Exploring Italian Wines: A Sensorial Voyage at the ProWein 2023 Masterclass
The ProWein in Düsseldorf was highlighted by the Meininger Tasting Top 100 Italian Wines, curated and presented by Christoph Raffelt and myself. This selection, stemming from a rigorous blind tasting in February by Meininger’s team, offered attendees an in-depth analysis of Italian wines, encapsulating both traditional methods and contemporary approaches.
The session kicked off with the Asprinio de Angelis. Participants learned about its unique harvesting technique, with grapes being plucked from trees, a method preserved over generations. Tasting notes revealed a pronounced freshness, with undertones of green apple and a hint of citrus, likely attributed to its organic production methods.
Up next was the Sella delle Spine di Caggiano Eugenia, a 100% Fiano. This wine demonstrated the characteristic sharp acidity of Fiano, balanced with notes of tropical fruits and a slight nutty finish, showcasing the potential of volcanic soils it is grown in.
From Volcanic Slopes to Sun-Kissed Valleys
The Tenuta Incarrozza, a blend of grillo and petit manseng, was presented with a detailed breakdown of its maturation process – initially in oak barriques for added complexity and then in steel tanks to preserve its freshness. Hailing from the slopes of Mount Etna, the wine exuded flavors that hinted at its mineral-rich origin, combined with a fruit-forward profile.
The Fontana Reale Riserva Aglianico, aged for two years in Barriques, carried a deep ruby color. Participants noted flavors of dark cherries with a hint of spiced chocolate. Following this, the San Fabiano Calcinaia, predominantly a Sangiovese blend, was introduced. The wine, reflecting its Chianti origin, had a balanced profile of red berries with subtle undertones of leather, providing a snapshot of the Tuscan landscape.
The presentation rounded off with the Marsala wine “Garibaldi” from Sicily. This wine, having achieved a score of 92 in the Meininger tasting, presented a unique fermentation process. Its amber hue and flavor profile oscillated between dried fruits like apricots and a savory nuance, likely from the toasted nuts.
All in all, the ProWein Masterclass delivered an informative session, providing attendees with technical insights, tasting notes, and a systematic presentation of Italy’s varied wine landscape.
Disclaimer
This text was neither commissioned nor compensated. It reflects exclusively my own opinion.
Challenging Year for French Wines & Spirits Exports 2023
In the year 2023, the French wine and spirits sector navigated through challenging waters to post exports worth €16.2 billion. Despite representing a 5.9% decline from the previous year, this figure stands as the second-highest in the industry’s export history. The volume of exports also saw a considerable reduction, falling by 10.4%. However, the sector managed to maintain its status as the leading contributor to France’s agri-food surplus and the third largest in the nation’s overall trade balance, with a trade surplus of €14.8 billion, down by 5.8%.
DWI Announces Winner of the Sommelier Cup 2024
The DWI Sommelier-Cup 2024, hosted by the German Wine Institute (DWI), concluded on January 22, 2024, with Katharina Iglesias from wineBank in Hamburg claiming the title. The event, held at the Atrium Hotel in Mainz, witnessed participation from 28 professionals across various sectors of the wine industry. While the competition’s popularity remains undeniable, a critical examination of its structure and outcomes reveals aspects worth contemplating.
German Wine Consumption Plummets in 2023
The German wine consumption and buying behaviour is changing. (Photo: DallE)
Ensuring Safe Seas for Bulk Wine Shipping
In the world of bulk wine shipping, grasping the intricacies of marine cargo insurance is crucial. This field, unlike more uniformly regulated insurance areas such as cars, lacks a standard policy format, leading to a diverse range of coverage options.
Bulk Wine Revolution: Balancing Profit and Planet
On the World Bulk Wine Exhibition (WBWE) in Amsterdam, leaders in the wine industry charted a path toward sustainability, aiming to reshape the sector’s future.
Exploring Consumer Perceptions of Wine Packaging
In the competitive landscape of the our industry, wine packaging plays a pivotal role in shaping this experience. It’s not just a vessel for storage
