Zonin1821 partners with the UK Sommelier Association

Zonin1821, one of Italy’s most important wineries, has partnered with the UK Sommelier Association (UKSA), to attract a greater number of young people to the profession.

Friday read: Prosecco Superiore DOCG makes UK return

After an absence of well over 10 years, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG staged a press and trade tasting in London this week.

Gavi goes for gold

This classic Piedmont appellation is looking to deepen its appeal through a focus on terroir-driven wines, where the impact of the region’s red and white soils reveals itself with age. Jo Gilbert reports from a recent visit.

From ‘smashable’ to age-worthy, Soave plots its renaissance

Much has been made of the potential of Italian whites beyond the near ubiquitous Pinot Grigio. But few conversations have centred on an arguably more important question – namely, is there a contender to take a place with the top white wines in the world?

Friday read: Alto Adige – land of diversity, coops and the 1ha plot

Alto Adige is one of the smallest wine-producing regions in Italy. Nestled in between the Alps and the Dolomites, it acts as a kind of gateway between its neighbours in Austria and the rest of Italy proper, with wineries’ dual citizenship highlighted in the commonplace appearance of both Cantina and Kellerei on labels.

Sicily and the revival of the fittest

James Lawrence looks at how Sicily’s winemaking scene is thriving and organic certification is on the increase.

Italian sparkling round table

Amid a buoyant and still rising sparkling wine category, Harpers invited a top panel to assess the positioning and full potential of Italian sparkling wine and Trentodoc Metodo Classico wines.

Leading Chianti estate slams ‘overhyped organic viticulture’

Chianti Classico producer Ricasoli has criticised growers who regard organics as the “definitive panacea for sustainability,” arguing that their methods are not without significant drawbacks.

Headline Heroes: Revival of the fittest

James Lawrence looks at how Sicily’s winemaking scene is thriving and organic certification is on the increase.

Friday Read: Trebbiano strikes back

Trebbiano. The word sends a shiver down the spine of any self-respecting wine geek – this ubiquitous white grape is about as popular as typhus in snob circles. A sommelier acquaintance of mine (who wishes to remain anonymous) once described Trebbiano Toscano, to use its full moniker, as “Italy's viticultural embarrassment” and other unrepeatable epithets. But are they being a little harsh?

Friday Read: Lugana's long road to the limelight

Lugana, often see as an also-ran compared to the likes of Gavi and Soave, is emerging with new styles, including sparkling, to highlight the distinctive characteristics of the Turbiana grape.

Biondi-Santi: New future for an Italian legend

Legendary Tuscan producer Biondi-Santi, described back in 1932 as the ‘inventor of Brunello di Montalcino’, has seen many evolutions in its 150-year+ history. A recent tasting however, revealed an estate which has benefitted from renewed investment, plus a new CEO, who has continued to lead the portfolio into a new era under French ownership.

Bibendum keeps it light at ‘Cape & the Boot’ tasting

Under the resurgent London sunshine, Bibendum showcased two of its hottest wine regions for its ‘the Cape & the Boot’ tasting.

OIV adds Italian producer to its research consortium

Leading Valpolicella producer Masi Agricola has become the sixth member of the OIV’s technical and scientific consortium.

UGA now on Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Labels

From 1 July 2023 the term 'UGA' has been permitted to appear on the label of Gran Selezione wines.

Friday read: Aeolian eruption

Like millions of cinema-goers, my interest in the Aeolian Islands was first piqued as a child watching Professor Otto Lidenbrook and his friends emerge from their Journey to the Centre of the Earth onto the volcanic island of Stromboli, drifting away on their raft as it erupts. More recently, it has been awakened by a brief trip to the remote seven island chain to taste some of the impressive wines being produced in the rich volcanic soils.

Garda DOC comes of age

James Bayley investigates the wines of Garda DOC and asks if the region really needs to ride on the coattails of this popular tourist destination.

Uccelliera and Voliero joins Bancroft

Montalcino-based Uccelliera and Voliero have joined the Bancroft Wines portfolio, adding to its roster of family-run wineries from around the world.

Italy’s hot topics

Trading Italy's stars

David Kermode looks at the rise in popularity of Italy’s fine wines and why it’s all about Piedmont and Tuscany.