardegna ex aequo	CANTINA CAMBONI GIOVANNI	SARDEGNA	GIOVANNI CAMBONI	VERMENTINO 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Sardegna ex aequo	SIDDÙRA	SARDEGNA	MAÌA	VERMENTINO 100%	2021
1st place national jury- Abruzzo	OREFICE VINI	ABRUZZO	COCOCCIOLA	COCOCCIOLA 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Basilicata	CANTINA DI VENOSA	BASILICATA	VERBO MALVASIA	MALVASIA100%	2022
1st place national jury- Puglia	VINI DI MONTEMARCUCCIO	PUGLIA	PRIMI FILARI	VERDECA 100%	2022


1st place international jury- Campania	MARISA CUOMO	CAMPANIA	FURORE BIANCO FIORDUVA	40% RIPOLI 30% FENILE 30% GINESTRA	2021
1st place international jury- Calabria	ORIGINE & IDENTITÀ	CALABRIA	CENTODÍ	ZIBIBBO100%	2022
1st place international jury- Sardegna	SIDDÙRA	SARDEGNA	MAÌA	VERMENTINO 100%	2021
1st place international jury- Sicilia	BAGLIO DEL CRISTO DI CAMPOBELLO	SICILIA	LALÙCI	GRILLO 100%	2022
1st place international jury- Abruzzo	PODERI D’AURIZIO	ABRUZZO	D’AURI’	PECORINO 100%	2021
1st place international jury- Puglia	VINI DI MONTEMARCUCCIO	PUGLIA	PRIMI FILARI	VERDECA 100%	2022


1st place national jury- Puglia	CASA PRIMIS	PUGLIA	MONROSE	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2022
2nd place national jury- Puglia	MICHELE BIANCARDI CANTINE E VIGNE DAUNE	PUGLIA	ROSALIA	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Abruzzo ex aequo	BUZZARONE VIGNAIOLO IN CASTELFERRATO	ABRUZZO	RUGGITO	MONTEPULCIANO 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Abruzzo ex aequo	CREA VINI	ABRUZZO	AMARTI SEMPRE	MONTEPULCIANO 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Molise	CAMPI VALERIO	MOLISE	PER UNA ROSA	TINTILIA 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Sardegna	SIDDURA	SARDEGNA	NUDO	CANNONAU 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Sicilia	BAGLIO DEL CRISTO DI CAMPOBELLO	SICILIA	C’D’C’ CRISTO DI CAMPOBELLO ROSATO	NERO D’AVOLA 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Campania	IFALCO	CAMPANIA	FA’ CRUCI	AGLIANICO 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Calabria	CANTINE STATTI	CALABRIA	GRECO NERO	GRECO NERO 100%	2022


1st place international jury- Puglia	MANDWINERY (FAMIGLIA MANDUANO)	PUGLIA	BISCIÙ	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2022
2nd place international jury- Puglia	TORREVENTO	PUGLIA	PRIMARONA	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2022
1st place international jury- Abruzzo	BUZZARONE VIGNAIOLO IN CASTELFERRATO	ABRUZZO	RUGGITO	MONTEPULCIANO 100%	2022
1st place international jury- Sardegna	SIDDURA	SARDEGNA	NUDO	CANNONAU 100%	2022
1st place international jury- Sicilia	BAGLIO DEL CRISTO DI CAMPOBELLO	SICILIA	C’D’C’ CRISTO DI CAMPOBELLO ROSATO	NERO D’AVOLA 100%	2022
1st place international jury- Campania	IFALCO	CAMPANIA	FA’ CRUCI	AGLIANICO 100%	2022
1st place international jury- Calabria	TENUTA DEL TRAVALE	CALABRIA	EPICARMA	NERELLO CAPPUCCIO 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Sardegna	VITIVINICOLA FULGHESU LE VIGNE	SARDEGNA	KANTHARU	MURISTELLU 35% CANNONAU 30% MONICA 25% CAGNULARI 10%	2019
1st place national jury- Sicilia	IUPPA	SICILIA	CLO ETNA ROSSO	NERELLO MASCALESE 85% – NERELLO CAPPUCCIO 15%	2020
1st place national jury- Calabria	LIBRANDI	CALABRIA	DUCA SANFELICE	GAGLIOPPO 100%	2020
1st place national jury- Campania	MARISA CUOMO	CAMPANIA	FURORE	AGLIANICO 50% PIEDIROSSO 50%	2019
1st place national jury- Puglia	VINI DI MONTEMARCUCCIO	PUGLIA	ELPÌS	OTTAVIANELLO 100%	2022
1st place national jury- Molise	CAMPI VALERIO	MOLISE	OPALIA TINTILIA DEL MOLISE DOC 2019	TINTILIA 100%	2019


1st place international jury- Sardegna	VITIVINICOLA FULGHESU LE VIGNE	SARDEGNA	SENTIDU	CAGNULARI 100%	2016
1st place international jury- Sicilia	IUPPA	SICILIA	CLO ETNA ROSSO	NERELLO MASCALESE 85% – NERELLO CAPPUCCIO 15%	2020
1st place international jury- Calabria	CANTINE CACCAMO	CALABRIA	CAPARBIO	CALABRESE 80% NERELLO MASCALESE 20%	2020
1st place international jury- Campania	MARISA CUOMO	CAMPANIA	RAVELLO	PIEDIROSSO 70% AGLIANICO 30%	2019
1st place international jury- Molise	ANGELO D’UVA	MOLISE	LAGENA	TINTILIA 100%	2020
1st place international jury- Puglia	Cooperativa Altereco	PUGLIA	ROSSO LIBERO	BLEND UVE AUTOCTONE 100%	2021


1st place national jury	PODERI D’AURIZIO	ABRUZZO	D’AURÌ	MONTEPULCIANO 100%	2021
2nd place national jury	DONVITANTONIO VINI	ABRUZZO	DONVITANTONIO	MONTEPULCIANO 100 %	2019

1st place international jury	OREFICE VINI	ABRUZZO	1932	MONTEPULCIANO 100%	2015
2nd place international jury	L’ ARDITO AZIENDA AGRICOLA	PUGLIA	DON FELICE	MONTEPULCIANO 100%	2021

1st place national jury	CANTINE EMERA DI CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO	PUGLIA	ANIMA DI NEGROAMARO LIZZANO NEGROAMARO DOP SUPERIORE	NEGROAMARO 100%	2019
2 place national jury	LE VIGNE DI SAMMARCO	PUGLIA	ORMANERA SALICE SALENTINO DOP RISERVA	NEGROAMARO 100%	2016
2 place national jury	FABIANA WINES	PUGLIA	KALEMA NEGROAMARO SALENTO	NEGROAMARO 100%	2020

1st place international jury	CANTINE PAOLO LEO	PUGLIA	ORFEO	NEGROAMARO 100%	2021
2nd place international jury	FABIANA WINES	PUGLIA	KALEMA NEGROAMARO SALENTO	NEGROAMARO 100%	2020


1st place national jury	FATALONE ORGANIC WINES	PUGLIA	FATALONE RISERVA	PRIMITIVO 100%	2020
2nd place national jury	MASSERIA MITA	PUGLIA	IMPERATRICE	PRIMITIVO 70% NEGROAMARO 30%	2018

1st place international jury	CANTINE DUE PALME	PUGLIA	SANGAETANO	PRIMITIVO 100%	2022
2nd place international jury	FATALONE ORGANIC WINES	PUGLIA	FATALONE RISERVA	PRIMITIVO 100%	2020

1st place national jury	TORREVENTO	PUGLIA	TORRE DEL FALCO	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2021
2nd place national jury	PIARULLI VINI ED OLIO	PUGLIA	NERO DI TROIA	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2021
2nd place national jury	CAIAFFA VINI	PUGLIA	VIBRANS	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2019

1st place international jury	CRIFO	PUGLIA	AUGUSTALE	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2017
2nd place international jury	CAIAFFA VINI	PUGLIA	VIBRANS	NERO DI TROIA 100%	2019

1st place national jury	FAMIGLIA DEMELAS	SARDEGNA	GIOGU	CANNONAU 100%	2021
2nd place national jury	VITIVINICOLA PUDDU	SARDEGNA	CARROS	CANNONAU 100%	2019

1st place international jury	VITIVINICOLA F ULGHESU LE VIGNE	SARDEGNA	AMPSICORA	CANNONAU 100%	2020
2nd place international jury	SEBASTIANO POLINAS	SARDEGNA	POLINAS	CANNONAU 100%	2020

1st place national jury	LIBRANDI	CALABRIA	MEGONIO	MAGLIOCCO 100%	2021
1st place national jury	TENUTE PACELLI	CALABRIA	TERRA ROSSA	MAGLIOCCO 100%	2020
2nd place national jury	CASA COMERCI	CALABRIA	‘ABATIA	MAGLIOCCO CANINO 100%	2021

1st place international jury	CASA COMERCI	CALABRIA	‘ABATIA	MAGLIOCCO CANINO 100%	2021
2nd place international jury	LIBRANDI	CALABRIA	MEGONIO	MAGLIOCCO 100%	2021


1st place national jury	CANTINE DELITE	CAMPANIA	GENEROSO	AGLIANICO 100%	2013
2nd place national jury	AZIENDA AGRICOLA ANTONIO COVUCCIA	CAMPANIA	1931	AGLIANICO 100%	2021

1st place international jury	CONTRADAMITO	CAMPANIA	DUNSOGNO	AGLIANICO 100%	2016
2nd place international jury	2VITE	CAMPANIA	2VITE	AGLIANICO 70% PIEDIROSSO 30%	2020
2nd place international jury	AZIENDA AGRICOLA BOCCELLA	CAMPANIA	IRPINIA CAMPI TAURASINI	AGLIANICO 100%	2020
2nd place international jury	ANTICO CASTELLO	CAMPANIA	MAGIS	AGLIANICO 100%	2016

1st place national jury	AMARANO	CAMPANIA	LAGONESSA	AGLIANICO 100%	2014
2nd place national jury	CONTRADAMITO	CAMPANIA	AMATO	AGLIANICO 100%	2016

1st place international jury	CONTRADAMITO	CAMPANIA	AMATO	AGLIANICO 100%	2016
2nd place international jury	AZIENDA AGRICOLA BOCCELLA	CAMPANIA	SANT’EUSTACHIO	AGLIANICO 100%	2018

1st place national jury	CANTINE DEL NOTAIO	BASILICATA	L’AUTENTICA	MOSCATO 70% MALVASIA 30%	2021
2nd place national jury	BOTROMAGNO – PODERI D’AGOSTINO	PUGLIA	GRAVISANO	MALVASIA BIANCA 100%	2015

Tasting the wines was exciting and very representative of their territories of origin. It was also interesting to see more blends and rare varieties being representative.

Radici del Sud is an event of great importance. Not only does it celebrate and reward the best wine excellences in the south of Italy, it also brings international visibility to Southern Italian viticulture, which is a fascinating world to discover!

Radici del Sud 2023 – That’s a wrap – Part I

Radici del Sud 2023

I was part of the International Jury – Group 1, which was chaired by Luca Matarazzo (20italie.com), and includes Anais Cancino (Wineteller, Mexico), Liz Palmer (wine journalist, author and influencer, Canada), Torge Thies (TRCT MEDIEN GmbH, Germany), and Anthony Rose (Decanter, freelance wine journalist and author, UK).

Our group just finished two intense days of blind tasting sparkling, rose, white and red wines of southern Italy at the beautiful medieval castle Sannicandro di Bari. I’m happy to report that there were a lot of exciting wines this year.

Radici Del Sud is a two-day multi-event dedicated to wines in southern Italy which includes the wine competition, and B2B meetings between buyers and international importers [10-11 June].

Part II to follow