Masi Agricola's rosé with a twist

Italy's Masi Agricola is releasing a rosé with a twist, to the UK market called Rosa dei Masi. The notes are classically rosé with fruity aromas of strawberries and wild cherries, and some nice acidity to balance the wine.

Frizzenti taps into Prosecco popularity

Sparkling wine brand Frizzenti is capitalising on the growing popularity of Prosecco with its on-tap solution for the on-trade.

Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux and VinItaly agree future trade dates

 
Unions des Grand Crus de Bordeaux and VinItaly have signed an agreement coordinating the calendars of their industry events for the next four years to avoid any trade clashes. Text

Italian producers look to international growth to escape domestic economy

Italian wine producers are increasingly looking to international markets to escape their own crippled domestic economy.

Pre-orders for Naked Wines' ProWein discovery sold in 24 hours

Online wine retailer Naked Wines pre-sold over £37,000 worth of Italian wine in just 24 hours after its maker was discovered by its customer buying team at ProWein.

Piccini introduces rosata to Memoro Vino d'Italia range

The family-owned Italian wine producer Piccini has introduced a third wine, a rosata, to its Memoro Vino d'Italia range.

Italy breaks out from Pinot Grigio's shadow

As a challenging harvest across Italy 'rocks the Pinot Grigio boat', now is the time to look towards the myriad indigenous alternatives, says Anne Krebiehl

Douglas Blyde discusses the world of Prosecco with winemaker Primo Franco of producer Nino Franco

Primo Franco, of Prosecco producer, Nino Franco, marked 30 years since he produced his first vintage by hosting a lunch at Hawksmoor restaurant, Air Street, Mayfair. Franco mentions that his choice of restaurant - the latest in the clubby Hawksmoor quartet, and first to offer dishes devised by celebrity fisherman, Mitch Tonks alongside signature steak - happens to lie close to the recently-refurbished five star, Café Royal. It was in those kitchens during the early 1970s, explains Franco with a wry smile, that he toiled as a kitchen porter. After his first shift, during which he confronted "an endless seeming conveyor of dishes", the disorientated, young navvy found himself spending the bulk of his earnings on the taxi home to Acton.

Exclusive research: indies look to Old World for growth

European wines made from indigenous varieties are providing independent wine merchants with much more scope for growth compared with the New World's offering.

Country reports: Italy

How many consumers have really embraced Italian diversity? And for those that haven't, is it because they find it too complex or....

PLB launches second regional roadshow

PLB is to launch its second UK Regional Roadshow tour with its specialist portfolio and has further announced it will join forces with Hatch Mansfield for the Scottish leg of the tour.

Avignonesi Winery acquires third vineyard in 18 months

The Italian-based biodynamic producer Avignonesi Winery has acquired its third vineyard in 18 months, making it one of the region's largest producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Tour de Belfort opens Manchester wine and cookery school

French winemaker Muriel Lismonde, owner of Tour de Belfort, has opened wine and cookery school Le Vin La Table in Hale, which aims to offer variety of wine tastings, cookery classes and workshops.

Trade events November

Wednesday, November 28

Sprizzato - a splash of Italian sunshine

In defiance of the winter weather the new light drink Sprizzatois aiming to bring some Italian sunshine to the UK market.

Sustainable irrigation system aids TWP harvest

A sustainable irrigation system linked to a reservoir, has made a significant difference in this year's harvest, according to winemaker Stefano Girelli.

Harvest news - sustainable irrigation system aids TWP vintage

A sustainable irrigation system linked to a reservoir made a significant difference to this year's harvest, according to winemaker Stefano Girelli.

Italian screwcap decree is a 'crass compromise', says expert

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture has agreed to relax laws on wines allowed to be bottled under screwcap, but renowned expert David Gleave MW of Liberty says it hasn't gone far enough.

Douglas Blyde looks in to the wines of Joe Bastianich from Friuli

Rock and roll in appearance, and relaxed in manner, Wayne Young hosted a tasting of the wines of Joe Bastianich's Friuli vineyards this week in London with UK agent Bibendum.

Douglas Blyde on discovering the world of Amarone through Sandro Boscaini and Masi Agricola

Bedecked in stripes, from suit to socks, Sandro Boscaini, president of Masi Agricola, was in town earlier this month to celebrate the launch of a hardback book about arguably the best-known wine from Valpolicella, from where he was born. 'Amarone - The Making of an Italian Wine Phenomenon' is written by British expat, Kate Singleton (who also collaborated on Wines of Sicily and The Golden Book of Chocolate). Six corks, one embossed, grace its cover.