On festive tables, the Venetian company’s first historic barricaded wines convey all the charm and authenticity of eastern Veneto.
All the charm and authenticity of Eastern Veneto can be found on festive tables, thanks to two prestigious labels from the Venetian winery Stajnbech, based in Belfiore di Pramaggiore: two wines that take their name from the winery to highlight the prestige of being the first wines produced in the superior line: Stajnbech Bianco and Stajnbech Rosso.
We are in the Pramaggiore area, a wine-growing region with gentle vine-covered slopes, where the soils are rich in clay and limestone. Stajnbech uses three grape varieties to create these two wines: Chardonnay for Stajnbech Bianco, and Cabernet Sauvignon together with Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, which are blended to produce Stajnbech Rosso.
Stajnbech Bianco
It is a wine that expresses itself with refinement, proudly and characteristically recounting the Veneto region that produced it. The Chardonnay, offered in a barrique version, conveys all the oenological vocation of the Lison-Pramaggiore area, where modern winemaking techniques combine with tradition to create long-lived, intense and harmonious white wines. It is here that this grape variety finds the ideal habitat to evolve into an enveloping and refined wine. Bright golden yellow in colour, with warm, luminous reflections, it opens on the nose with broad, enveloping notes of ripe yellow fruit (peach, pineapple, golden apple), citrus and buttery nuances, delicate hints of vanilla, toasted hazelnut, acacia honey and sweet wood.
On the palate, it is round, full and velvety, supported by a balanced freshness and a fine minerality that balances its richness. The wood is well-balanced, never intrusive, and accompanies the wine towards a long, elegant and slightly savoury finish. It is perfect with structured dishes, such as baked or crusted fish, even with delicate sauces, white meats, such as roast chicken or lemon rabbit, semi-mature cheeses, even slightly blue-veined, creamy risottos, especially with mushrooms or shellfish.
Stajnbech Rosso
This wine combines local character with international flair, vividly expressing the eastern Veneto region where it originates, an area rich in history, passion and character. The barrique-aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso (70%) creates a harmonious combination: the former lends elegance and depth, while the latter adds good aromatic concentration. Thanks to the clayey and calcareous soils of the area and the mild climate, the grapes reach optimal ripeness, resulting in an expressive and well-balanced red wine.
Ageing in oak enhances the richness of the wine, with hints of ripe red fruit and delicate spicy nuances. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with well-integrated tannins and a lively freshness. Ideal with rich and flavourful dishes: grilled or braised red meats, game, mature cheeses and traditional Venetian specialities such as muset con il purè (minced pork with mashed potatoes).
During the Chishui River 2025 Forum held recently in Guizhou Province, south-western China, a global declaration on fine wines and spirits from the Chishui River was released.This declaration is an exhortation to wine and spirits producers to respect nature and safeguard the environment, uphold quality and pass on culture, promote rational and healthy alcohol consumption, take responsibility and serve society.Furthermore, during the Forum, it became clear that wind energy and wine and spirits producers need to pursue technological empowerment and integrated development, promoting openness, inclusiveness and mutual respect, encouraging exchanges and mutual learning for coexistence and shared prosperity.
Global Fine Wines & Liquors Declaration of Chishui River
In our shared pursuit of promoting exchanges, mutual learning, coexistence and common prosperity in the global wine and liquor sector, fulfilling social responsibilities, building consensus for development, and advancing the industry’s progress, we hereby jointly issue this declaration on the banks of the Chishui River:
I. Respect nature and safeguard ecology
Respect and protect water sources, climate, raw materials and other brewing resources, adopt green and sustainable production methods, and safeguard the ecological balance.
II. Uphold quality and inherit culture
Adhere to innovation based on inheritance, improve the full-chain quality management system, achieve outstanding quality with craftsmanship, and pass on the intangible cultural heritage and classic techniques contained therein.
III. Advocate rational and healthy consumption
Strengthen public guidance, advocate moderate drinking, carry out responsible marketing, and foster a civilized, healthy and enjoyable drinking culture.
IV. Fulfill responsibilities and serve society
Integrate ESG principles into the entire development process, and contribute to a more harmonious social environment through public welfare practices and a sustainable ecological system.
V. Pursue technological empowerment and integrated development
Proactively embrace modern science and technology, advance digital-intelligent transformation, enhance product stability and style diversity, and provide consumers with high-quality and diversified options.
VI. Cultivate innovative experiences and enrich connotations
Explore the spiritual value and historical depth of drinking culture, and create drinking experiences that are ritually rich, culturally meaningful, and interactive.
VII. Foster openness, inclusiveness and mutual respect
Respect the historical origins, etiquette and brewing techniques of all alcoholic beverages around the world, honor the cultural customs of all parties, and use these drinks as a bridge to enhance understanding and jointly safeguard the rich landscape and spiritual core of global drinking culture.
VIII. Promote exchanges and mutual learning for coexistence and common prosperity
Establish a regular and diversified international dialogue mechanism, organize activities such as cross-border tastings, exchange visits, and cultural forums, promote mutual learning through exchanges, and achieve coexistence through integration.
Let’s take the Chishui River as the starting point, unite our efforts, and forge ahead with unwavering determination to jointly fulfill our commitments and create a sustainable and prosperous future for the global beverage alcohol industry.
• Contribution by Prof. Andrei Chevelev on “Symbiosis between Heaven and Earth”
Across civilizations, “Heaven and Earth” have symbolized the order of nature and the destiny of humankind. To live in symbiosis with them means to recognize that human prosperity depends on ecological balance, and that our cultural traditions are themselves born from the landscapes, climates, and resources that sustain us.
In Chinese thought, this harmony is expressed through the ideal of the unity of nature and humanity. In many ways, this concept resonates deeply with UNESCO’s vision of sustainable development and cultural diversity — that our material progress must be guided by respect for both the natural and the cultural ecosystems that nurture human creativity Looking from the West, we are convinced that the Chinese culture is firmly based on the tea. However, with all our respect for remarkable Chinese tea, we clearly understand that it would not bring together so many outstanding people far from the capital. So, the conclusion is clear- Maotai is this unique and magic instrument which has been a key to Chinese traditions and a historic window to the world.
Beyond its taste, Moutai is an emblem of harmony:
• Harmony between man and nature, through respect for natural rhythms and local ecology;
• Harmony between tradition and innovation, as ancient techniques are preserved while modern standards of sustainability are embraced;
• Harmony between people and nations, as Moutai has become a symbol of cultural dialogue — a bridge between China and the world.
In 2021, Moutai was included in the national list of intangible cultural heritage — not just as a beverage, but as a cultural ecosystem that embodies the Chinese philosophy of “Heaven–Earth–Human” unity. This idea of harmony through alcohol culture is not unique to China; it is a shared human story.
In Japan, for example, the brewing of sake follows a sacred rhythm linked to rice cultivation, water purity, and seasonal festivals. The brewers’ dedication reflects the Shinto belief that natural elements — mountains, rivers, grains — possess a divine spirit. Sake-making, therefore, becomes a form of worship — an act of gratitude to nature. UNESCO recognized this living tradition as an element of intangible cultural heritage, illustrating how ancient wisdom can guide sustainable practices even today.
In France, the wine-growing landscapes of Burgundy and Champagne tell a similar story. These regions, also recognized by UNESCO, demonstrate how generations of vintners have cultivated a landscape that balances agricultural productivity with environmental preservation. Vineyards are not only economic assets; they are cultural landscapes, living testimonies to the mutual respect between people and the earth.
These examples — from Moutai to Vodka and Sake and to French Wine — remind us that cultural heritage and sustainability are inseparable. When we protect living traditions, we also protect the environments that sustain them. When we value heritage, we encourage responsible production, ecological stewardship, and intergenerational transmission of knowledge. In the words of UNESCO, “Cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature.” Now, I would like to say something as a recent winner of the title “Guardian of National Culture” established by Renmin Ribao, People’s Daily.
What you are doing here, has an official name – safeguarding the Cultural Heritage.
And more precisely – Intangible Cultural Heritage. Because liquor making, especially in the case of Maotai, it is a “know-how” transmitted through generations and centuries. It is an out-of-time sign of the Chinese cultural identity. Every Chinese in every corner of our planet while tasting Maotai will remember his country, his family, his friends. Wine, whisky, cognac, vodka, or Maotai- each of them reflects a philosophy, a way of life, and a vision of beauty. This is why today’s dialogue is not simply about beverages. It is about understanding each other through what we create, through what we share.
It is about our common values.
A year ago, I was privileged to attend personally in Beijing the speech by President Xi Jinping on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. The President said: “Humanity lives on the same planet, and people of all countries share a common future”. These words are exactly about what we make and what we give. This approach invites us to see traditional industries — including liquor-making — as laboratories of sustainability, where ancient knowledge and modern science can cooperate for the common good. The Moutai Forum offers precisely that: a platform where policymakers, entrepreneurs, and scholars can exchange ideas on how to integrate cultural heritage preservation into sustainable development strategies.
Imagine partnerships between the liquor-producing regions of the world — China’s Moutai town, Japan’s sake breweries, France’s vineyards — to share best practices in water conservation, renewable energy, waste reduction, and heritage education. Such initiatives would not only strengthen industries but also build a global alliance for cultural and ecological harmony. We were asked to think about the Generation Z and its specific choices. Frankly speaking, all of us are not thinking in these X, Y or Z age categories and I was surprized to know that all of my three children belong to this Generation Z.
Since then, I am trying to understand what is characteristic for them. Decoding Generation Z consumption is not just about understanding a generation. It is about decoding the next decade of growth and creativity. And this generation redefines what consumption means. Moreover, this generation Z will strongly influence the next one. The letter Z chosen for the current young generation, symbolizes an end of one tradition and a birth of another. They say that the next generation will bear the name “Alpha” and the circle will restart moving.
Born between the late 1990s and early 2010, Generation Z has grown up in a hyperconnected world: – digital, diverse, and driven by values rather than possessions. They have witnessed economic crises, climate anxiety, social activism, and the rise of authenticity as a currency. For them, drinking is not about intoxication, – it is about expression. It is social, symbolic, and increasingly selective. For previous generations, luxury meant exclusivity. For Generation Z, luxury means personal relevance. They care less about the logo on the bottle, and more about the story behind it: – the craft, the sustainability, the transparency.
As a European, I must confess: the first time I tasted Maotai, I was intrigued. It was unlike anything I had known before. It was not only a flavour – it was an experience. Behind its complex aroma, I could sense centuries of tradition, patience, and harmony. Maotai is not merely a drink – it is the embodiment of Chinese craftsmanship, philosophy and cultural pride. It reflects the Chinese belief that time, balance, and respect for nature are the essence of perfection. In Europe we also have our “spirits”: cognac from France, vodka from Russia – each born from local landscapes, climate and centuries of mastery. They too, tell stories of human creativity and connection to the land. But what unites all these traditions – East and West – is something deeper: the celebration of life, of friendship, and of the art of sharing. When we bring these traditions together – the refined precision of Maotai and the inventive artistry of Western liquors – we discover a beautiful harmony. We discover that the East and the West are not opposite, but partners in the same great human story. The President talked exactly about it. To cultivate the symbiosis between Heaven and Earth is to recognize that every drop of spirit — whether Moutai, vodka, sake or wine — carries within it a message of coexistence. It tells us that culture begins in the soil, matures in human hands, and blossoms in shared celebration. If we can preserve that harmony — between people and nature, between tradition and progress, between China and the world — then we will truly honor the legacy of Heaven and Earth. In a sense, every cultural dialogue is like distillation: through patience, respect, and openness, we create something pure.
Message of the Mongolian Ammbassador
Contribution of H.E. Sinisa Berjan, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to China
We gather in the beautiful Maotai Town of China not only to discuss strategies for the development of the global liquor industry but also to use wine as a medium to promote dialogue between civilizations and connection between hearts and minds. On behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I would like to extend our warm congratulations on the successful opening of this forum!
Bosnia and Herzegovina and China have long maintained friendly relations. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of our two heads of state, exchanges and cooperation between our two countries in the fields of politics, economy, trade, and culture have been continuously deepened. The relationship between our two countries has become a model of friendly cooperation between large and small nations and a fine example of developing countries joining hands to achieve modernization.
Wine is a common cultural language of humanity. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have a long tradition of wine-making and customs of warm hospitality. In China, the millennia-old liquor culture is imbued with the philosophical wisdom of “Harmony between Heaven and Man.” The theme of today’s forum, “Interweaving Harmony,” precisely encapsulates this wisdom – it advocates harmony and mutual prosperity for all things, which aligns perfectly with the pursuit of sustainable development in the global liquor industry.
Currently, the world liquor industry is facing the contemporary challenges of transformation and innovation. From ecological production to digital transformation, from cultural heritage to market expansion, we need more open vision and a more inclusive mindset. Bosnia and Herzegovina firmly believes that the diversity of civilizations is like the varieties of grapes – each flavor deserves respect, and every terroir is worth protecting. We also look forward to deepening cooperation with China and global liquor enterprises to build bridges in technology, trade, and culture.
Lastly, I would like to thank China Economic Information Service and Kweichow Moutai for initiating and organizing this forum. I also pay tribute to all friends who have contributed to cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation between China and the rest of the world. May we raise our glasses not only to savor the fine liquor but also to witness the blend of friendship and wisdom.
Contribution by Marco Leporati Managing Director Savino Del Bene Cina on The common view between China and Italy
In the past centuries the exchange between China and Italy has been continuous just few moments
When the Roman soldiers arrived in Gansu region ans some coin has been discovered
When Marco Polo did the long trip around China and he was surprised to find the first paper money printed in Hangzhou area.
When the Chinese emissaries from emperor arrived in Naples and Florence around the XV Century
In Beijing in China world art Museum in the circular room with the bas relief
Among the most important chinese persons contribute to development of China there are Marco Polo and Matteo Ricci
Regarding Opera the famous Opera Turandot with the music of Giacomo Puccini has some refrain took inspiration from chinese song
Also the food and beverage have some similarities.
China have 8 cuisines with a variety of thousands of dishes and a history of part of them.
The pasta or noodles, some way to cook the rice some bread like pizza make our two countries close. Regarding this issue I would like to entry more deeply in the common way to cook but unfortunately the time is limited. Italy because of the historical domination has collected a variety of dishes always related to the domination and population. In the specific topic of this conference we can observe that geographic features can offer for wine and liquor the same way to produce and to consume.
One common issue is the terroir and the same latitude. Here it is the kingdom of Moutai, drink with one thousand tears history. Italy is a kingdom of Grappa and Wine of course the row material is different: Maotai from cereals fermentation, grappa from pomace fermentation (skin seeds from grape previously used for wine production but for both products we have sou of the people. How to combine liquor, wine and fashion of lifestyle? It is possible because from my point of view we need to combine our tradition with the experiential. The last Italy-China fashion hold in Milan during the Milan fashion show in last September forging a new era of sino-italian fashion collaboration.
We know many Chinese designers and creators are using Italy like an incubator to create a new trend of fashion, also in this case, with tradition and future vision.
Confucio said:
If your plan is for one year sow the rice
If your plan is for the years plant the trees
If your plan is for 100 years educate the children
In the heart of Valpolicella, a land dedicated to excellent viticulture, Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC Biologico Monteci is born, a wine that expresses tradition, passion and respect for the land.
Produced from native grapes grown according to the principles of organic farming, Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC Monteci expresses a perfect balance between tradition and sustainability. A respectful approach to the land allows us to obtain genuine grapes, capable of restoring all the aromatic richness of the Veronese terroir.
Ripasso, from which this wine takes its name, is an ancient technique, born from peasant wisdom and human ingenuity, to make the most of every part of the harvest. Monteci has reinterpreted it with rigour and originality: Valpolicella is refermented in contact with the pomace of dried grapes already used for the production of Amarone and Recioto. This step gives the wine greater structure, complexity and aromatic intensity, making it an authentic and powerful expression of the territory.
This process, combined with ageing in oak barrels for at least 24 months, gives the wine greater structure, intensity and aromatic complexity, expressed in a bouquet of red fruit aromas, floral scents and pleasant spicy notes.
Monteci’s Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC Biologico has an intense red colour with garnet reflections and a full, full-bodied taste.
An ideal wine for those seeking authenticity and quality, in a bottle that tells the story of the beauty of Valpolicella, without compromise.
Born as a visionary project, Ipsus has swiftly become a distinctive voice within the world of Chianti Classico, the emblem of a Sangiovese cru “noble by nature”. With the 2021 vintage, this Gran Selezione once again confirms its place among the most radiant and authentic expressions of the appellation.
Ipsus is an independent wine that reflects its terroir with unadulterated clarity, the expression of an exceptional place and a clear idea: to let the pure character of Sangiovese speak for itself.
wine, still life, interior photography
“Ipsus requires, in the truest sense of the word, an open dialogue with the land,” says Giovanni Mazzei,custodian of Ipsus. “It is guided not by time but by place”.
At Podere Il Caggio, in Castellina in Chianti, Sangiovese vines take root in clay-schist and calcareous marl soils rich in Alberese stone, facing south-east to south-west at elevations between 310 and 361 metres. This unique habitat lends Ipsus its refined tannic structure, mineral depth and unmistakable sense of place, qualities that, since the inaugural 2015 vintage, have captivated collectors and wine lovers worldwide.
At Il Caggio, Sangiovese is vinified from a small 6.5-hectare vineyard, embraced by a mosaic of woods, olive trees and dry-stone walls.
“Ipsus is a wine of precision and instinct,” continues Giovanni. “Since the very first harvest, I have been fascinated by the natural balance this terroir imparts to its fruit. That is why we practise a respectful, biodiversity-driven viticulture – green manuring, conservative methods – always with the sole purpose of nurturing the vineyard’s own voice.”
The 2021 vintage was characterised by a harsh, dry winter followed by a cool spring with moderate rainfall that nourished the soil without excess. The hot, windy summer brought marked diurnal temperature shifts, enriching the grapes with aromatic complexity and freshness. Ideal conditions in September ensured a brief yet flawless harvest, carried out between the 28th and 29th. “The grapes arrived at the winery in perfect condition, with ripe tannins and thick, deeply coloured skins,” explains Gionata Pulignani, head of the technical team. “We immediately knew that this would be an exceptional harvest, destined to produce an intense, deep and vibrant Ipsus.”
Ipsus bears the symbol of a roe deer, strong and elegant, deliberately preserving a wild spirit and a distinctly contemporary vision. The 2021 edition was limited to 6,450 bottles, 400 magnums and 80 jeroboams.
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Ipsus is a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione created in 2015 by the Mazzei family, Tuscan winemakers for over 600 years, at their Podere Il Caggio estate. Giovanni Mazzei is the face and driving force behind the project. Ipsus is free, precious, and vital, like its symbol: a young roe deer depicted on the silk paper in which each bottle is wrapped. A 100% Sangiovese of remarkable expressiveness, it stands proud in its performance and selective in its distribution.
Slight recovery in production, though still below historical averages; grape quality is reported to be excellent
The 2025 harvest has begun in Sicily, and the first data collected by the Sicilia DOC Wine Consortium indicates a moderate recovery: production is expected to increase by approximately 10% compared to 2024, a year marked by significant declines. Despite this growth, volumes remain significantly below historical averages, with a 40% shortfall still reflecting the structural challenges posed by climate change and its ongoing impact on viticulture. “The current figures suggest a better harvest than last year, but we must keep in mind that production remains significantly lower than in previous years” notes Camillo Pugliesi, Director of the Sicilia DOC Wine Consortium. “This context calls for cautious optimism; what is certain is the commendable work being done by producers to ensure healthy grapes and high-quality wines.”
Grapes are in good condition, with healthy bunches thanks to a more stable seasonal climate compared to recent years. This bodes well for a vintage which, although not abundant, is expected to offer very satisfactory overall quality. The grapes are showing an excellent balance between sugar and acidity—an essential factor in producing fresh, elegant, and long-lived wines.
The Sicilia DOC Consortium—one of the largest PDO denominations in Italy, covering over 22,500 hectares of vineyards under DOC status—will continue to closely monitor the harvest across Sicily’s diverse wine-growing areas. Inspection and oversight efforts will focus on compliance with production regulations and on enhancing the value of native grape varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Grillo, and Lucido, true ambassadors of Sicilian viticulture around the world.
Masseto, first released in 1986, continues its longstanding tradition of unveiling each new vintage as the summer ends and autumn begins. From the Tuscan coastline overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the 2022 vintage is now introduced.
The 2022 growing season unfolded beneath the auspices of a quintessential winter, whereby the cool temperatures remained loyal to the expected cadence of the first quarter of the year. This was succeeded by a spring of notable restraint, both cool and dry, bestowing a measured awakening upon the vines. Towards the end of May, the sun asserted its reign, with temperatures peaking at 35°C and an ensuing stretch of several days devoid of rain. Yet nature summoned summer showers to break the dryness, bringing much-needed respite to the terroir. As the calendar turned to September, nocturnal coolness provided textbook conditions for the nuanced maturation of sugars, aromas and tannins, each element weaving complexity into the fruit.
The harvest commenced under propitious skies, affording the technical team with precise timing for each vineyard parcel. On the 6th of September, the first Merlot clusters were gathered by hand, and with deliberate patience, the harvest journey reached its conclusion on the 9th of October.
“We are satisfied to see howMasseto 2022 carries both the ripe energy of summer and the refined tension of autumn, delivering a vibrant and vertical wine with a lot of purity, a wine with a timeless character. In this very special vineyard that can ripen quickly in hot conditions, we have to be perfect with only one grape variety,” says Marco Balsimelli, Technical Director of Masseto. “That’s the magic of Masseto.”
Grapes harvested from individual vineyard parcels undergo separate fermentations, each conveying their unique character before being united in a blend that reflects the terroir of the estate. The wine starts its 24-month journey in barriques at controlled temperature. Thereafter, the wine is granted a further 12 months of repose in the bottle, during which time a poised equilibrium is attained, an assured harmony of depth and elegance that has long denoted the distinguished style of this wine.
Forged beneath the radiant clarity of Mediterranean light, caressed by sea breezes and rooted in Pliocene-era blue clay earth once cradled by an ancient seabed, this distinguished vintage emerges with resolute grace.
Distribution of the 2022 vintage of Masseto will begin internationally in October 2025.
Where once stood the vineyard of Sant’Erasmo, a prestigious estate on the outskirts of Palermo, today there is a space that tells the story of tradition and transformation, a guardian of the past and a workshop of the future, symbol of a concept of wine-growing that has its roots in history and its sights set on the future. Within the Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo lies the ‘Diego Planeta’ Vigna del Gallo, a small but invaluable area of urban biodiversity that reflects the richness, tenacity and vision of contemporary Sicilian wine production. In 2025, seven years after its inauguration, Vigna del Gallo is increasingly asserting itself as an international tourist destination, attracting travellers, wine tourists, and scholars from all over the world. Nestled among the rarest botanical collections and historic avenues of the Garden, this small vineyard, covering an area of 200 square metres, is a bridge between nature, culture and science, between the past and the future.
“La Vigna del Gallo embodies the essence of contemporary Sicilian wine growing: a place where roots meet innovation, where the land interacts with knowledge. It is much more than an urban vineyard: it is a shared project that unites institutions, communities and research to express Sicilian identity in an authentic, contemporary way that is open to everyone,‘ says Camillo Pugliesi, Director of the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian DOC Wines. ’It is unimaginable to consider the future of Sicilian wine without preserving its memory. Each biotype present in the vineyard is a story that we risked losing: an authentic expression of our history and our territory. In this sense, La Vigna del Gallo is a living, breathing guardian of our identity, a natural archive that reveals what binds us profoundly to the land.”
Antonio Rallo
The vineyard covers approximately 200 square metres and is home to 95 biotypes of native and traditional grape varieties, including Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Perricone, Catarratto, Inzolia, Prunella, Muscaredda, Corinto bianco, Cutrera, Zuccaratu and Visparola. This is a genetic and cultural heritage of inestimable value, assembled thanks to the synergy among the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Sicilia DOC (Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian DOC Wines), which has always been committed to protecting the island’s vines and promoting sustainable and responsible wine growing, the Museum System of the University of Palermo, and the Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences (SAAF).
Besides its scientific and conservation role, over the years the Vigna del Gallo has taken on an increasingly important role from a cultural and tourist point of view, becoming part of the tours of the Botanical Garden of Palermo, one of Italy’s most important academic institutions, founded in 1789 and now home to over five thousand plant species from every continent. Therefore, La Vigna del Gallo is not just a scientific experiment or a botanical garden: it is an experience to be savoured. With guided tours, tasting sessions, workshops for schools and tourists, and storytelling sessions nestled in green surroundings, this place has transformed itself into a model of slow and conscious hospitality, perfectly in line with contemporary cultural tourism. Its international value has also been acknowledged by the Urban Vineyard Association (U.V.A.), an international network that connects urban wine-growing experiences in various cities, including Paris, Milan, Vienna, Turin and Adelaide, promoting projects aimed at enhancing the urban agricultural landscape, protecting biodiversity and raising environmental awareness. From the heart of Palermo, La Vigna del Gallo is sending out a powerful message: Sicily is a genuine wine-producing continent, extraordinarily rich in biodiversity, knowledge, and visions to share with the world. This message is taking shape through a project that brings together nature, research, and community in a collective, contemporary tale.
We are in the Prosecco area with the three new Valdobbiadene DOCG wines Coste di Levante, Ponente and Mezzodì. With evocative names paying homage to the hills from which they originate, these wines are made from a careful selection of 100% glera grapes grown on the “coste”, the more or less steep hillsides facing east, west and south.
‘The Valdobbiadene DOCG Col Vetoraz wines,’ explains CEO and oenologist Loris Dall’Acqua, ‘are siblings from the same Mother Earth, namely the foothill system that winds its way from east to west, parallel to Monte Cesen, ideal for imparting good acidity and a good aromatic profile.’
Coste di Levante Brut
The nose reveals notes of lemon and aniseed. On the palate, it has good volume and body.
This wine has great aromatic consistency, reminiscent of acacia citrus fruits and the fruitiness of white peach, pear and apple. It remains a very elegant wine, thanks above all to its very fine effervescence and good liveliness and persistence. Ideal with aperitifs and dishes based on shellfish, fish and white meats.
Coste di Ponente Extra Dry
This Extra Dry wine is produced from carefully selected grapes grown on the west-facing hillsides of Valdobbiadene.
It is a harmonious, elegant wine with a slight residual sweetness. The nose is fruity with hints of peach, pear, rose and honey. It pairs well with light dishes such as ricotta and spinach ravioli on a cream of Taleggio cheese or pappardelle with honey mushrooms, chestnuts and ricotta.
Millesimato Dry Coste di Mezzodì
We are in the hills facing south, growing citrus fruits, lemons and mandarins.
It is persuasive, elegant and complex on the palate, with a fine perlage, notes of freshness with liquorice and aromatic herbs, and a persistent finish that confirms its typical characteristics. It is an ideal wine to finish a meal, paired with panettone and homemade citrus cakes, or at other times of the day.
An important milestone in promoting quality: Mionetto’s renowned Luxury Collection is now available in supermarkets with Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry.
This first reference will be followed by other sparkling wines, including Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG Dry and Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di S. Stefano Brut, which will complement the line to offer an increasingly complete and prestigious range in the retail channel.
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry, the flagship of the collection, is the result of refined grapes from the hilly areas of the Prosecco Superiore DOCG region, which give it unmistakable aromas and flavours of apple, acacia flowers and wisteria. With a pale straw yellow colour, it stands out for its harmony and elegance and its fine, persistent perlage. Extremely versatile, it is suitable for a wide range of occasions and pairings.
For Mionetto, this sparkling wine represents the highest expression of the Prosecco Superiore DOCG territory, where the winery has been based since 1887, combining excellent quality with a refined and elegant design inspired by the tradition of Venetian master glassmakers. A project that tells the story of the winemaking excellence of its land of origin and the world-renowned art of glassmaking.
The refined texture, 3D embossed logo, orange capsule and foil crest contribute to the prestige, recognisability and consistency with the brand’s visual identity. The packaging is designed to consolidate and elevate Mionetto’s presence on the shelf, conveying the high quality of the product at first glance.
‘With the introduction of Valdobbiadene DOCG into our collection of wines of the highest stylistic expression, we want to offer consumers an even richer drinking experience, one that best expresses the values of authenticity, elegance and quality that have always distinguished Mionetto,’ says Paolo Bogoni, Chief Marketing Officer and Management Board Executive. ‘It is a step that allows us to promote the territory and tradition with a super-premium positioning on the shelf.’
With this new addition, Mionetto once again confirms its ability to convey a message of quality and superior style in the world of sparkling wines.
The name Clorofilla is an important name that leaves no room for misunderstanding: it is a tribute to the vitality of nature and the freshness that its lands have to offer. We are in the heart of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills, where GABE Tenute & Selezioni has its vineyards and skilfully interprets, in a refined, elegant and innovative way, the ancestral link that binds the vine to its land.
The result of meticulous research and innovation, Clorofilla is an extra brut that offers a true sensory experience. Its harmonious balance between freshness and minerality makes every sip a journey into the heart of the Valdobbiadene hills; an experience that celebrates authenticity, an essential element in the creation of wines of extraordinary quality.
The Glera grape vineyards cultivated by GABE Tenute & Selezioni in the wonderful area of Guia are rooted in soils particularly rich in calcareous and clayey marl, which give the wine extraordinary freshness and a distinct minerality. These soils allow for a constant water supply, creating the ideal microclimate for the ripening of the grapes and the development of delicate and complex aromas.
The result is a wine that perfectly embodies the characteristics of the territory: fresh, fragrant, and harmonious, with an elegant body that stands out for its naturalness. Clorofilla offers an olfactory palette that evokes fruity aromas of green apple and pear with a finish that leaves a pleasant sensation of freshness.
With Clorofilla, GABE Tenute & Selezioni confirms its commitment to respecting and promoting its territory, aiming to offer consumers a wine that, in addition to being excellent, is also the result of a sustainable and environmentally friendly process. An interpretation that also invites us to rediscover and appreciate the authenticity of a wine that comes from the land, passion, and skilled care.
Vineyards Magazine 