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

Nebbiolo Prima 2022, a great opportunity TO EXPLORE the magnificent wines of Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero wine destinations – Filippo Magnani and Claudia Marinelli

Nebbiolo Prima has become an important event and now truly represents the very first opportunity to evaluate the new vintages of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero the champions of Piedmont. This year, tasters and journalists had the opportunity to REVIEW 311 wines produced by 180 wineries.

The Unione Produttori Vini Albesi is a consortium, founded to promote the wines of the Alba region. The history of this consortium is linked in a twofold way to the same-named and unmistakable Albeisa bottle. For Nebbiolo Prima this year, the consortium has organized a limited tasting. This tasting includes four days of intensive work, all dedicated to one of the protagonists of the Italian wine scene and a milestone to discover Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero territories: Nebbiolo grape, the noble of Italian native grape varieties.

The name Nebbiolo derives from the Italian word “Nebbia” which translated means fog or mist. This is a challenging and sensitive grape that, in the right hillside spot (south-facing), expresses itself in a unique and beautiful complexity. It prefers a rich calcareous tufa-based soil – such as the ones in Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero.

All denominations and sub-zones were presented at the tasting blind: DOCG Barolo 2018 and Riserva 2016, DOCG Barbaresco 2019 and Riserva 2017, and DOCG Roero 2019 and Riserva 2018. THE wines were eloquent witnesses to the myriad facets of its incredible terroir.

 

 

 

 

 

Tasting report of Nebbiolo Prima 2022

Roero
Roero is located to the north of Alba town, in the province of Cuneo, on the left bank of the river Tanaro, between the plain of Carmagnola and the low hills of Asti.

Below are the tasting notes of Claudia Marinelli, a colleague of mine, who replaced me this year:

Tastings Roero DOCG 2019
Most of the Roero 2019 I tasted were fresh harmonious with good fruit and lively acidity.

Winery: Casetta Carlo – Montà
Wine: Roero Docg 2019 Fil
Pale ruby core with light purple hue towards the edge. The nose is fruity, with balsamic notes and a hint of fresh leather. Well structured body with medium alcohol and soft tannins well integrated with the fruit.

Winery: Ponchione Maurizio – Govone
Wine: Roero Docg 2019 Monfrini
Medium ruby-red. Intense flavour of dark cherry and light notes of china.
Medium acidity with discreet alcohol level and soft tannin. Fruity and spicy. Quite a long aftertaste.

Tastings Roero DOCG 2018 Riserva
Across the tasting of the riservas, I noted some wines with good freshness and preserved ripe tannins and good body.

Winery: Lorenzo Negro – Monteu Roero
Wine: Roero Docg Riserva 2018 S.Francesco
Colour ranging from ruby core to light garnet rim. Intense flavour of ripe plum with balsamic and hint of rose. Amble, with lively red cherry. Good structure with quite delicate tannins. Lovely wine.

Winery: Cascina Chicco – Vezza d’Alba
Wine: Roero Docg Riserva 2018 Valmaggiore
Deep ruby colour. Rich bouquet of blackcherry with hints of rosemary. Round, full body and warm. Pleasant. quite powerful tannins and long length. Lovely nebbiolo.

Barbaresco

The area of production includes the entire territory of the villages of Barbaresco, Treiso and Neive, plus part of the territory of the Alba municipality.

Tastings Barbaresco DOCG 2019
In general Barbarescos of this year turned out to be soft, fruity with good structure and balance. This is partly a reflection of the vintage which started cool and finished warm with nice weather during harvest.

Winery: Cascina Luisin – Barbaresco
Wine: Barbaresco Docg 2019 Asili
Bright with a deep garnet core. Pronounced flavour of blackcherry with scents of roses. Spicy notes of liquorice. . Good balance of body, fruit, acidity and velvety tannins. Long, vibrant, finish. An outstanding wine.

Winery: Pertinace – Treiso
Wine: Barbaresco Docg 2019 Marcaini
Bright, deep garnet colour. The nose rich in blueberry and forest floor perfumes. Nice, vibrant entrance in the palate. Medium body and harmonious structure with dried prune and liquorice. Quite a long aftertaste

Winery: Castello di Verduno – Barbaresco
Wine: Barbaresco Docg 2019
Intense and brilliant garnet colour. Pronounced intensity of dark cherry and plum with spicy notes of liquorice and hint of wisteria. Medium plus acidity, full-body wine with firm tannins and toasty light notes at the end. Excellent wine.

Winery: Musso – Barbaresco
Wine: Barbaresco Docg 2019 Rio Sordo
Medium garnet core, paler towards the edge. The wine displays intense floreal notes mixed with balsamic scents and overtones of graphite. The palate expresses ripe fruit with a hint of vanilla. Good acidity, firm tannins and long finish. I really like it.

Tastings Barbaresco DOCG 2017 RISERVA
I found a wide range of great wines, showing high intensity and complexity of aromas. I have tasted well balanced wines with body and rich in fruit.

Winery: Socré – Barbaresco
Wine: Barbaresco Docg 2017 Riserva Roncaglie
The colour is deep garnet with a compact rim. Intense bouquet of cherry with notes of violet. Scents of spices, tobacco and rhubarb. A dry, full body wine with good sapidity, well balanced structure and medium ripe tannins. Elegant.

Winery: Produttori del Barbaresco – Barbaresco
Wine: Barbaresco Docg 2017 Riserva Ovello
Deep garnet core with ruby tinge. Intense bouquet of black cherry and leather. Good structure with medium-plus acidity, medium alcohol and leather overtones. Velvety tannins, well integrated with the fruit. Juicy finish.

Barolo
Barolo is made in eleven ‘communes’ or village territories: Barolo itself, La Morra, Monforte, Serralunga d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto, Novello, Grinzane Cavour, Verduno, Diano d’Alba, Cherasco, Roddi.

Tastings Barolo DOCG 2018 (taster Claudia Marinelli)
The 2017s showed ripe fruit and good structure with great aromatic intensity. A sufficient level of acidity guarantees freshness to almost all wines. In general, I tasted good wines that proved the hard work of the producers during an uneasy season.

Winery: Ratti – La Morra
Wine: Barolo Docg 2018 Conca
Medium garnet core with narrow tawny rim. Great nose with ripe plum, balsamic notes with hints of liquorice and rhubarb. Slight notes of leather. Medium body with ripe red fruit and freshness. Moderate coarse tannins. Elegant , long finish. Great potential.

Winery: Fratelli Barale – Barolo
Wine: Barolo Docg 2018 Castellero
Bright with intense garnet core and paler rim. The wine displays red fruit and cytrus notes mixed with hearty overtones. Exuberant and full body in the palate, elegant fruit and exuberant tannins. Long, fresh finish. Very good wine.

Winery: Giacomo Fenocchio – Castiglione Falletto
Wine: Barolo Docg 2018 Villero
Medium garnet red turning slightly twarny. Pronounced bouquet of blackcherry, dried prune and leather. Overtones of coconut and the scent of incense. Lovely palate, deep fruit with firm tannins. Long finish.

Winery: Giuseppe Rinaldi – Barolo
Wine: Barolo Docg 2018 Brunate
Brilliant, deep garnet colour with compact rim. Various and intense aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and tobacco. Rich in structure, with persistent ripe fruit well balanced with the firm tannins. Fresh long finish.

Winery: Conterno Fantino – Monforte d’Alba
Wine: Barolo Docg 2018 Castelletto Vigna Pressenda
Clear, deep red garnet colour. Intense flavour of dark cherry and prune. Light notes of eucalyptus and rhubarb. The mouth is dense with medium soft tannins and toasty hints. Elegant wine with long and juicy aftertaste. This is an excellent wine.

Tastings Barolo DOCG 2016 Riserva (taster Claudia Marinelli)
In general, the wines were balanced showing good ripeness and discrete alcohol level. Averagely rich in tannins with long finish. To me these riservas showed great potential.

Winery: Cavallotto – Castiglione Falletto
Wine: Barolo Docg 2016 Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe
Intense garnet red colour with pale tawny reflections. Complex nose with intense flavour of dark cherry, leather and china. Fragrant, with juicy palate with lively acidity. Discrete alcohol level and soft tannins. Long finish. Really good wine.

Winery: Brezza Giacomo e Figli – Barolo
Wine: Barolo Docg 2016 Riserva Sarmassa Vigna Bricco
Deep garnet core with paler rims. Pronounced intensity of ripe plum and prune with overtones of cinnamon and nutmeg. Lovely ripe blackcherry in the palate. Well-integrated into a medium body with round, fine tannins. Fresh and sapit finish.

I really wish to thank you to Liz Palmer, who
kindly proposed me to participate and report on the Nebbiolo Prima 2022,
representing her website together with Claudia Marinelli.
See you in Piedmont!

#Alba #Piedmont #nebbioloprima2022 #winetasting #winecompetition #barolo #barolowine #nebbiolo ##piemonte #wine #italy🇮🇹 #madeinitaly #winetasting # #italianwine #itallianwinelovers
#Barbaresco #Roero #winetrade @albeisawines #travelling #winetravels

Collio Wine Region: a small yet rich wine treasure in northeast Italy – Filippo Magnani

Hidden in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, Collio is a gentle series of slopes where some of Italy’s best white wines are produced.  It is a small wine region within the province of Gorizia, near the Italian-Slovenia border. It was a great pleasure to be one of the lucky writers to participate in the press tour last November. The tour was organized by the Consorzio Collio DOC.  We had four days of intensive exploration and discovery, all dedicated to a protagonist of the Italian wine scene. I was thrilled and curious to dive into the small but rich world of this wine gem and my expectations were completely fulfilled.

A small wine territory with surprising complexity and richness

Collio is a radiant wine region where prestigious wines have been produced since ancient times. Vineyards and wineries are spread over rolling hills between 80 and 270 metres in height. For over 2000 years winemakers have had a special place for the production of a wide range of great wines in terms of style and grape variety. This ideal microclimate is generated by the presence of the Julian Alps to the north, which protects the valley by ensuring continuous ventilation from the “bora” that blows continuously over the vineyard. To the south, on the clearest days, you can observe the Adriatic Sea. The presence of the sea is fundamental for the health of the plants, the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (30 km away) gives the area milder seasons, warmer air currents and a dry climate. These factors combined with the many variable soil compositions allow each corner of this DOC to express itself with its own character and charm in the wine. The so-called “Collio Goriziano” wine area is half-moon shaped territory bordered to the west by the river Isonzo and to the East by the river Judrio. It brings together the same DOC wines from 1500 hectares of vineyards positioned in eight different municipalities: Capriva, Cormòns, Dolegna del Collio, Farra d’Isonzo, Gorizia, Mossa, San Floriano del Collio and San Lorenzo Isontino.

The Collio valley is home to about 200 producers who, with vision and great dedication, have succeeded in tracing a well-defined common path which is able to maintain a strong link with traditions, and who are open to developments and innovations. For decades the famous native varieties and pillars of this wine area, such as Fiuliano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana and Picolit, have been accompanied by international varieties due to the great versatility of the land for the production of elegant white wines. In particular, the Pinot Grigio finds an absolutely suitable place for its maturation here, with its characteristic straw yellow colour, its ash hints, structure and length. To complete the wide range of white international grape varieties cultivated in the DOC we find the Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Muller Thurgau, Traminer Aromatico, Pinot Bianco and Riesling.

Despite the region of Collio being a well-known and renowned DOC for the production of a wide range of white wines, the surprising red wines also deserve to be mentioned. The trend is towards international grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot used predominantly for the most important vintages. The character of these wines very much reflects the territory in which we are: great drinkability, freshness, with an acidity that will allow these wines to express themselves at best in the battle with time.

“Ponca” Collio’s soil signature for the production of elegant wines

Taking a leap back 56 million years ago, the area of Collio was covered by sea, the land emerged after 20 million years. The hills of Collio hide the characteristics of the marine environment in their depths. It is precisely the soil, called Ponca or flynch, that is a protagonist in the great character and complexity of the wines of this territory. This soil is composed of layers of marl and sandstone of Eocene origin. It is the “heart of the hills” that yields the characteristics of salinity and minerality of the wines from the Collio DOC. The composition of “Ponca” also varies drastically in the vineyard’s locations, giving an incredible array of wines, depending on the type of vines planted. It is therefore the hand of man that must understand the land, shape it, and work it, to enhance the potential complexity and aging of the wines.

Four diverse subzones in the pursuit of excellence

The wine region of Collio regroups a mix of grape varieties, soils and types of wine made by growers with strong personalities. During our trip we had the chance to appreciate the peculiarities and the differences between those four main wine areas, spread between the eight different municipalities:

Capriva del Friuli

Capriva is an area totally covered by vineyards that vest the hills around the wine estates. This subzone, in the northern tip of the province of Gorizia, is among the most beautiful views of the Collio.

In the first morning of our trip, the Consorzio had organized the first tasting, covering the productions of different estates between Capriva del Friuli and Farra d’Isonzo. The producers presenting the wines were: Castello di Spessa, Russiz Superiore, Tenuta Villanova, Tenuta Borgo Conventi, Colmello di Grotta. All wines displayed intense and beautiful aromas in the nose. They also all had lively acidity, maintaining great balance and a fresh finish.

Cormons

In the central area of Collio, stands the town of Cormòns, surrounded by the hills that give life to the wine crus of Pradis, Plessiva, Brazzano and Zegla. There are wonderful wines produced here made from Pinot Grigio, Malvasia Istriana and Sauvignon Blanc, and the well-known Friulano. It is a lower-elevated area characterized by alluvial soils with a major presence of clay. During the afternoon of our first day, I had the pleasure to taste the wines of the following wineries: Tenuta Baroni del Mestri, Zorzon, Kurtin, Bolzicco, Carlo di Pradis, Bracco, Tenuta di Angoris. In general, they all expressed great texture with a good aromatic nose. They were vibrant and structured to the palate with a harmonious end.

Dolegna

The territory of Dolegna is the closest to the mountains. The vineyards are positioned at an elevation ranging between 50 and 90 metres. It’s quite a windy area. The area is also characterized by a cold and humid climate, particularly suitable for certain vines such as Sauvignon Blanc. We attended a wine seminar with a focus on Dolegna, on the second day, was very well organized and led by these estates: Tenuta Stella, Tenuta la Ponca, Fruscalzo, Pascolo, Casa delle Rose, Livon.  I found the wines well made, characterized by Intense flavours and aromaticity; dry, fragrant palate with good acidity; with rich and elegant aftertaste.

Oslavia

Oslavia is considered the homeland of the orange wines. This wine corner is the cradle of visionary winemakers who represent first class pioneers of the production of skin-macerated white wines. Ribolla Gialla is the signature native grape variety of Oslavia’s wine identity. During the afternoon of the second day, I was lucky enough to sit side by side with the great interpreters in the Collio wine scene and all of them were able to reveal their individualism: Dario Princic, Fiegl, Gravner, Il Carpino, La Castellada, Primosic, Radikon. I tasted a wide range of great wines, showing high intensity and complexity of aromas. I tasted well balanced wines with body and finesse, signs of great potential for aging.

San Floriano

From San Floriano you can see the entire Collio region. It is the highest subzone. The hamlets of San Floriano are the easternmost territories of the DOC and they receive the benefits of dry and milder winds from the Adriatic Sea. The microclimatic conditions allow slow ripening, and the wines gain characteristics that well communicate their aging potential. Here we had the final dinner of the trip with a great tasting of San Floriano’s wine representatives. The wine growers which presented their wines were: Korsic, Marcuzzi, Manià, Humar, Formentini, Gradis’ciutta. The wines in general were vibrant, with good fruit and crispy acidity. They had a common elegance and good persistence, all lovely long-lasting wines.

Collio, a wine destination beyond the wine

Collio is an extraordinary area, tucked away with wine-themed castles and hamlets like Ruttars, Spessa, GradisCiutta, Oslavia and picturesque villages like Dolegna del Collio, Capriva del Friuli, Cormons, Farra d’Isonzo and San Floriano del Collio, all bordering one another. A particular destination for wine connoisseurs and oenophiles who love to discover the secrets behind the scenes of some of northern Italy’s finest micro-wineries. The roads and knowledge of wine tourism seem to end on the imaginary line drawn by Venice, but this land preserves a bountiful cradle of Italian culture and Northern European subcultures due to the proximity with Austria and Slovenia. It’s a fascinating place.

Around the town of Gorizia, a city designated as European Capital of Cosmopolitan Culture for the year 2025 by the European Commission, there are wineries with distinctive souls. It brings together great visionary producers, family and independent productions, modern and traditional wineries, revolutionary winemakers, who have made this territory one of the richest and most precious nests of white wines in Italy. 

Along with the increasing success of the wine production, this strip of land has developed a great attitude towards reception and hospitality. The services related to hospitality are various and the experiences are many, you can choose to stay in a cosy B&B or in one of the charming country farms, or a hotel with luxury facilities. It is a perfect destination both for visitors that want to deep themselves in the authentic local culture, and also for those looking for a wild adventure.

Even the local Mittel European cuisine shows how the territory has been enriched by the different coexisting cultures. It is the meeting place of Hungarian and Austrian dishes with traditional Italian style. It is an extremely refined and elegant cuisine, which combines wild game with wines of incredible character and complexity.

To give a general overview of the territory and to better understand the wine region of Collio, the Consortium in collaboration with the Italian Sommelier Association, created “Enjoy Collio”. It is an event held in the autumn, addressed to international professionals and journalists and it is a unique opportunity to dig deeper into the immense and sometimes dispersive wine landscape of Friuli, tasting wines of exceptional craft but also combining experiences in authentic locations. The event brings together many facets of the territory, starting from the food and wine up to the hospitality, open air and sport activities.

Enjoy Collio aims to show the thriving potential of the Collio region. The road has been traced, and this represents the first great steps of a territory that is and will become more and more a great pride for the Italian wine and tourism scene.

#collio #consorziocollio #consorzio_collio #wine #winelovers #italianwine #italianwinelovers #colliowines #igersitalia #instawine #orangewine #redwine #whitewine #colliowinetourism #enjoycollio #Oslavia #travelling #winetourism

Chianti Classico, A Wine Tourism Destination Par Excellence – Filippo Magnani

An indissoluble partnership between wine production and tourism.

Tuscany is one of the most popular destinations for wine enthusiasts and a few other places stimulate a traveler’s thoughts and imagination as much as the Chianti Classico region.

This stunning wine region is a succession of gentle hills, dotted with vineyards rolling away into the horizon between Florence and Siena. An unspoiled landscape, where the presence of human activity plays an integral role in the extraordinary harmony of nature and skill. The fruits of this region have made it quite treasured along with the passion of great governors, noble administrators, artists, poets, men of science and agricultural talents. The history of these people can be read in the neat rows of vines and cypresses, the olive groves, the charming villages and in the stones of the castles, enabling us to remember and share the history and beauty of “Chianti Classico”. To really discover this place, you will need a guide – and the wine is undoubtedly an ideal and important witness to the fascinating history of the development of Chianti Classico.

Wine Escape – Chianti Classico

Along with the other leading wine production areas in Tuscany today, Chianti Classico is an extraordinary gateway to a deep and intimate knowledge of the roots of our culture and lifestyle. The area’s history has always been inextricably linked to wine production. Nature and people have grown together in an indissoluble relationship of respect and reward, bringing the Chianti Classico territory to life. If you wish to be immersed in the aromas and flavours of great food and wine tradition you will find Chianti Classico an ideal destination: It is a leading national tourist and wine tourism destination, chosen by visitors from all over the world for the wide variety of experiences linked to fine food and wine, with wine taking the leading role. A destination that represents an ecosystem of services focused on wine, some tangible, and others less so, but all of them engaging. Today’s “wine tourists” decide to visit an area not only for its great, historic wines, but also to make memories, experience the flavours of a local osteria, the aromas of the cellars and the smiles of grandmothers on their doorsteps. Journeys that are more immersive, making intimate and personal contact with traditions, culture, and people. In this respect, the concept of terroir expands to “winescape” in order to better express its connection to the region. This is why it is important to analyze and understand the factors that make Chianti Classico a wine tourism destination.

Chianti Classico – a kaleidoscope of organized and structured wine tourism opportunities.

Along the beautiful, winding roads of Chianti Classico, the winery doors are always open for visits and tastings. This is an area with a high density of wineries, a true oenological paradise, full of castles, ancient abbeys, where fine wines are matured, world-famous wineries alongside small and no less prestigious family-run estates, traditional cellars, and architectural masterpieces. A setting in which hospitality and associated experiences take on various forms, with all kinds of proposals and wine tourism activities. The producers understand the importance of hospitality: it has great economic value in terms of diversifying income, as well as being an effective means of communicating values and enhancing distribution of their wines. From curious wine enthusiasts to collectors, guests want to visit the famous winemaking names of Chianti and discover hidden gems of the highest quality. From groups belonging to private wine clubs and sommelier associations to restaurateurs, wine tourism in the Chianti Classico region embraces an increasingly varied public.

The reputation – wine tourists are extremely interested in visiting the locations of great and famous Chianti Classico wines.

The wine with the Black Rooster emblem is among the most widely marketed and recognized labels in the world. In over 130 countries, there is not a restaurant, wine shop or wine bar that does not offer the wines of this designation. Over the last 20 years, Chianti Classico has become one of the leading socio-economic systems in Tuscany, both in terms of the volume of wine produced, and its quality. Vintage, Riserva and Gran Selezione are the categories in a specific hierarchical scale, in terms of price and value. These wines express an indissoluble link between a par excellence product and the territory of origin. The designation is home to an incredible variety of unique microclimates that are particularly suitable for growing vines. In recent years the consortium and local producers have carried out important research aiming to outline the mosaic of Chianti Classico for consumers in the best possible way. The most recent addition are the UGAs (Additional Geographical Units). Eleven production areas that will be able to show the specific provenance of their wines on the label. It should be emphasized that the global success of wine and its positioning on the markets constantly influences the choice of many tourists traveling to discover the best-known wine-producing areas, who choose the Chianti Classico territory as their preferred destination.

A wine tourism region that goes beyond wine.

Anyone seeking to truly immerse themselves in wine tourism in the Chianti area can choose from a variety of accommodation options and, naturally, from a growing number of complementary tourist services well equipped and organized for such trips. Among various forms and categories, Chianti Classico is the preferred place to ‘sleep between the rows’, in fact, more and more wineries are deciding to open their estates, renovating existing buildings or constructing new ones, to become true wine resorts in various categories, providing every possible comfort and offering visitors an exclusive and unforgettable experience. The growing presence of this new concept of accommodation reflects the tendency of this wine-producing area to adapt in order to accommodate tourists who want to spend more time in the hills and vineyards. Wine resorts are top-quality locations: different types of structures, closely linked to the wineries, which interpret the most typical aspects of the winery in their own way. A place to lose yourself and relax with outdoor activities or in the spas and wellness centres. The roads branching out from the wineries can also be explored by bicycle, offering another opportunity to enter the magic of the vineyards, places to visit in every season, combining wellness and exploration of the area. And for those who love the outdoors, there are trekking routes of varying levels of difficulty. Lastly, all routes lead to the table, since food is the twin brother of wine. For the gourmand traveler, the timeless charm of Chianti Classico can be experienced through the area’s great culinary tradition, with a richly varied constellation of appetizing opportunities. From San Casciano to Greve, from Panzano to Castellina, from Radda and Gaiole to Castelnuovo Berardenga, a succession of family-run hostelries alternates with the great award-winning restaurants: a true food and wine territory, rich in opportunities to learn more about cuisine by participating in cooking courses organized in the area’s most exclusive and hidden locations. It should be stressed that the Chianti Classico wine tourism area is not limited to wine-related activities and the destination is enriched with many complementary experiences: visiting historic buildings and museums or devoting sunny days to excursions through nature and villages, to discover local craft products. In a context of increasing tourism development linked to an excellent territory, open to change, another important aspect is the added value of technology. A global and interconnected world opens up an incredible opportunity to intensify and spread word of the area’s appeal. Communication tools and channels are extremely important for the increasingly varied target visitors. Chianti Classico wineries have grasped the significance of this progress and invested in new ways of promoting and marketing the “wine tourism product”. So, alongside traditional methods, such as working with agencies and tour operators, real wine tourism marketplaces have been created among producers: online platforms that sell, describe, and create attractive winery experiences and wine trips for the consumer. Another good example of how the Consortium has opened-up to digital implementation is the Chianti Classico Card, intended as a user-friendly pass-partout to access hundreds of memorable activities.

The aesthetics of the landscape and layering of traditions – a cultural identity of Chianti Classico.

The appearance of Chianti Classico is the result of centuries of history. The beauty of the area’s vineyards and its considerable natural resources have been known since the dawn of time. This landscape has always coexisted with its people. A place loved by the Etruscans, then by the Romans, and a battlefield of bitter disputes in the Middle Ages, the territory preserves evidence of the passage of many cultures. The earliest documentation of the existence of a wine-producing district and territorial administration dates back to the 13th century with the “Lega del Chianti”, formalized between Radda, Gaiole and Castellina and branded with the famous Black Rooster which, after many glorious years, became the official symbol of Chianti Classico wine in 2005. The notion of the area’s inestimable value has been reinforced in recent years through the proposal of Chianti Classico as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the institutional activity of the Foundation for the Protection of the Territory of Chianti Classico Onlus, of which the Consortium is a founding member. At the same time, the same bodies, along with local administrations, have achieved another goal: the establishment of the “Distretto Rurale del Chianti”, aiming to preserve the cultural and aesthetic component of the landscape, to promote economic, social and tourist integration. These concepts acquired greater value with the onset of the pandemic. Undeniably, already fashionable themes such as environmental sustainability were foregrounded in discussions during the lockdown, so operators are paying close attention also in the sectors of wine production and wine tourism.

Symbols that represent the fine quality products of the area.

Between the Elsa and Pesa rivers, the Chianti Classico area is a destination with a very precise identity, essential but richly significant. It’s impossible to mention Chianti Classico without immediately encountering the famous Black Rooster, which symbolizes the spirit of the territory. Strong and elegant, lively, and proud, its crowing marks a new day. Once the symbol used by the “Antica Lega del Chianti” it was taken up in 1924 by the Consortium, because it clearly represents the very soul of this area: beauty and splendor combined with dedication to hard work. Alongside the Black Rooster are other identifying elements that appeal to the imagination of visitors: long roads flanked by rows of cypress trees, powerful-looking castles crowning hills strewn with vineyards, abbeys hidden among the olive groves and, finally, Medieval villages separated by the exquisite and gentle Chianti hills. The narrative of this land, a paradise of grapes and olive trees, is enriched by numerous citations in film, publishing, and painting. When desire and imagination are translated into a journey, visitors are catapulted into a riot of taste and beauty – the beauty found in the quality of excellent products and the charm of the landscape, thanks to the constant presence and influence of people in this area.

Traditions, locations, and events to promote wine tourism.
Wine tours in Chianti Classico are not limited to visits and tastings but consist of a fully rounded experience open to everyone. Every year, in autumn, the famous “Eroica” race takes place: a cycling competition with vintage bikes that brings professionals and enthusiasts together from all over the world. This is a unique opportunity for participants to get to know and admire the many locations along the route. The sport has authentic, popular roots which also echo the values of agriculture, such as the appeal of hard work and the great flavour of enterprise. The competition crosses a number of meeting points within the Chianti Classico territory. Vineyards and wine thus opening a window onto the local culture in general.

Other activities in Chianti Classico include art and music, learning about local traditions, environmental sustainability and above all food culture. There is a place that encompasses all of these – the “Casa del Chianti Classico” inside the convent of Santa Maria al Prato in Radda in Chianti. This true cultural and educational centre is another splendid example of promotion of the geographical area. The “house” offers visitors an informative and in-depth tour of wine and oil production in Chianti Classico, and much more. The space is used for training meetings and events. If booked in advance, it can also offer cooking classes with leading figures from the Tuscan culinary scene.

In the towns of the Black Rooster area, numerous local festivals take place throughout the year. One of these is Expo Chianti Classico, which has been uniting producers and wine lovers in Greve in Chianti since the 1970s: an unmissable opportunity to explore all aspects of wine and get up close and personal with the winegrowers and their wines.

This is also the case for the Chianti Classico Collection, the cornerstone of wine and oil promotion. The event takes place in Florence, usually in February, and is the flagship event of the area. The so-called Chianti Classico Previews organized by the Consortium give journalists, trade operators and even wine-lovers the opportunity to try the new vintages being launched on the market, directly from the hands of the producers.

Locals – everyone who meets you before, during and after your trip to Chianti Classico.
In a memorable journey the people we meet play a fundamental role. People are the key element of a travel experience in wine tourism destinations such as Chianti Classico. The unfolding of an itinerary, a path towards a better awareness of the place being explored, inevitably passes through the eyes, words, and testimonies of those who welcome or simply spend time with the tourist. Tourists demand has become increasingly variable today. This means the proposals must also be increasingly varied in to order to satisfy the visitors’ every desire and expectation. A great natural and productive heritage is no longer enough: the territory must be described and above all experienced in a real and professional way. We must seek contact with the community, through visits to small towns (villages above all) and the chance to experience a direct, unmediated relationship with the inhabitants and their lifestyle. All those playing a part in the tourism and hospitality sector must, in a subjective and personal way, respect and assimilate the vision of a growing and developing a territory, united in its values and objectives, and pass it on to others. With fierce international competitors there is no longer any room for mediocrity and improvisation, and the same applies to the production and promotion of wine. From this perspective, it is essential to offer quality training and, above all, work as a “system” to be able to grow more organically (including at an international level) and adopt an all-around approach to defining and implementing rules for the entire sector. In this regard, the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium is working hard, playing a leading role in raising awareness of the great interest being shown in this area. The objective is to always provide excellent quality offers and focus on hospitality services that can communicate the experience of the Black Rooster area to visitors.

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Tasting Notes: Pellegrino Cavallina Grillo/Pinot Grigio 2020 and Centopassi “Giato” Nero d’Avola – Perricone – 2020

These are wines for contemplating – after tasting these two wines from Sicily they helped me focus on my New Year’s goals…..

Pellegrino Cavallina Grillo/Pinot Grigio 2020
This medium body wine has a surprisingly, pleasingly smooth texture, is a blend of Pinot Grigio and Grillo, is well-balanced, there are notes of green apples, pears, melons, and hints of light floral, a little vegetal on the palate with a soft finish.

90 points

Centopassi “Giato” Nero d’Avola – Perricone – 2020

This delicious “unoaked” Sicilian red is made from the native grapes of Nero d’Avola and Perricone, it’s fresh and lively on the palate with red berry fruits wrapped up in luscious acidity.

91 points

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