The Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato Consortium is preparing to conclude an extraordinary 2024, animated by a busy calendar of events that has brought the Monferrato wine excellences to Italy and the world.

An intense and milestone-rich year comes to a close for the Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato Consortium , which in 2024 brought the winemaking excellence of Monferrato to new levels of visibility and appreciation, both in Italy and abroad. With a calendar of events that combined promotion, culture and tasting, the Consortium consolidated the role of Barbera d’Asti and its denominations as a symbol of quality and authenticity. The flagship of its activities was the first edition of the Barbera D’Asti Wine Festival , held in Asti in September, which involved wine enthusiasts, industry professionals and personalities from the world of culture and art. Famous personalities from the world of literature, wine and music such as the writer Stefania Auci, journalists and critics such as: Jeff Porter, Aldo Fiordelli, Veronika Crecelius, Othmar Kiem and the singer-songwriter Giorgio Conte told their stories and their vision of the world of wine with a particular focus on Barbera and the territories of Monferrato.

“ This first edition of the Barbera D’Asti Wine Festival represented an unmissable opportunity to exalt and give the right importance to Barbera, the emblem of our territorial identity ,” declared Vitaliano Maccario, president of the Consortium . “ We will certainly propose this event again next year, which aims to make this grape variety increasingly famous and to become a point of reference for experts and wine lovers eager to taste the best Barberas. ”

2024 saw the Consortium as a protagonist not only at a national level, but in some of the most important markets in the world, through participation in top-level events, including the Barbera Fish Festival in Oslo, which, in March, celebrated the tenth anniversary of a historic union between Barbera and cod with walk-around tastings and two masterclasses. In the same period, Holland and Belgium hosted, with great success, Monferrato Identity , during which hundreds of operators and enthusiasts were able to discover the excellence of the territory. Not only Europe but also the United States and Canada saw Barbera and the wines of Monferrato as protagonists of a rich calendar of targeted tastings that attracted buyers, restaurateurs and wine lovers, consolidating their presence on the American markets.

“ The response from international markets has been exceptional, ” added Vitaliano Maccario, “ We have demonstrated that our wines are perfect ambassadors of Monferrato, thanks to their quality and their unique history. ” There were also many activities to discover the territory aimed at the Italian and foreign press, among which stand out: Falstaff, Jeff Porter and Stevie Kim. Illustrious names and magazines who were able to experience and discover the Monferrato territory and its wines. Great attention was also paid to the fairs in Italy, Salone del Vino in Turin, Vinitaly in Verona and Vinoforum in Rome, which saw a strong turnout at the Consortium stand, confirming the ever-growing interest of operators and the public in Monferrato wines. Not only big events but also the promotion of Barbera and the territory took place throughout the year through glamorous moments dedicated to wine lovers such as the Milan Wine Week and Golosaria . “ 2024 represented a fundamental stage for Barbera d’Asti and the wines of Monferrato, consolidating the role of the Consortium .” concluded Vitaliano Maccario “ The results achieved have opened up new opportunities on international markets and strengthened dialogue with the public, laying the foundations for an even more promising future .”

Frescobaldi continues its digital expansion journey, as the Tuscan company transforms its wine labels into an interactive experience.

Frescobaldi presents the new Augmented Reality experience based on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

The strong bond with its roots motivates Frescobaldi to always look further ahead, aiming to tell in a revolutionary way its wonderful estates and a 700-year long history of winemaking heritage with continuous investments in cutting-edge digital realities.

Innovation and tradition meet in Frescobaldi’s new Augmented Reality project, developed in collaboration with AQuest , Creative Production & Technology Company, a partner of Ogilvy. With this project, Frescobaldi has chosen to let the labels of its wines speak for the first time, offering an interactive and immersive experience. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the system is able to recognize the labels and activate a real digital gate . This will allow consumers to embark on a journey to discover the Frescobaldi estates and its unique wines, delving into the production process and the history that characterizes each bottle.

By simply scanning a QR Code on the back label of the bottle, consumers will be able to explore the Tuscan landscapes, discover the history of the Estates and learn more about the characteristics of each wine, including information on climate, winemaking, maturation and organoleptic notes. Fabrizio Dosi, CEO of the Frescobaldi Group , says: “This project opens up new scenarios for the integration between Artificial Intelligence and winemaking tradition, two worlds that have never been so close, giving our consumers memorable experiences”.

“In addition to representing a powerful business tool for the sales team,” continues Dosi , “the project also has an important educational value , allowing our consumers to gain a thorough understanding of the history and peculiarities of Frescobaldi wines.”

Frescobaldi’s AR project , which began in 2019, is constantly evolving. Starting with 360° videos accessible with VR viewers and arriving today with a complete Augmented Reality experience, accessible directly from mobile devices. As a demonstration of its versatility, this tool has been used in multiple contexts, from commercial presentations and international fairs, to exclusive events and corporate training. As Van Hong Doan, E-Commerce & Digital Manager of Frescobaldi , adds: “Using advanced algorithms and machine learning models, Artificial Intelligence has made it possible to digitize over 50 labels, making each bottle a gateway to a unique immersive experience.”

MARQUIS FRESCOBALDI

The Group, owned by the Frescobaldi family, boasts seven centuries of history and 1,500 hectares of vineyards. The mission of Marchesi Frescobaldi is to understand and promote unique terroirs, ensuring

that become an integral part of the spirit of Tuscany. The family’s thousand-year history constitutes a unique and irreplaceable treasure of knowledge and traditions. Frescobaldi embodies the very essence of Tuscany, its extraordinary aptitude for viticulture and the fascinating variety of its growing areas.

The nine Marchesi Frescobaldi estates are: Castello Pomino (Pomino), Castello Nipozzano (Nipozzano), Tenuta Perano (Gaiole in Chianti), Tenuta Castiglioni (Montespertoli), Tenuta CastelGiocondo (Montalcino), Tenuta Ammiraglia (Magliano in Tuscany), Remole (Sieci), Tenuta Calimaia (Montepulciano) and Gorgona . Located in areas of Tuscany particularly suited to the production of fine wines (DOC, DOCG and IGT), the estates differ in terrain, environment and history. To these should be added the Bolgheri Ornellaia and Masseto estates, Tenuta Luce in Montalcino, Domaine Roy & Fils in Oregon and Attems in Collio.

Promoted as part of the Being Organic in EU project, managed by FederBio in collaboration with Naturland and co-financed by the European Union, the benchmark event for Italian organic products highlighted the importance of conscious food choices for the health of people and natural habitats.

The thematic talks, workshops, showcooking and the contest “GOOD. IT’S ORGANIC!” aroused great interest.

Food choices play a crucial role in people’s health, the protection of environmental ecosystems and the mitigation of climate change. This is the message launched by the Milanese stage of the seventh edition of the Festa del BIO, which underlined the value of organic as a key element in building a sustainable future; a virtuous model, essential for preserving natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

During the day of discussion between experts, researchers, nutritionists and farmers on the future of agriculture and food, the fundamental role of the agroecological transition, of which organic and biodynamic represent the peaks of excellence, clearly emerged. At the Festa del BIO, the importance of food education was underlined to promote more conscious choices, encouraging the consumption of local foods, the reduction of meat and the fight against food waste.

“The rapid evolution of the climate crisis confirms the need and urgency of a radical change in the agricultural model and food choices – highlighted Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio – According to the data recently presented by Nomisma, many of our country’s productions have suffered production drops that in several cases exceed 30%, especially in the center and south, due to the climate crisis. We no longer have time. To protect our agricultural productions, we must act immediately and accelerate the transition to agroecology to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal even more quickly, which aim to reach 25% of organic cultivated surface area in the EU by 2030. To change the production model, however, it is essential to also change the way we consume, which is why we believe it is essential to raise awareness among citizens and make them understand that when we choose a food we also choose the method with which it is grown. There is a collective responsibility that concerns on the one hand farmers, who must act more and more towards sustainability also through conversion to organic, on the other citizens, who must make conscious choices towards food produced in respect of Nature and people’s health. Aiming for the lowest price involves a compromise of workers’ rights, the reduction of farmers’ income, effectively opening up to undeclared work. Environmental sustainability is not in conflict with economic and social sustainability, on the contrary everything is part of a coherent and integrated process”.

“The introduction of food education in schools is fundamental for us,” said Barbara Nappini, President of Slow Food Italy. “I often compare our food system to a plate with an invisible “beam” inside it. This metaphor represents an unjust paradigm that combines environmental degradation, waste and hunger, contributing to increasing the gap between the North and the South of the world. It is urgent to change the model and recognize the value of agriculture integrated with ecosystems: for us the way forward is organic and agroecology. To build a more equitable and sustainable future, it is extremely important to raise awareness among new generations about the link between food, the environment and social justice. According to the ISMEA report, out of 100 euros spent on fresh products, only 7 end up with the farmer, while for processed products this figure drops to 1.5 euros. This data highlights a deep crisis, but at the same time offers an opportunity: to think of a new production model, because the intensive one is now at the end of the line. The problem is global, but it can be addressed through the three pillars of economic, social and environmental sustainability, and with good, clean and fair agronomic approaches such as organic”.

“In our annual report “Stop pesticides on the plate” – added Stefano Ciafani , President of Legambiente – it clearly emerges how too many samples of conventional fruit and vegetables continue to present more pesticide residues and we denounce the lack of legislation to set legal limits on the co-presence of multiple active ingredients, an essential measure to guarantee greater food safety and health protection. Italy, which is among the international leaders in the organic sector, must protect this heritage and its rigorous and more transparent standard compared to those of various international productions, which in some ways create unfair competition for Italian products. Together with FederBio and Slow Food Italia we work to promote clear, transparent and informed information on these issues, also countering the ideological propaganda that attempts to discredit the Green Deal and its decarbonization actions, of which the main beneficiaries are precisely the farmers who are among the first victims of the climate crisis”.

“In Italy, the agricultural surfaces dedicated to organic are growing, supported by policies that encourage the agroecological transition, with more evident results in small and medium-sized companies – underlined Nicoletta Maffini , President of AssoBio – However, in large companies, located especially in Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto, organic farming is not yet sufficiently widespread. However, the main point concerns consumption: in our country there is still a skepticism linked to controls, which makes clearer and more effective communication on the benefits of organic essential. Organic farming represents a concrete response that respects and regenerates the land, harshly exploited in previous decades by intensive agriculture, which has caused serious environmental damage. Today, with climate change increasingly putting the agricultural sector in crisis, organic is confirmed as the indispensable choice for the future. However, it is essential to review VAT, a product that protects health and the environment, such as organic, deserves a tax break. Everyone’s commitment is needed to achieve this goal”.

60 wine producers, 4 oil companies, 13 masterclasses, 5 book and magazine presentations, good participation in the first edition in Syracuse.

The organizers: “ Thanks to all those who contributed to the realization of this event, especially to the producers who believed in it from the beginning, we are already working on the second edition”.

The first edition of Vinacria – Ortigia Wine Fest has ended, the event that celebrates the wines (and oils) of Sicily but which is above all an active container in which to move strengths and weaknesses, listening and dialogue, connecting all the aspects and themes that contribute, today, to making the Sicily of wine a region of great prestige. Good public turnout at the Antico Mercato of the city of Syracuse in the three days conceived by the Godot Cultural Association: “Our goal was to enhance the wine excellence of the territory, creating a bridge between producers, experts in the sector and enthusiasts to offer a space for comparison and discovery – says the creator of the event Giada Capriotti together with her partner Silvano Serenari, promoters of the event – Vinacria was not only an event about wine but a journey into the roots and future of Sicilian food and wine culture, Vinacria is a multifaceted container made of rich and qualitative contents that wants to enhance the beautiful, the good and the right”. 59 wineries from all over the island but also 4 oil companies and 2 spirits companies, 13 masterclasses led by nationally renowned tasters, 5 book and magazine presentations : among those present were Manlio Giustiniani , Raffaele Mosca , Federico Latteri , Cinzia Benzi , the young producers of Generazione Next , Federico Graziani with his wines and the magazine “ GEN ZED ” and Remon Karam , “ The boy who came from the waves ”. Among the most significant events was the masterclass led by the Master of Wine Pietro Russo , “ Wine and contemporaneity. Styles and trends: how Sicilian viticulture adapts ” and “ The role of the Sommelier: the importance of on-the-job training and effective communication ” with Marco Reitano , head sommelier of the 3 Michelin-starred restaurant “La Pergola” in Rome: “ We are grateful to all those who contributed to the creation of this event, especially to the producers who believed in it from the beginning and who came from all over the island – the organizers point out – Vinacria has been and will continue to be a real journey through tastings, meetings, workshops and cultural moments, to discover one of the richest food and wine heritages in Italy ”. The event, promoted by the Godot Cultural Association , which aims to promote the wine, olive, gastronomic and tourist heritage through events and promotional initiatives that celebrate the excellence of Sicily, was created with the patronage of the Municipality of Syracuse, the Regional Institute of Wine and Oil, the Regional Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Mediterranean Fisheries of the Sicilian Region, the Sicilian Regional Assembly, the Senate of the Republic, the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies and the Chamber of Commerce of South East Sicily and is included in the calendar of activities of the European Region of Gastronomy 2025. Main sponsors Unigroup Spa, Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection and AD Pugliese SPA, technical partners ENOILTECH, Sword ICE, Cool Water, Kiube Studios and AIS Siracusa.

Cellars present :

The Val di Noto : Marilina Cellars, Maccari Feud, Pianogrillo Barons, Angelo Di Grazia, Fausta Mansio, Sergio Baron, Rio Favara, Zisola, Losi Migranti Vines, Rudinì, Pupillo Cellars, Salvatore Marino, Gurrieri, Pisciotto Feuds, Grazia House and Palmeri. The Val di Mazara : Intorcia, Marco De Bartoli, Christ of Campobello, Alessandro of Camporeale, Of the Princes of Spadafora, Martinico & Sons, Mandrarossa, Montoni Feud, Pellegrino, Giuseppe Cipolla, Alessandro Viola, Agricola Fiore, Gaudioso, Bonsignore and Botticella Estates.

Val Dèmone : Caravaglio, Le Casematte, Principi di Mola, Tenuta Enza la Fauci and Vigneti Verzera.

Etna : Nicosia Estates, Palmento San Basilio Estates, Serafica Land of Oil and Wine, Russo Cellars, The Keepers of the Etna Vineyards, Federico Graziani, Palmento Costanzo, Pietradolce, Cottanera, Masseria Setteporte, SRC, Stanza Terrena, Frank Cornelissen Farm, Nobody’s Cellars, Fessina Estates, Rachele’s Company, Zumbo, Al-Cantàra, Le Due Tenute, Giò Emmanuele Etna Wines, Raciti, Tornatore and Vitanova Farm

The oil companies: Viveretna, Tondo, Sciabacco and Di Mino.

Partner companies: Volcano Gin, Distilleria Giovi and Ardeaseal.