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 THE DISTRETTO DI QUALITÀ DEL VINO UMBRO FLIES TO LONDONFOR THE REAL ITALIAN WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE

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After Vinitaly, the Distretto di Qualità del Vino Umbro once again takes centre stage on international markets, strengthening the presence of Umbria’s wine sector at leading trade events. 

Only a few days have passed since the close of Vinitaly, an edition that saw Il Distretto del Vino Umbro di Qualità take centre stage for the first time in initiatives dedicated to Umbria’s wine sector, from the preview evening to activities hosted within the Umbria Pavilion, featuring a highly appreciated regional wine shop and a panel discussion that involved numerous other Italian wine districts.

The team is now ready to move on to a new and significant international appointment: the Real Italian Wine & Food Experience, scheduled for 26 and 27 April at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London, one of the largest and most important exhibition venues in Europe. Continuing the experience of the Real Italian Wine & Food format, active for over fifteen years, the event confirms itself as one of the most strategic trade platforms for the promotion of Italian wine and food on international markets.

The London edition takes place within a context of strong international relevance, with the participation of more than 250 agri food producers and the expected attendance of over 1,500 professional operators, including buyers, importers, distributors, agents, restaurateurs and sommeliers. A platform which, thanks to a digital matchmaking system, allows the scheduling of numerous B2B meetings, fostering targeted and highly profiled commercial connections. The 2025 edition saw more than 230 exhibitors arrive from overseas to meet over 1,650 buyers from across North America including the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as from Latin American countries such as Brazil.

For Umbria, the companies Chiorri, Azienda Agricola Mevante, Castello di Montegiove, Terre de la Custodia and Guerrini will be in attendance, representing the regional wine sector and the joint efforts of the production system coordinated by Umbria Top Wines.

This participation forms part of a broader strategy of shared promotion, involving collaboration between Il Distretto del Vino Umbro di Qualità and the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria, working in synergy with Il Distretto del Vino Umbro di Qualità, with the aim of strengthening the territory’s presence on international markets and enhancing not only wine but also other regional agri food excellences.

Alongside the wine producers, there will also be producers of extra virgin olive oil, a craft brewery and chocolate makers, showcasing an integrated representation of Made in Umbria.

“The British market shows growing curiosity and a strong willingness to deepen knowledge of Umbrian wines,” says Gioia Bacoccoli, coordinator of the Distretto. “After several years during which collective promotional activities had come to a halt, today, thanks to the support of Distretto funding and cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria, we can once again establish a presence in a strategic market. The aim is to revive existing commercial relationships and to consolidate new opportunities for our companies in a country that continues to demonstrate strong interest in Umbria and its products.”

Ahead of the two trade days, a Blind Tasting will take place on 25 April from 4 pm to 7 pm. Conceived as an opening and networking moment, the event will offer visitors the opportunity to taste the wines on a blind basis and to leave structured feedback, which will subsequently be collected and shared with the exhibitors. An informal yet highly qualified opportunity for direct dialogue between producers, buyers and industry professionals.

The Real Italian Wine & Food Experience thus confirms its role as a strategic platform for the international promotion of Italian wine, capable of combining exhibition opportunities, commercial relationships and digital innovation, while strengthening Umbria’s presence within the world’s leading wine and food markets.

Distretto di Qualità del Vino Umbro

A three year project by Umbria Top, the cooperative of Umbrian wineries, aimed at harmonising and developing the regional wine supply chain through a public and private partnership working in synergy across four key areas: productive investments, training, innovation technology and sustainability, and promotion.

Garda DOC: Natural low-alcohol wine the consortium charts a new course linking vineyards, the market and local identity

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Not de-alcoholisation, but targeted harvesting and careful management of the raw material to produce 9% ABV wines. On the sidelines of Vinitaly, we spoke with Paolo Fiorini, President of the Garda DOC Consortium, about this project, which is primarily aimed at Northern European markets – with the UK at the forefront – and which will be the focus of the event on 5 June at the Garda Wine Stories Festival.

Low-alcohol from aging

In contemporary wine terminology, ‘low alcohol’ is often synonymous with subtraction: less alcohol because the alcohol is removed. In the project discussed by the consortium, however, the starting point is the opposite. The stated aim is not to produce a dealcoholised wine, but to achieve a lighter profile naturally, by working in the vineyard and on the ripening of the grapes, so as to obtain wines around 9% ABV without straying from the wine’s identity. This is the approach that emerged most strongly from the meeting, where the innovation is also linked to an update of the production regulations published in September.

The distinction is not merely technical, but cultural. In comparison, alcohol-free wines are viewed with considerable scepticism from a sensory perspective, whilst the consortium’s project presents itself as a credible alternative for those seeking a lower alcohol content without sacrificing the product’s recognisability. The heart of the operation lies, in fact, in the management of the raw material: grapes harvested with a lower sugar potential, fermentations consistent with that profile, and a winemaking process that does not involve subsequent corrective steps.

The business plan

From a commercial perspective, the reasoning is equally clear. Demand for lighter wines is said to be particularly strong in certain overseas markets, especially in the United Kingdom, where consumption trends are accompanied by tax considerations: in certain contexts, lower alcohol content also means a different tax rate. From this perspective, low-alcohol wine is not presented as a stylistic exercise, but as a response to a specific demand, already evident on the international market and set to play an increasingly significant role in production decisions.

From an oenological point of view, the project seems to tread a delicate line: preserving the link with the territory whilst at the same time making the wine more accessible, more straightforward and better suited to new drinking occasions. In this context, Garganega remains an essential reference point, despite being described as a variety that is not particularly aromatic; hence the idea of also considering blends or pairings with varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, to support the aromatic profile and strengthen the wine’s commercial appeal.

The result is a white wine designed for easy drinking, playing on freshness, acidity and immediacy, yet by no means lacking in gastronomic appeal.

The reference to pairings with lake fish is by no means incidental: indeed, it suggests a possible narrative for the product, which could find a coherent platform for promotion precisely in the local cuisine and the identity of the lake region. At a time when the sector is seeking new ways to speak to consumers who are less loyal to traditional categories, this aspect appears far from marginal.

The theme will be explored publicly on 5 June, during the Garda Wine Stories Festival, an annual event at which the consortium intends to focus specifically on this type of wine.

The announced approach is significant: alongside the production aspect, an economist and three journalists will be invited to analyse the positioning of low-alcohol wines in the British, German and Italian markets. This is a sign that the project is already being viewed not merely as a curiosity for the winery, but as a strategic dossier, where technique, communication and distribution must advance together.

And it is precisely the market that emerges as the true test during the meeting. There is talk of shrinking profit margins, of increasingly complex exports, of pressures linked to the geopolitical context, and of the ever-growing influence of large-scale retailers in determining the final price and the perception of value. In this context, the risk highlighted is that of a disconnect between marketing narrative and the shop shelf: a wine promoted as a quality product that then ends up on the shelf at a price incompatible with that positioning. It is a well-known issue in the sector, but here it is addressed with particular clarity, as it also directly concerns the future of low-alcohol wines.

New market trends

From a geographical perspective, the picture that emerges is quite clear: limited exposure to the United States and greater dynamism in Germany and, above all, in the United Kingdom. These are, at least according to the findings of the comparison, the markets to watch in order to gauge the project’s commercial viability. And whilst the consortium primarily claims a role of vision, coordination and synthesis amongst the companies, it is clear that the success of the operation will depend on the companies’ ability to convey that narrative to the market in a coherent manner, without it becoming diluted along the supply chain.

Climate scenario

Finally, there is one last factor, perhaps the most interesting, as it links viticulture with the climate. Fifteen years ago, producing wines of this type naturally would have been much more difficult, due to excessively high acidity. Today, however, climate change is making viable an approach that in the past seemed marginal or impractical. In other words, naturally low-alcohol wine does not arise solely from market demand: it also stems from new agronomic conditions, which are prompting regions to rethink the style, balance and language of wine.

If maintained at this level of consistency — vineyard, identity, technique, positioning — the consortium’s venture could signify something broader for Italian wine. Not merely that there is a market for lower-alcohol bottles, but that the most interesting response, at least in certain regions, may not be industrial reduction, but rather a different concept of ripeness, balance and style.

Marco Lucentini

FAMIGLIE STORICHE AT VINITALY 2026 WITH THE MASTERCLASS “AMARONE: TIME, DINING ROOM SERVICE, CHOICE” 

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Time as a key to interpretation, the dining room as a place of expression, and choice as a conscious act: these are the pillars around which the masterclass organized by Famiglie Storiche at Vinitaly 2026 was developed, titled “Amarone: Time, Dining Room service, Choice – Stylistic evolution and gastronomic versatility of Amarone through the comparison of different vintages, balancing harmony, precision, and dialogue with food.” 

The event, held on Tuesday, April 14, brought together a qualified audience of Ho.Re.Ca. professionals, sommeliers, and trade press, confirming the association’s central role in promoting a contemporary understanding of Amarone della Valpolicella. 

«Amarone is not a wine frozen in time, but a language that evolves. Today, the challenge is no longer to explain what it is, but how to present it in a relevant way: through its versatility, stylistic precision, and its natural affinity with food. Time, dining room service, and choice become key elements in making it more accessible and meaningful in the restaurant world. The comparison between vintages allows us to convey a strong and recognizable identity, one that continues to evolve in the way it is interpreted and presented. Famiglie Storiche embodies this shared vision: preserving Amarone’s identity while guiding its evolution» says Pierangelo Tommasi, President of the Famiglie Storiche Association. 

The tasting was led by Roberto Anesi, Best Sommelier of Italy 2017, who guided participants through an in-depth journey based on the comparison of three vintages – 2012, 2016, and 2021 – through thirteen interpretations of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Riserva, one from each member family. «Amarone is often automatically paired with richly structured dishes, but today it is interesting to move beyond these conventions and discover new possibilities. During the masterclass, we explored less conventional pairings, from fatty fish such as salmon to influences from Eastern cuisines, showing how much room there is for experimentation. The interpretations by Famiglie Storiche, while remaining true to a classic style, consistently surprise with their ability to engage in dialogue with food. The invitation is to rediscover Amarone from a gastronomic perspective, moving beyond the most traditional pairings and opening up to combinations that, until recently, would have seemed unthinkable» comments Anesi. 

Throughout the event, sensory analysis was interwoven with insights on front-of-house service and food pairing, offering attendees practical tools to enhance Amarone’s presence both on wine lists and in the dining room. This approach highlights the association’s commitment to engaging more directly with the restaurant world, strengthening Amarone’s positioning as a truly contemporary wine.  

Through the comparison of vintages and styles, the masterclass reaffirmed Amarone as a wine capable of expressing balance, precision, and depth, while preserving its identity and embracing new opportunities for consumption and interpretation. 

With this initiative, Famiglie Storiche renews its commitment to promoting Amarone della Valpolicella, fostering a wine culture that combines territorial heritage with a contemporary vision, in the name of quality and authenticity.

FAMIGLIE STORICHE

Founded in 2009, the Famiglie Storiche association today brings together thirteen prestigious wineries from Valpolicella, each a guardian of centuries-old tradition and a production philosophy focused on quality and the authentic expression of the territory. The member wineries are: Allegrini, Begali, Bertani, Brigaldara, Guerrieri Rizzardi, Masi, Musella, Speri, Tedeschi, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Tommasi, Torre D’Orti, and Zenato.

The wineries of Famiglie Storiche, each with a long-established heritage and a steadfast commitment to quality, share a common mission: to bear witness to the greatness of Amarone. Their roots are firmly planted in the values of history and craftsmanship, which they express in every facet of their work.

Famiglie Storiche represents:

History: All member wineries have been an integral part of Valpolicella for many years and are deeply rooted in its heritage.

Passion: Before being winemakers, they are custodians of the land.

Project: They were founded with the precise aim of upholding the values of a territory and a denomination that are unique in the world.

UMBRIA TOP AT VINITALY 2026:“STYLES OF THE VINE”

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The collective of Umbrian wineries will be present at the event with 45 exhibitors and an immersive concept dedicated to highlighting the value of Umbrian culture.
The new Pavilion D will host a programme of more than 40 events, offering a full exploration of the region’s wine scene through experiences, voices and styles that define its character.

An evocative and deeply identity driven concept: “Stili di Vite” is the core theme that conveys the graphic and symbolic essence of Umbria Top’s presence at Vinitaly 2026, the cooperative that brings together the finest Umbrian wine appellations from 12 to 15 April at the Verona Fair.

A project that goes beyond a simple trade exhibition and becomes a collective narrative of Umbrian culture, shaped by history, spirituality and contemporary life, of which wine is a powerful ambassador. The theme chosen for 2026 fits into a year of significant change and offers the opportunity to show the world how Umbrian wine is born from a system of values rooted in collaboration, identity and a sense of belonging. In this vision, style is not an aesthetic element but a cultural substance. It is the strength found in every grape cluster, in every production choice and in every bottle, becoming the distinctive mark of the Umbria of wine.

This year once again institutions, organisations and ambassadors that contribute through their work to promoting and enhancing the uniqueness of the region will be present. These include the Department for the PNRR, for agricultural and agri food policies, for mountain areas and inland areas, for parks and lakes, for tourism and sport, the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria and Promocamera Umbria, Assogal Umbria with its five Gal (Local Action Groups), and 3A Parco Tecnologico Agroalimentare dell’Umbria (the Agri Food Technology Park of Umbria).

The design and graphics of the Umbria Top exhibition space and of the new D pavilion that hosts the cooperative, both created by the designer Carlo Guttadauro, express a vision of space conceived as an immersive environment. Landscape imagery, portraits of prominent regional figures, tactile details and authorial words come together to shape an atmosphere that is both energising and contemplative.

The concept finds a powerful visual expression inside the pavilion, where the graphic “leporello” guides visitors along the entire perimeter of the exhibition space. The narrative unfolds through the fusion of different visual languages. Classical elements, rooted in painting and inspired by the artistic heritage of Umbria, intertwine with contemporary signs, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and present.

“For Umbria” states Simona Meloni, Regional Councillor for Agricultural and Agri food Policies “this is the edition of courageous choices and we have truly tried to go the extra mile, even in relation to the debates that arose around the location of the stand, ultimately deciding to participate independently. We have focused on the identity of our region, with our productions, our excellences, all our territories and with renewed leadership roles, while also remembering the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis to reaffirm Umbria as a land of peace and spirituality. We embraced the theme Stili di Vite to acknowledge the work of the people and all those who have elevated Umbrian wine. For this reason, on Monday 13th April we will honour extraordinary figures of the Umbria of wine, paying tribute to pioneers such as Arnaldo Caprai, Maria Grazia Lungarotti, Leonardo Zanchi and Luigi Barberani, who have recently passed away. Wine, like the agricultural sector as a whole, is going through a very difficult and complex moment. It was beginning to recover after Covid but now recent events that are disrupting geopolitics, such as the cost of raw materials and diesel, are putting severe strain on a sector already weakened by climate events. Yet we do not want to give up. We want to strongly demonstrate the presence and commitment of our institutions. We are also preparing new tenders for the OCM wine programme, for which we will provide some details shortly before Vinitaly, because we want to stand beside those who continue to invest in the world of wine, those who continue to build enterprises and those who remain committed to viticulture.”

“This is our seventeenth Vinitaly as Umbria Top and each time this event gathers energies and projects that are able to support the sector in its collective promotion” comments Massimo Sepiacci, President of Umbria Top Wines. “Moving from the historic Pavilion 2 to Pavilion D, where we will occupy as much as one thousand seven hundred square metres, is a new challenge in a period that is not easy for wine anywhere in the world. Nevertheless” continues Sepiacci “we believe that all the conditions are in place for an edition of outstanding quality for our region”.

“Stili di Vite” states Gioia Bacoccoli, coordinator of Umbria Top “takes shape as a layered narrative capable of offering multiple levels of interpretation. The vine represents first and foremost daily work, agricultural expertise and the continuity of the winemaking tradition. At the same time, the theme evokes the Umbrian way of life, characterised by balance, care, restraint and authenticity, values that become a model to be shared and promoted. Alongside this dimension lies a human and narrative one. The ‘lives’ are also those of the producers, the entrepreneurs and the figures who have contributed to building the prestige of Umbrian wine, as well as of the Umbrians who over time have left their mark on the world, from spirituality to art, from agriculture to culture.”

This narrative includes symbolic figures that strengthen the connection between territory, culture and vision. Oenological tradition finds a significant reference point in Zeffirino Faina, a key figure in the qualitative renewal of Umbrian wine, who played a decisive role in enhancing the reputation of Orvieto and of the entire region. Alongside him, the artistic dimension is embodied by Pietro Vannucci, known as Perugino, whose harmonious and luminous painting becomes a visual metaphor for the balance that also characterises the Umbrian landscape and its culture.

The project is further enriched by a strong symbolic dimension that evokes the deep spirituality of the region. The rose of Saint Rita becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, expressing how beauty can emerge from hardship, while the lily of Saint Clare conveys purity, essentiality and trust, values that also resonate with the production philosophy of Umbrian wineries. Alongside these symbols stands the figure of Saint Benedict of Norcia, with his vision of harmony between work and spirituality, and above all that of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose eight hundredth anniversary of death is being commemorated. His message of unity between humanity and nature, expressed in the Canticle of the Creatures, becomes the interpretative key of the entire project, restoring to wine its most authentic value: that of being an expression of nature and of a respectful relationship with it.

The presence of the 45 companies and the rich programme of events reinforce this collective vision, in which wine becomes a shared language and a means of connection with professionals, buyers and an international audience.

Co exhibitors in the Umbria area at the 2026 edition are: Agricola Mevante, Azienda Agricola Meazzi, Benedetti and Grigi, Blasi Cantina, Bocale, Cantina Baldassarri, Cantina Custodi, Cantina Semonte, Cantina Vetunna, Cantine Battisti, Cantine Etiche with Ruffo della Scaletta, Tenuta dei Mori, Santoiolo e Collespino Tenimenti, Castello di Corbara, Chiorri, Colle Uncinano, Consorzio di Tutela Vini Montefalco, Consorzio di Tutela Vini Torgiano, Consorzio di Tutela Vini Trasimeno, Di Filippo, Dionigi, Duca della Corgna Cantina del Trasimeno, Fattoria Le Poggette, Feudi Spada, Fongoli, Guerrini, La Madeleine, La Veneranda, Le Cimate, Moretti Omero, Morettini, Perticaia, Pucciarella, Rocca dei Fabbri, Roccafiore, Scacciadiavoli, Tenuta Bellafonte, Tenuta Casale Milli, Tenuta Il Botto, Tenuta Casale Milli, Terre Margaritelli, Terra Sapori Umbri, Todini, Tudernum and Valdangius. Also taking part are Assoprol, Movimento Turismo Vino Umbria and the Coordinamento Strade del Vino e dell’Olio dell’Umbria.

Throughout the duration of the event, the programme includes tastings, meetings and opportunities for discussion with professionals, buyers and wine enthusiasts, organised with the support of the Region of Umbria, the Department for Agricultural and Agri-food Policies, Tourism and the PNRR, the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria and Promocamera Umbria, Assogal Umbria with its five Gal (Local Action Groups), and 3A Parco Tecnologico Agroalimentare dell’Umbria (the Agri Food Technology Park of Umbria). Numerous tastings and in depth sessions will take place, creating a schedule of events designed to highlight the productions, stories, projects and people of Umbrian wine.

The new pavilion will also offer a lounge area reserved for content creators and influencers visiting the Fair. In Umbria they will find a kind of “social press room”, coordinated by wine communicator Luca dalla Regina.

The stand will be completed by two functional areas: the Tasting Area, dedicated to tastings and technical sessions, and the Events Area, intended for institutional appointments. A continuous programme of both wine and food experiences will accompany visitors and professionals throughout all four days of the fair.

CANTINA VALPOLICELLA NEGRAR ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF CHRISTIAN ZULIAN AS MANAGING DIRECTOR

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Cantina Valpolicella Negrar announces the appointment of Christian Zulian as Managing Director, who will also oversee the technical division. Supporting Zulian in the oenological area is Carlo Callari, appointed as Head of the Oenological Department.

“This appointment marks a strategic step for Cantina Valpolicella Negrar,” states President Giampaolo Brunelli. “Christian Zulian brings with him a strong technical vision and a deep understanding of the sector, developed in structured, quality driven environments. His experience will be essential in guiding the cooperative into a new phase of growth, strengthening organizational integration, territorial identity and market positioning.”

Throughout his career, Zulian has distinguished himself as a rigorous specialist dedicated to wines that express the authenticity of their place of origin, with a constant focus on stylistic consistency and on the quality recognized by the market.

“I take on this role with a strong sense of responsibility,” says Christian Zulian. “Wine will be at the center of my work. The goal is to fully enhance the extraordinary potential of Valpolicella, translating it into contemporary wines deeply rooted in the territory yet capable of engaging with international markets. Quality is not a final destination but a continuous process, shaped by technical rigour, listening to members and a shared vision.”

With this in mind, technical leadership is rooted in teamwork, with Zulian working in close synergy with Carlo Callari. Not two separate divisions, but a single integrated team, united by complementary expertise and a shared vision for winemaking.

“We will work together with a highly technical and results oriented approach,” says Zulian. “We share a common method, a deep understanding of the region and a meticulous attention to quality. Our aim is to create wines that express the identity of Valpolicella with ever greater precision, evolving styles and expressions without losing authenticity.”

Carlo Callari, an oenologist with more than twenty years of experience and an in depth understanding of the winery’s operations, comments: “I will contribute the experience gained over the years to ensure that every stage of the production cycle is managed with rigour and attention to detail. Ongoing dialogue and technical alignment will be essential to further raising quality standards and stylistic consistency.”

With these appointments, Cantina Valpolicella Negrar strengthens its technical and managerial structure, placing wine – in its sense of place and its ability to reflect the present – at the centre of its future strategy.

Short Biography – Christian Zulian

Born in Trento and now based in Verona, Christian Zulian has extensive experience in the wine sector and corporate management. He holds a degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Padua and enriched his academic background with specialist training in chemistry at the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Chemistry of the E. Mach Foundation in San Michele all’Adige. Over the course of his career, he has gained significant experience within wine companies, taking on roles of increasing responsibility and developing a deep understanding of corporate dynamics and the global wine industry.

Short Biography – Carlo Callari

Carlo Callari is an oenologist with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology and more than twenty years of experience in the wine sector. He built his professional career within the winery environment, overseeing the entire production cycle from vinification of fresh and dried grapes to the management of oenological and regulatory processes, gaining a solid understanding of operational and regulatory dynamics. After an extensive period at Cantina Valpolicella Negrar and further managerial roles within leading local companies, he now takes on the position of Head of Oenology, with the aim of enhancing internal expertise and strengthening quality, control and production sustainability.

CANTINA VALPOLICELLA NEGRAR

Founded in 1933 by seven winegrowers determined to protect their work during a challenging period, the Cantina has remained faithful to its mission: safeguarding the territory, enhancing its identity and preserving its excellence. Today it produces around ten percent of all Amarone Classico in the appellation, confirming its central role in the story of Valpolicella. Cantina Valpolicella Negrar is the living expression of a collective history which, from 1933 to the present day, is renewed daily through the commitment of 245 winegrowers and a governance capable of embracing change without losing its identity.

With more than 140 hectares of certified organic vineyards, an annual production exceeding eight million bottles and a presence in sixty two countries, Cantina Valpolicella Negrar is today one of the most respected and recognized names in the Italian wine landscape.

Biondi-Santi presents new vintages, La Storica 1983, and the 5° edition of La Voce di Biondi-Santi

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“For Biondi-Santi, generations are fundamental”, says Giampiero Bertolini, CEO of the estate since 2018. “From the founder Clemente, to whom we owe the name Brunello, to Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, who, at the end of the 19th century, began producing wine with a pioneering vision of quality and longevity. From Tancredi, to whom we owe the legendary Riserva 1955 and the preservation of the estate’s historic cellar vault, to Dr Franco, the “gentleman of Brunello”, who introduced innovative winemaking techniques and carried out one of the earliest clonal selections of Sangiovese, naming the clone BBS11: Brunello Biondi-Santi 11. These generations have built and handed down enduring values that today allow us to look to the future with confidence, firmly rooted in our history”.

This progression and this consistency are reflected in the character of Biondi-Santi wines: in their freshness, in the iconic vineyards and in the distinctive practices that define daily work in the vineyard and in the cellar at Il Greppo. It is a transmission of knowledge and sensitivity that flows through time, renewing and strengthening itself with each passing generation.

“This is why we chose the word ‘Generations’ for the fifth edition of La Voce di Biondi-Santi,” continues Giampiero Bertolini. “And it is why we feel a responsibility to pass our passion to younger generations.”

In 2026, the estate’s cultural project draws on the talents of the Holden School of Writing in Turin, whose students were invited to interpret the emotion of Tenuta Greppo through the language of literature and the medium of voice. A gesture of contemporary patronage that has given life to five stories in the estate’s “virtual literary salon”, now available through the La Voce di Biondi-Santi podcast.

THE NEW VINTAGES

For Federico Radi, Technical Director of the estate, the word ‘Generations’ also evokes a concept deeply rooted in nature: “It suggests renewal and serves as a bridge across differences, because every generation, like every vintage, is unique”, he explains.

“What remains central at Biondi-Santi is stylistic and qualitative continuity: we aim to infuse into the wine the story of the vintage together with that of the estate. The ongoing massal selection allows us to preserve the DNA of Biondi-Santi, preserving the genetic heritage from which it all began”.  

  • Rosso di Montalcino is the gateway to the world of Biondi-Santi. A youthful Sangiovese, of great charm, conveys the full emotion of the estate. The 2023 growing year presented significant agronomic challenges, marked by notable temperature fluctuations and irregular rainfall. Nevertheless, it has given rise to an authentic and refined Rosso, expressing Sangiovese di Montalcino with immediacy and style, without sacrificing depth and identity.
  • Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is an impressive classic, revealing its finesse from the very first sip. It comes from a bright, sunny growing season with grapes of exceptional quality.

The year began with a mild winter and a cool spring, characterised by significant diurnal temperature variations and even a snowfall. After a rainy June, which ensured good groundwater reserves, the summer was hot and dry. Consistent day-night ranges supported the vines’ natural balance and contributed to the development of an intense, well-defined aromatic profile. Refreshing rainfall at the end of August led to perfect ripening in time for the harvest, which began on 9 September.

“On the palate, one perceives the elegance of the tannins and acidity: two elements that merge seamlessly, allowing the wine to unfold gracefully and linger. It is a contemplative wine” concludes Federico Radi “one that reveals itself over time.”

  • Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019, the 44° edition, is a profound wine born under the sign of great expectations. Not only because it is a Biondi-Santi Riserva, but also – as the Technical Director emphasises – “because it is the result of one of the finest growing years I have witnessed in my career: everything went exceptionally well. Well-distributed rainfall, balanced heat, perfect grapes. The wine embodies this harmony.” The harvest began on 14 September.

On the palate, the Riserva 2019 is precise and vibrant. Lively freshness accompanies very fine, perfectly integrated tannins. The structure is refined, never excessive, and the finish, long, pure and coherent, speaks of territory and time.

THE RELEASE OF ‘LA STORICA’ 1983

Every year, Biondi-Santi selects a Riserva from La Storica and releases it in extremely limited quantities. Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Storica 1983 is a wine of extraordinary complexity, with silky tannins leading into a long, savoury and harmonious finish of great elegance and length. It demonstrates Biondi-Santi’s unique ability to age gracefully, offering today a profound, understated and authentic expression of what a historic Brunello represents.

LA VOCE DI BIONDI SANTI

La Voce di Biondi-Santi was first launched in 2022 as a cultural project that, each year, revolves around a keyword interpreting and narrating the Biondi-Santi universe. The chosen word becomes the guiding thread of a dialogue that takes wine lovers behind the scenes, through the voices of Giampiero Bertolini and Federico Radi.

Within the same virtual space, enthusiasts can also discover contributions from key opinion leaders in the sector. In addition, each year the keyword inspires original literary works by Italian and international authors, presented in audiobook format.

The words chosen in previous editions were: Balance (2022), Wonder (2023), Respect (2024) and Elegance (2025).

For 2026, the word is Generations, and the literary partner is the Holden School in Turin. Five students were invited to the estate to experience Tenuta Greppo and create five original and evocative stories.

All La Voce di Biondi-Santi content is available at biondisanti.it and collected in a dedicated WebApp, accessible via the special QR codes on the neck labels of the Brunello di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino Riserva bottles.

AT PROWEIN 2026 THE GARDA DOC CONSORTIUM PRESENTS THE NEW PRODUCTION PROTOCOL

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For the first time with a dedicated consortium stand, expressing a path of growth and a renewed strategic vision

Expectations are rising for the participation of the Garda DOC Consortium in the thirty‑first edition of ProWein, one of the most prestigious international fairs in the wine sector, scheduled at Messe Düsseldorf from 15 to 17 March and ready to welcome over 90,000 visitors from all over the world.

“Taking part in this edition of ProWein represents a very important milestone for our appellation and for all the producers we represent. We are talking about one of the most significant events in the world of wine, and being here as a Consortium – created to protect, promote and enhance the excellence of our territory also in international contexts – is a source of great pride. It is a strong signal: the appellation is present and intends to be a protagonist,” states Paolo Fiorini, President of the Consortium, highlighting the strategic importance of this choice at a time when interest is growing in low‑alcohol products without giving up flavour and the connection with the territory.

For the first time, the Consortium will be present with its own institutional stand (Hall 3 – Stand D16), a choice that marks a strategic step in the international positioning of the appellation. A debut that takes on even greater significance in light of the historic and solid bond between Lake Garda and the German market: always among the main commercial and tourism counterparts of the territory, today also a key partner in the development of the DOC.

In Düsseldorf the Consortium will present an important new development: the Garda DOC appellation – the first Italian DOC to include low‑alcohol wines – will offer a selection of labels with an alcohol content around 9% vol., produced by some member wineries and close to their official introduction on the market.

“ProWein 2026 will dedicate even more space to producers of innovative wines, including no‑alcohol or low‑alcohol ones. A choice that reflects current consumption trends, aimed not only at younger consumers,” continues Fiorini. “It is a trend that probably represents something more: for this reason, some wineries of our appellation began investing in this direction several years ago. Thanks to this path, today we are the first Italian DOC to offer wines on the market with an alcohol content around 9% vol., which stand alongside the traditional types that have always characterised our territory. A choice that confirms our vision: offering products capable of responding to new needs without giving up flavour integrity, expressive depth and respect for territorial identity.”

Participation in ProWein therefore looks not only to sector operators but also to consumers, with the aim of presenting the Garda territory – already known for its high production quality – as a reference point and a possible alternative for those wishing to explore wines of this type while maintaining a connection with their place of origin.

The Garda DOC Consortium thus continues its path of enhancing its member wineries, strengthened by innovative projects. A commitment that fits into a start of 2026 marked by solid and structured growth, particularly significant in a very dynamic general context, and which confirms the ability of the Garda DOC to respond effectively to market dynamics, as also demonstrated by the closing data for 2025, with total bottlings reaching 175,352 hectolitres, equal to over 23.3 million 0.75‑litre bottles, with year‑on‑year growth of +20%.

CONSORZIO GARDA DOC

A hilly territory of unique landscape features, straddling Lombardy and Veneto, protected by mountains and overlooking Italy’s largest lake: here, among the provinces of Brescia, Mantua, and Verona, lies the Garda DOC, a winegrowing area where special climatic conditions have over time shaped the qualities of the grape varieties that thrive here — and continue to define their distinctiveness today. First recognized in 1996 with the aim of enhancing varietal wines produced in the ten historic winemaking zones of the Lake Garda area, the Garda DOC is a denomination driven by a strong spirit of innovation, capable of evolving over the years to meet consumer needs while honoring a product with ancient roots.

Having obtained ministerial recognition in 2015 and operating erga omnes since 2016, the Garda DOC Consortium today represents 250 producers, giving voice to and promoting one of Italy’s most valuable food and wine excellences.

GARDA DOC CONSORTIUM: LOW ALCOHOL AND CRÉMANT, APPROVED CHANGES TO THE PRODUCTION REGULATIONS

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New types and production updates for an evolving designation

The amendments to the Garda DOC wine production regulations have been approved. The ministerial decree of September 24th, 2025, published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic – General Series No. 234 on October 8th, 2025 – introduces significant innovations designed to strengthen the appellation’s competitiveness and relevance, balancing production evolution with respect for the traditions of a territory with a millennia-old winemaking vocation.

“This revision of the production regulations” – comments Paolo Fiorini, President of the Garda DOC Consortium – “represents a strategic step for our appellation and for the producers who are part of it. It is the result of a constructive dialogue with the Ministry and industry professionals, aimed at concretely responding to the new needs of the market and consumers, who today are increasingly attentive to wines that are distinctive, versatile, and contemporary. It is a step forward that strengthens the identity of Garda DOC and expands its production and commercial potential, while maintaining quality and the bond with the territory as its guiding principles.”

The President also highlights the Consortium’s role in promoting and protecting an appellation that extends across Lombardy and Veneto, in a hilly area of extraordinary beauty, sheltered by the mountains and overlooking Lake Garda. “Across the provinces of Brescia, Mantua, and Verona,” Fiorini continues, “grapes have been cultivated for centuries, telling the story and identity of this land. Today, the Consortium represents 250 producers, working in a spirit of collaboration that allows Garda DOC wines to best express the richness and diversity of the Lake Garda area.”

The updated production regulations introduce new categories and significant technical revisions. The appellation now includes Garda Müller Thurgau, in still, semi-sparkling, and sparkling versions, as well as Garda Rebo in the still wine category. For the sparkling and semi-sparkling types, new grape variety designations — “Garganega” and “Chardonnay” — have also been added.

Garganega, the main native white grape variety of the Garda DOC, widely used in the production of numerous white and sparkling wines, as well as in bi-varietal blends such as Garganega-Chardonnay and Garganega-Pinot Grigio, has in recent years been the focus of extensive agronomic experimentation. Starting with the 2025 harvest, it may also be marketed in a “low alcohol” version, with an alcohol content of 9% vol. — making it the first Italian DOC dedicated to a still, low-alcohol wine, marking an important innovative milestone in the national wine scene.

For the rosé sparkling and semi-sparkling versions, the designation “Corvina” also makes its debut, further enriching the denomination’s profile by highlighting one of the most representative native varieties of the Lake Garda area. This recognition confirms the Consortium’s growing focus on local grapes and its commitment to offering wines that embody authenticity, identity, and a strong sense of origin.

Among the innovations, the introduction of Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosato stands out — a variety that enhances one of Northern Italy’s emblematic grapes, offering a contemporary interpretation aligned with today’s preference for fresh, elegant wines with a strong personality.

Also noteworthy is the introduction of the term “Cremant” for the sparkling wine category, bringing Garda’s production closer to international quality standards and the most prestigious European sparkling wine traditions.

The amendments also provide for the extension of the production area to include part of the municipality of Castenedolo, in the province of Brescia, and authorize the use of all containers permitted under European regulations for the packaging of Garda DOC wines.

“Our mission,” concludes Fiorini, “is clear: to give voice to a unique territory that has managed to combine winemaking tradition with a modern, international vision. The update to the production regulations is a fundamental step in this journey, as it allows us to further enhance the distinctive qualities of the native and international varieties that coexist in this area, offering consumers a coherent, recognizable tasting experience deeply connected to Lake Garda.”

All the amendments will already be applicable starting with the current harvest, corresponding to the 2025/2026 winegrowing season, marking a new chapter in the appellation’s growth journey.

With these amendments, the Garda DOC Consortium renews its commitment to promoting quality, sustainability, and territorial identity, telling the story of a land that looks to the future without losing its connection to its roots.

CONSORZIO DOC SICILIA: STRONG GROWTH IN ASIAN MARKETS IN 2025, A RECOVERING HARVEST AND NEW STRATEGIES FOR 2026

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The year 2025 closes on a highly positive note for the Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia, reaffirming the denomination’s role as a key player on both the Italian and international wine scenes. The past year was marked by an intense commitment to the promotion and enhancement of native grape varieties, alongside an ever-stronger focus on biodiversity and the rediscovery of Sicily’s historic cultivars an invaluable heritage that reflects the island’s deep-rooted identity.

“After two challenging vintages, the 2025 harvest marked a return to more balanced production levels, with around 3 million hectolitres produced across 97,000 hectares of vineyards. This result once again confirms Sicily as one of Italy’s leading wine regions and highlights its ability to successfully combine biodiversity and sustainability,” said Camillo Pugliesi, Director of the Consortium. “International markets showed mixed dynamics in 2025: the United States remained broadly stable despite a more complex trade environment, while Asian markets recorded growing interest in Sicilian wines. Against this backdrop, the Consorzio DOC Sicilia strengthened its presence through targeted promotion and communication initiatives.”

In 2025, market demand increasingly favoured white wines, with Grillo and Lucido (Catarratto) taking centre stage. This trend underscores the denomination’s ability to interpret and anticipate global consumption patterns. With approximately 29,000 hectares under vine, Lucido is the most widely planted white grape variety in Sicily. Its remarkable versatility and significant intra-varietal diversity allow it to express itself with consistency and typicity in coastal areas as well as in hilly and mountainous zones.

This versatility creates significant opportunities, ranging from vibrant, ready-to-enjoy white wines to more complex styles designed for ageing, as well as premium sparkling wine bases, an approach recently showcased through the “Vista Lucido” project. At the same time, research continued the island’s more than 70 native grape varieties. Micro-vinification trials carried out in 2025 identified at least seven to eight particularly promising biotypes, which could further enrich Sicily’s already diverse wine landscape.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Consortium will launch new communication and promotional initiatives for DOC Sicilia, with one of the key highlights taking place at Vinitaly. In addition to participating in major international wine fairs, the programme will include a series of events aimed not only at trade professionals but also at consumers. These initiatives are designed to showcase Sicily as a true wine continent, through experiences that bring together terroir, culture and winemaking style.

Today, the Consortium represents more than 7,000 winegrowers and around 500 bottlers, safeguarding a production of over 80 million bottles that reflects the richness of a viticultural mosaic spread across the entire island. This cohesive system has played a crucial role in strengthening the global reputation of Sicilian wines, positioning them as a contemporary expression of a land with a millennia-old history.

Tenute Tomasella: the strength of the soil in the soul of the products

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A unique soil heritage for sustainable, elegant and recognisable viticulture,

In an area where the soil mosaic reaches levels of rare complexity, Tenute Tomasella has made knowledge of its terroir a real mission. For this reason, it has collaborated with Diego Tomasi, a researcher at CREA-VE, in a study aimed at analysing and understanding the diversity of the soils in which its vines are rooted. The objective is clear: to develop resilient and adaptable viticulture, capable of responding effectively to climate change without forcing nature, but accompanying it with respect.

At the heart of the estate, which covers around 50 hectares, there is a surprising geological variety. Soils formed as a result of flooding from the Livenza river, influenced over time by deposits from other rivers and the foothills of the Prealps, create a veritable puzzle of soils: silty, clayey and calcareous soils alternate even within a few hundred metres. This rare richness gives the grapes unique and different characteristics, contributing to the complexity and elegance of the wines produced.

In the Veneto region, the soils are ‘warm’, light in colour, with a fine or medium texture, lacking in skeleton but rich in limestone and organic matter. These conditions favour excellent root exploration, the absence of waterlogging and an ideal mineral balance (potassium and magnesium in particular), elements that give white grapes intense aromatic profiles and red grapes soft tannins and great structure.

On the other hand, in the Friuli DOC, the vineyards lie on the high Friulian plain, between the Meduna and Livenza rivers, in the central-western part of the Grave. Here, the alluvial soils, with a coarser texture, are characterised by an abundance of dolomitic limestone, known locally as caranto. It is this substrate that gives the white wines their freshness and floral fragrance, while the red wines are fragrant, structured and capable of evolving nobly over time.

“You cannot ask more of a vine than it can give” is the principle that guides Tenute Tomasella in every agronomic and oenological choice. A conscious, patient approach to viticulture that originates from the earth and returns to the earth, fully respecting its rhythm. A philosophy that translates into authentic wines, capable of overcoming geographical barriers and speaking a universal language of elegance, harmony and terroir.

Combining scientific research, a passion for wine and a deep respect for nature, Tenute Tomasella demonstrates that the true future of wine is cultivated today, starting with the soil. Furthermore, in 2021, the company began the process of converting to organic farming, a path consistent with this vision, which will lead to the complete conversion of all its vineyards by the 2025 harvest.

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