A prestigious award recognises the commitment and dedication of the Cantina Produttori Valle Isarco. At the 23rd edition of the International Müller Thurgau Wine Competition, this historic South Tyrolean winery was awarded one of the five Gold Medals for its DOC Alto Adige Valle Isarco Müller Thurgau 2025, an extraordinary wine offering exceptional value for money (12 euros).
The award was officially announced yesterday evening, Thursday 2 July, during the opening ceremony of the 39th edition of the ‘Müller Thurgau: Mountain Wine’ festival. The competition, which this year saw 64 wines entered, confirmed the extremely high quality standards of mountain wines, rewarding only those outstanding examples that stood out for their aromatic character, freshness and typicality.
The medal won by Cantina Valle Isarco adds to an impressive collection of awards, once again confirming the winery’s leading role in promoting one of the Alpine region’s most iconic grape varieties.
The 2025 Müller Thurgau, recognised by the jury, is a direct expression of the unique terroir of the Isarco Valley: a wine that perfectly embodies the profile sought after by modern consumers, characterised by pleasant drinkability, aromatic elegance and a moderate alcohol content.
“We are extremely proud of this achievement,” says Armin Gratl, general manager of Cantina Valle Isarco. “Receiving a Gold Medal in such a technically demanding competition is both gratifying and inspires us to continue our efforts to promote the region. This wine represents the culmination of the hard work in our mountain vineyards and the passion that our member winegrowers devote to tending the vines every day.”
Bertinga’s Chianti Classico combines freshness with the richness of the sun
Bertinga is proud to present the 2023 vintage of La Porta di Vertine, the Chianti Classico DOCG made in the ancient village which gives it its name.
The beating heart of this wine is the Vertine vineyard, where altitude, slope, and extraordinary light all play their part. Three hectares in size, with a perfect south-facing exposure, this vineyard is a sun trap, giving life to a vibrant wine and providing energy and verticality at the same time. The vineyard rows climb up, in fact, to 500 meters above sea level, an elevation that demands precision viticulture and agronomic management that pays careful attention to the slopes.
The balance of La Porta di Vertine comes from the complexity of the terrain, where galestro and alberese soils coexist in perfect harmony, creating a soil rich in skeletal structure that gives the wine a solid framework and a pronounced minerality.
This profile applied in the 2023 vintage too, despite a spring marked by heavy rains that required meticulous care in the vineyards. In fact, it was precisely the high altitude and good ventilation of the vineyard that allowed fungal rot to be kept at bay, and kept the grapes healthy. Then it was the summer heat, which was not overwhelming enough to cause problems with drought, and ideal day-to-night temperature fluctuations, that ensured steady ripening, culminating in the harvest at the end of September.
“This vintage has given us a wine of disarming freshness,” says Luca Vitiello, the winery’s Commercial Director. “We chose to let the terroir speak out directly, using concrete tanks to preserve that sunny vibrancy typical of our 500-meter altitude and our Sangiovese grapes.”
The grapes were hand-harvested into 10-kg crates and subsequently scrutinised on the sorting table. Vinification was in concrete tanks, where the wines were also aged for the next 12 months. After bottling, the wine was given another 12 months’ bottle age before release.
Now released on the market, La Porta di Vertine 2023 features a new label that continues to respect the historic image of this Chianti Classico, but also now reflects the elegance of the “Bertinga style” found in the glass.
With this donation, Ornellaia renews its commitment to the conservation of artistic heritage through the 18th edition of Vendemmia d’Artista, interpreted by Marina Abramović.
The charity auction for the 18th edition of Vendemmia d’Artista, organized by Bonhams, ended yesterday with exceptional results. Beginning in 2009, every year the project entrusts a contemporary artist with interpreting the character of the vintage. The online auction brought together wine and art collectors from around the world, who bid for unique lots created by Marina Abramović for Ornellaia Vendemmia d’Artista 2023 La Vitalità, including the only Salmanazar in the collection.
The proceeds from the auction, amounting to 300.000 dollars, will be donated in full by Ornellaia to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in support of the conservation and restoration programmes for the works featured in the exhibition Guggenheim Pop: 1960 to Now, scheduled to run from June 2026 to January 2027 at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
“We are extremely proud of the result of this auction, which will contribute towards preserving this important artistic heritage and ensuring its accessibility for future generations,” explains Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of the Group, adding: “We are pleased that the outcome of this edition can once again support the activities of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, strengthening a collaboration based on the shared values of conservation and accessibility of art.”
Now in its 18th edition, Vendemmia d’Artista represents a strong commitment to supporting the arts. Over the years, the project has involved outstanding international artists, each invited to interpret the character of the vintage through original works created to personalize the labels of bottles and large formats that are auctioned.
For the 2023 vintage, La Vitalità, Ornellaia collaborated with Marina Abramović, one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. Through her artistic intervention, Abramović offered a reflection on the concept of vital energy, translating into images and symbols the expressive force and dynamism that characterize the vintage. “Marina Abramović has beautifully conveyed the vitality and elegance of our wine through a captivating and engaging artistic interpretation. On behalf of Ornellaia and wine lovers around the world, I would like to thank her for her extraordinary inspiration and creation,” said Lamberto Frescobaldi.
The participation of wine and art collectors in the Vendemmia d’Artista charity auction further confirms the deep connection between these two worlds and, at the same time, a shared commitment to supporting culture.
The Salmanazar and a selection of large formats with artistic labels will be auctioned online by Bonhams from 11 to 23 June.The profits will be given to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
The 18th edition of the Vendemmia d’Artista project welcomes another leading figure from the international art world to the Ornellaia gallery. Renowned contemporary artist Marina Abramović has been entrusted with interpreting Ornellaia 2023 “La Vitalità” and artistically expressing the character of the vintage.
To do so, starting with a vintage that fully expresses the generative power of the terroir at Ornellaia, Marina Abramović explores the theme of the self, understood as an act of awareness and determination in capturing one’s own image. While the body has always been central to the artist’s research, for the winery she chose to portray herself in a process of transformation, continually redefining the boundary between art and life.
At the heart of the project is a self-portrait in the guise of Medusa, a mythological figure that the artist reinterprets through a contemporary key. In her version, the snakes, formed by bunches of grapes, transform threat into abundance and fear into vital energy. The work created for Vendemmia d’Artista reflects on the ability to regenerate through art, rediscovering strength and vitality.
“When I began this project, I started with drawing the raw materials: grapes. I surrounded my face with bunches, and suddenly the vivid green of the leaves and the deep black of the berries began to vibrate. A vital force, petals of energy blooming from the mind,” explains Marina Abramović.
For the label used on the 750ml bottle, Marina-Medusa is portrayed as a simple drawing, while her face, almost entirely surrounded by bunches of grapes, is depicted on the labels of the 100 three-litre bottles.
From drawing to photography. For the 10 Imperials (6 litres), Abramović finally presents herself in the guise of Medusa as braided hair and copious bunches of grapes around her neck overflow with life and movement. Through a progression of images, her face is gradually covered by the grapes until the final frame in which only an eye remains visible. The gaze captivates the viewer, turning the self-portrait into an intense visual experience, in which every detail pulsates with energy and fully celebrates the theme of the vintage: Vitality.
The iconic Salmanazar (9 litres) is conceived as a combination of the senses and the elements. The bottle is topped with a conical red candle (inspired by the artwork Energy Hat), which can be lit. The label provides instructions: SLOWLY DRINK WINE WITH EYES CLOSED AND LISTEN TO THE MUSIC. Alongside, there’s a 45 RPM vinyl of Nino Rota, who composed the soundtrack for the movie La Dolce Vita, transforming the space through music. Everything weaves together in a single performative gesture, in which art and life converge.
“In the vineyard, every stage of the vegetative cycle describes a process of transformation. Patience is essential and, at times, is timeliness. Marina Abramović has captured this energy. She has looked at us and involved us all, turning our work into art,” says Lamberto Frescobaldi, President. “We are very proud of this collaboration and to share it with all Ornellaia wine lovers through the artist-designed labels of the various formats of the 2023 vintage.”
Only 14 lots, including the Imperials and Salmanazar, designed by Marina Abramovic, will be offered through Bonhams, one of the oldest and most prestigious private auction houses in the world. The online auction will be held at www.bonhams.com/ornellaia2023 from 11 to 23 June 2026.
In continuation with the collaboration established eight years ago, Ornellaia will donate all proceeds to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, which will support Guggenheim Pop: 1960to Now on view at the museum in New York from June 2026 to January 2027. Ornellaia’s contribution will be used to support the conservation and restoration of the works in the exhibition in order to continue to “make art accessible to everyone for as long as possible”, concludes Lamberto Frescobaldi.
The Ornellaia 2023 vintage
Marco Balsimelli, Technical Director at Ornellaia, explains the vintage: “The mild winter encouraged early vegetative growth, which was constantly monitored by our technical team. Then, with spring came abundant rainfall which, on one hand, replenished water reserves ahead of the summer and, on the other hand, required extra work in the vineyard to control growth and prevent potential diseases.” The ensuing summer in Bolgheri was hot, but without extreme peaks in temperature. Balsimelli continues: “There was no water stress in the vineyards, which reached maturity gradually and with optimal concentration. Late August rainfall and cool September nights favoured the development of aromatic complexity and preserved good acidity in the grapes, ensuring a perfect balance between expressiveness and elegance, which is the signature of Ornellaia.”
Vendemmia d’Artista began with the 2006 vintage. Each year, a contemporary artist is invited to interpret the character of the vintage through the creation of artworks that personalise the bottles. The project includes large formats (Double Magnums, Imperials and Salmanazars) styled by the artist that are auctioned. The proceeds support foundations and museums around the world. Now in its 18th edition, Vendemmia d’Artista is recognised for its commitment to preserving art as a universal heritage and to expanding access to art for audiences worldwide.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation was founded in 1937 and is committed to promoting the understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art through exhibitions, educational programs, research initiatives and publications. Its international constellation of museums includes the Guggenheim in New York, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Guggenheim Bilbao and the future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Considered a “temple of the spirit” where art and radical architecture meet, the Guggenheim in New York, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is one of eight buildings in the United States designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. To learn more about the Guggenheim in New York and the foundation’s activities worldwide, visit guggenheim.org.
About The Bonhams Network
Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.
Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement. www.bonhams.com/ornellaia2023
A programme of experiences designed for visitors, including itineraries through historic sites, guided tastings, and cultural and gastronomic journeys.
From this year, the offering is further enriched with cooking classes, tailored pairing experiences in private residences and on yachts and poolside days within the estate, for an increasingly exclusive dimension of hospitality.
At the foot of Mount Etna, among historic vineyards, rural architecture and routes dedicated to wine culture, Benanti presents “Vino & Cultura 2026”, the hospitality project of Tenuta Monte Serra in Viagrande, created to welcome visitors.
For over thirty years a benchmark for Etna viticulture, Benanti has developed a model of hospitality that conceives wine as an expression of place and a means of discovery. Tenuta Monte Serra, located on the south-eastern slope of the volcano, hosts guided experiences every day dedicated to exploring the Contrade of the Etna DOC appellation, its indigenous grape varieties, and the production culture that defines the Etna area.
“In our view,” emphasises Salvino Benanti, “wine must be regarded as a crucial element within a broader mosaic that also encompasses fine food, art, culture, nature, conviviality and emotion. At Monte Serra we seek to offer all of this, providing a memorable multisensory experience. Our aim is to create Ambassadors, spontaneous and enthusiastic, for the wines of Etna, who will act as advocates around the world for the beauty of these places and the elegance of our wines.”
The “Vino & Cultura” project offers a range of visit and tasting experiences organized into different formats, with four proposals designed to provide a comprehensive immersion in the Etna terroir, as well as in the history and production philosophy of the winery.
Upon arrival at Tenuta Monte Serra, guests are welcomed by the winery’s team of sommeliers, local specialists with international training gained at institutions such as WSET, AIS and FIS, and are guided on a journey to discover the wines’ places of origin.
The experience begins in the Monte Serra vineyard, stretching across the slopes of the ancient volcanic cone from which it takes its name, where valuable ungrafted century-old vines still survive, bearing witness to the long-standing tradition of Etna viticulture within the Benanti family.
The visit continues inside the striking eighteenth-century palmento, one of the most imposing and best-preserved on Mount Etna, now reinterpreted as a space dedicated to the memory and culture of the area’s winemaking tradition. The itinerary then proceeds to the Sala dei Quadri, a setting restored with great aesthetic care, where Made in Italy design elements engage in dialogue with oil paintings from the Benanti family’s private collection.
The experience culminates in the bottaia, where the ageing processes of the winery’s fine red wines are illustrated. The journey is completed by guided tastings, held in the estate’s historic rooms or in the outdoor spaces overlooking the vineyards, with gastronomic pairings inspired by local cuisine and curated by the estate’s resident chefs, professionals with experience in prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants.
The experiences, shared with other guests or, upon request, arranged on an exclusive basis, are structured as follows: Benanti Selection, including a tour of the estate and a tasting of four wines from the “Traditional” and “Contrade Selection” ranges, paired with a selection of local gastronomic specialties; Benanti Selection “Contrade”, an in-depth exploration dedicated to the different slopes of the Etna DOC appellation, featuring a tasting of five wines from the “Contrade Selection” range and a contemporary lunch pairing; Benanti Selection “Premium”, a comprehensive experience with a tasting of five labels, including Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina, a true icon of the area, followed by lunch (aperitif, selection of starters, first course, dessert); Benanti Selection “Iconic”, a wine and food itinerary dedicated to the winery’s historic and most representative wines, with a tasting of five iconic labels and a five-course lunch.
A central element of the offering is the focus on personalization, with the possibility of arranging exclusive experiences for private events, corporate meetings and incentive programmes, and of enjoying Tenuta Monte Serra on a private basis, with bespoke services and dedicated support in organising set-ups, catering and tastings.
The “Wine & Culture” experiences, available for booking at http://www.visit.benanti.it, are offered in Italian and English (other languages available upon request), and take place daily, except on Mondays, by reservation only.
In addition, alongside its winery experiences, Benanti offers further proposals designed to broaden the concept of hospitality.
“Benanti Wine & Cook” has been conceived with the aim of combining the storytelling of the Etna territory with Sicilian cuisine through an immersive experience that directly involves guests. The programme begins with the “Benanti Selection Contrade” format; this is followed by a cooking class or a demonstration dedicated to Sicilian street food, led by the estate’s resident chefs. The experience offers the opportunity to engage closely with ingredients, techniques and recipes rooted in the local gastronomic culture, in an ongoing dialogue with Benanti wines. The dishes prepared during the activity are subsequently incorporated into the tasting journey, with pairings carefully designed to enhance the aromatic and structural characteristics of the wines being sampled.
With “SOMM at HOME & SOMM on BOARD”, Benanti extends the tasting experience beyond Tenuta Monte Serra, bringing it directly to private residences, yachts and locations selected by guests.The format is designed for an audience seeking a highly exclusive and fully customisable service, tailored around the participants’ preferences. Tastings are conducted by a winery sommelier, who guides guests through a journey focused on Benanti labels, from the most representative selections through to rare vintages. The winery also provides professional glassware and oversees the entire technical organisation of the experience, with the option to include a personal chef service and bespoke gastronomic itineraries. Every detail is defined to measure, from the selection of wines to the creation of pairings, transforming each occasion into a refined private experience.
To complete its leisure hospitality offering, Benanti presents “Benanti Day”, an experience designed to enjoy the spaces of Tenuta Monte Serra in a relaxed and private setting. Guests have access to the pool area and dedicated facilities, including changing rooms, lounge areas, sun loungers and towels, spending the entire day immersed in Etna’s vineyard landscape. The experience includes a welcome glass, snacks and an informal gastronomic offering served at lunchtime, featuring cold dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Throughout the day, guests may also order wines and beverages directly poolside, maintaining a strong connection to the winery’s enological identity at the heart of the experience. Designed for small groups or exclusive use of the estate, “Benanti Day” represents a new interpretation of winery hospitality, focused on wellbeing, privacy and the quality of time spent at the estate.
With this diverse programme of experiences, Benanti reaffirms its vision of hospitality as a means of storytelling and sharing, transforming every visit into an evocative journey that conveys the style and essence of this remarkable estate.
Three distinct territories, a pioneering approach rooted in meticulous research, and an early intuition dating back to 2007: that the future of Chianti Classico would depend on recognising the unique identity of each vineyard.
This vision set in motion a long path of observation, micro-vinification and tasting, culminating today in the release of three new Gran Selezione, alongside their predecessors — single-origin Sangiovese wines that laid the foundation for what followed.
Querciabella’s vineyards lie in the hills of Chianti Classico, spanning the commune of Greve in Chianti —between Ruffoli and Lamole— and Radda in Chianti. From this mosaic of soils, altitudes, exposures and microclimates, the estate’s Gran Selezione take shape. With the 2021 vintage, they reach a new level of definition in three distinct expressions, each reflecting Querciabella’s long-standing dialogue with the territory and its Genius Loci that has always guided its vision.
For nearly two decades —well before the introduction of the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione category in 2014 and the recognition of the UGAs in 2021— Querciabella has explored, with sensitivity and determination, the character of its Sangiovese: vinified as single-parcel wines across sites that would later be identified as “Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive”.
Today, the Castiglioni family, led by Mita Castiglioni, presents the result of a long-term vision that anticipated the evolution of Chianti Classico.
The result is three distinct wines: Querciabella 2021 Gran Selezione Greve, a Sangiovese of depth and balance, shaped by the galestro, sandstone and clay soils of Ruffoli; Querciabella Gran Selezione Radda, from vineyards at 400 to 450 metres, where a cooler climate and slower ripening give rise to structure, tension and depth; Querciabella Gran Selezione Sa-La — for Sangiovese-Lamole (with the geographical unit to appear on the label from the next vintage), from high-altitude terraces reaching up to 600 metres on sandy Macigno soils, expressing the most ethereal, vibrant and floral profile of the three.
Yet, the story neither begins nor ends here. Alongside the three Gran Selezione, Querciabella unveils a collection of wines that are both historic and forward-looking: the core of the Single-Origin Sangiovese project.
The tangible results of vinifications carried out between 2007 and 2020 —carefully catalogued and preserved in the estate’s cellars— now form an exceptional range of rare IGT Toscana wines, a unique archive that bridges the future with the past. Produced in only a few thousand bottles for each vintage and territory (now UGA), they reveal the remarkable ageing potential of Sangiovese across distinct sites, marking the beginning of a new chapter that has been long in the making.
Querciabella has brought this heritage to life through extremely limited, one-off releases, featuring collectable labels that detail each parcel. Selected quantities will be released over the coming years, reserved for the most discerning enthusiasts and collectors.
Each of the three Gran Selezione 2021 has been produced in approximately 2,600 bottles each and is available on international markets from April.
The stunning hills of Valdobbiadene DOCG, a true paradise nestled between two other jewels of the Veneto—Venice and the Dolomites—are renowned worldwide for their historic winemaking vocation. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage, they form a cultural landscape rich in excellence, stretching from the scenery itself all the way to the wine.
Immersed in such a setting, Col Vetoraz stands as tangible proof of how a single destination can bring together infinite sensory experiences. Its headquarters, set at 400 meters above sea level, overlooks the entire valley, offering visitors who step onto the panoramic terrace a breathtaking view of vineyards that unfold like delicate embroidery across the green landscape.
From here, guests enter the spacious Welcome Room, fully equipped and elegantly furnished, where a young, multilingual team trained in hospitality welcomes visitors with professionalism, engaging them in personalized tasting and sensory experiences. One of the highlights is the guided educational tasting journeys, designed to provide deeper insight into the history, production methods, and different expressions of the Col Vetoraz style. There are six options available, offering a complete immersion into the authenticity of Valdobbiadene DOCG sparkling wines and allowing guests to savor their renowned harmony and elegance.
From wine-only tastings featuring 5, 7, or 9 labels—ideal for discovering the soul of these sparkling wines and identifying the one best suited to individual tastes—the experience extends to pairings with traditional local flavors. It begins with Venetian sopressa and traditional preserved vegetables, moves on to a selection of cheeses and preserves, and culminates in a touch of refined elegance with an exclusive selection of blinis topped with caviar from the renowned Caviar Giaveri company, accompanied by alpine white yogurt. Pairing experiences last approximately one hour. All options are available in Italian and English, by reservation only or purchasable online: https://www.colvetoraz.it/percorsi-degustativi
But that’s not all. In recent years, the company has also launched the “Terre d’Arte” project—an initiative that renews its narrative every four months through installations by young local sculptors. This meeting between wine and art has proven highly successful, captivating visitors and gaining increasingly enthusiastic acclaim. It is a vibrant and generative dialogue, bringing together those who cultivate the land and those who shape matter: different languages united by a single vision rooted in listening, respect, and care—the same values that shape every creation.
For information: accoglienza@colvetoraz.it The tasting room staff is also available to recommend the best local accommodations and restaurants for lunch, dinner, and overnight stays.
Col Vetoraz Spumanti S.p.A. Located in the heart of the Valdobbiadene DOCG area, the Col Vetoraz winery sits at nearly 400 meters above sea level, at the highest point of the hill from which it takes its name, part of the renowned Cartizze hills. It was here that the Miotto family settled in 1838, developing vine cultivation from the very beginning. In 1993, Francesco Miotto, a descendant of this family, together with agronomist Paolo De Bortoli and oenologist Loris Dall’Acqua, founded the present-day Col Vetoraz—a small wine-producing company that has successfully innovated, grown, and in just 25 years reached the pinnacle of Valdobbiadene DOCG production, both in terms of quantity and quality. Today, the winery vinifies over 2,300,000 kg of DOCG grapes annually, from which approximately 1,250,000 bottles are produced. Now, having reached its 30-year milestone, the challenge is to maintain this important position over time. A deep respect for tradition, a profound love for the land, meticulous care of the vineyards, and a rigorous approach to the entire production chain and the crafting of its prestigious cuvées have, over the years, enabled the winery to achieve wines of excellence and earn outstanding results in the most prestigious national and international wine competitions.
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.
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.
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.
Vineyards Magazine 