With 97,000 visitors, including 30,070 international professionals from 140 countries, the fair has once again solidified its reputation as one of the foremost global events for the prestigious Made-in-Italy sector. Here are some insights and recommendations from this year’s event.
The 56th edition of Vinitaly has garnered a very positive response from companies, consortia, and regional collectives. This comes at a challenging time for the Italian wine market, which remains a key ambassador of Italy’s agri-food industry worldwide. International attendance was led by the United States, with 3,700 operators at the fair—an 8% increase from 2023. Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and Canada followed, each showing a 6% increase. Notably, Japanese buyers surged by 15%.
Vinitaly Plus, the event’s matching platform designed to facilitate meetings between buyers and sellers, also reported impressive results. This year saw around 20,000 business appointments, doubling the number from the previous edition.
Discoveries and confirmations at Vinitaly 2024
Vinitaly 2024 was much more than just four days of business—it was a celebration of study, insight, joy, and conviviality. With 4,300 exhibitors and a diverse selection of masterclasses, the fair annually provides a unique opportunity to delve into the many facets of the Italian wine world. Despite covering 52 kilometers over four days at the fair, one can only sample a fraction of this vast sea of excellence.
San Colombano DOC, the wine of Milan
In our quest for something new, we discovered one of Italy’s smallest DOCs, home to only ten wineries: San Colombano, Milan’s sole DOC wine, produced in the hills surrounding the city. This juicy and lively wine, remarkable in its vintage version, also boasts considerable aging potential.
During a masterclass featuring the Gulielmini, Panizzari, Nettare dei Santi, and Poderi di San Pietro wineries, we embarked on a sensory journey spanning twenty-six years. This blend of Barbera, Croatina, and Uva Rara grapes impressively maintains their flavor tension and aromatic consistency over time, showcasing a unique evolution and enduring quality.
Guerritore Winery
Following the recommendation of Marisa Cuomo, the renowned winemaker behind the renown “Fiorduva”, one of Italy’s finest whites, we ventured to taste the wines of Azienda Agricola Guerritore. This up-and-coming winery is in the picturesque Irno River Valley in the province of Salerno, not fat from the Amalfi Coast. Guided by the young and passionate manager Svieta Sullutrone, we experienced a tasting that impressed us with its pleasant sips and precise execution.
The wines we sampled revealed a graceful character, showcasing the intense traits of grape varieties like Aglianico and Fiano. These characteristics are beautifully balanced by the sea breeze that drifts from the coast into the valley, gently caressing the vines and pampering the grapes.
Antonella Lombardo, wines of Calabria born from passion and dedication
Antonella Lombardo‘s story captivated us: how did this accomplished lawyer decide in 2019 to leave a brilliant career to pursue her dream of becoming a winemaker? Though she was unfortunately absent due to the flu, her creations were still available for us to enjoy.
From Greco Bianco to Gaglioppo grapes, and including Mantonico, Nerello Mascalese, and Calabrese Nero, all native varieties of the region, each glass offered an authentic taste of Calabria, a land with a rich winemaking history. Calabria is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to numerous producers dedicated to quality, who are now offering truly compelling wines at competitive prices.
La Bellanotte: “Spartacus” is the new label presented at Vinitaly 2024
Let’s head back north to Farra d’Isonzo in Friuli, where the flamboyant Paolo Benassi of La Bellanotte is showcasing his latest creation this year. Named “Spartaco“, this Pinot Noir features a charming label with an adorable owl in the foreground. Though still very young, Spartaco makes no pretensions of emulating Burgundy wines; instead, it captivates with its unique and characterful personality. A truly compelling choice for lovers of this noble varietal.
Tenuta Angelici’s Syrah
If the Owl holds a precious nectar, what can we possibly expect from an Eurasian eagle-owl? Another intriguing bottle with a unique label, discovered by chance and tasted hastily as many stands were being dismantled. Recommended by the dedicated sommelier at the Cortona DOC desk, Tenuta Angelici’s Syrah stood out among the unmatched Amerighi and the excellent Dionisio. It was a truly delightful way to conclude an intense and exciting four days.
The Brunellos of the winery Il Marroneto
Let’s round out the picture with a significant confirmation that unequivocally solidifies the excellence of the 2019 vintage in Montalcino, dispelling any lingering doubt. We are referring to the Brunellos of Il Marroneto, which consistently evoke unique emotions with each tasting, particularly in this exceptionally blessed vintage. These wines are not only the result of Alessandro Mori’s mastery but also of a climatic season that was simply perfect, as evidenced by numerous tastings during our session in the dedicated area of the Consorzio del Brunello.
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Sommelier on a Mission 