Nice is Barbera 2025 changes pace: the «Piedmont Red» meets music.

From May 9th to 12th in Nizza Monferrato (Asti) there will be Barbera Forum with over 70 producers and 400 labels for tasting. Four days of celebration with tastings, food and music played in the city squares. At Vinitaly the novelty of “Nizza, Barbera & Music” is announced in collaboration with Collisioni Festival: three stages and a program of concerts and DJ Sets throughout the weekend.

Big news for the 2025 edition of Nizza è Barbera: this year the event dedicated to Barbera d’Asti docg and Nizza docg is enriched by “Nizza, Barbera & Music” , in collaboration with Collisioni Festival. Four days from 9 to 12 May of celebration, tastings, food and wine and concerts in Nizza Monferrato (Asti).

The program was previewed at Vinitaly in the Piedmont Pavilion: the Barbera Forum confirms itself as the beating heart of the event with over 70 producers and more than 400 labels under the Foro Boario. On Monday, entry will be reserved for industry professionals.

And then a very rich program of concerts spread across the three different stages planned in the city, with the special event on Friday 9 May of the concert by Eiffel 65 , the Italian band that made the world dance, with the timeless success of Blue, a box office hit from England to the USA to New Zealand. And the event evening on Saturday with the great show of Voglio Tornare negli Anni 90 , an event format made up of special effects, choreography, dancers and live sets that is becoming very popular at the major Italian festivals, with the opening act by Tuttafuffa . But the whole city of Nice will come alive thanks to the live shows spread across the different stages, including wine, music and food and wine, with non-stop live and DJ sets, which will see on stage among others the Avanzi di Balera , a historic crew of Piedmontese DJs who bring the mood of the Piedmontese dance halls of the 60s and 70s back to the squares, the Sciarada Party rock Band , with the hits of Italian music from the 70s to today; Kama , a band from Lombardy that hybridizes genres such as art-rock, electronic, jazz and post-punk.

Also in Nice for the big event will be Dj Fabri Violino , Dj Cugi and the AuTobaskers, the band led by Davide Costantini who reinterprets Italian music from the 50s to today in an original way. On Sunday 11 May , in the Piazza del Comune, Martini di Alessandria, the event has decided to dedicate an afternoon to the little ones, offering an opportunity for entertainment to children from nursery and primary schools in the area and their families, with a grand Magic Gala entitled Crazy Magic Sunday , which will see some of the most popular magicians and performers on stage, from Piero Osella, aka Mago Budinì , beloved by all the children of Piedmont, to the Italian-Brazilian ventriloquist Gi&Raf , who became famous with his talking giraffe on Rai1 and Canale5 programmes, to the award-winning Mago Contini, guest of numerous television programmes with the hybrid formula of theatre and illusionism.

As is tradition, ample space will be dedicated to food and wine, with lunches and dinners at the tasting table of wines from Nizza è Barbera producers at the Osteria Vineria La Signora in Rosso. The Notte Bianca will also return with open shops and gastronomic proposals in the city centre, where Wine Points will be set up with a selection of Barbera d’Asti Docg and Nizza Docg labels for tasting. In Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza XX Settembre and in the historic centre, the Nicesi Traders Association «Nizza col Cuore» will also organise a local street food in collaboration with the local Pro Loco. Sunday by bike in the Nizza vineyards, a Ferrari and SuperCar car rally, and a food market in the historic centre.

The event is organized by the Regional Wine Shop of Nizza , the City of Nizza Monferrato and the Nicesi Traders Association , with the patronage of the Piedmont Region, the Regional Council, the Province of Asti, the Union of Vineyards and Wines of the Hills, the Chamber of Commerce of Asti, the Bank of Asti, the Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato Wines Consortium, the Nizza Producers Association, ATL, Langhe-Roero and Monferrato Wine Landscapes, Slow Food Alessandria and Colline Nicesi, and the Pro Loco of Nizza Monferrato.

“Nizza è Barbera is much more than a wine festival – says Simone Nosenzo , mayor of Nizza Monferrato -: it is the authentic expression of the identity of a territory that has built around Barbera d’Asti not only an economy, but also a culture and a lifestyle. The 2025 edition strengthens our international vocation and, with a renewed program, opens with enthusiasm to a young and curious public, who seek in wine an experience to live, share and remember”.

“Nizza è Barbera confirms itself as an event that looks to the future of Barbera and the people who will choose it tomorrow – says Mauro Damerio , president of the Enoteca Regionale di Nizza -. Over the years we have built an experience capable of speaking to the new generations, making wine more accessible, contemporary and engaging. This year the program is enriched with a musical proposal designed together with Collisioni Festival: concerts and DJ sets, all free, which become an additional reason to come to Nizza, experience the historic center, discover the producers and their Barbera. We have thought of a shuttle service and a camping area to give everyone the opportunity to have fun in safety”.

“Our mission is to always raise the bar by offering a professional sommelier service and this year with two important tastings dedicated to the old vintages of Nizza, scheduled for Sunday and Monday. Nizza è Barbera is a virtuous example of how to bring new generations closer to the world of wine, focusing on the quality, culture and emotion of a great territory” add Filippo Mobrici , vice president of the Consortium of Barbera d’Asti and Wines of Monferrato, and Stefano Chiarlo , president of the Association of Nizza Producers.

Everyone agreed in defining «Nizza è Barbera an event that is the symbol of our territory», said in chorus the president of the Province of Asti Maurizio Rasero and the Governor of the Piedmont Region Alberto Cirio with the regional councilors Marco Gabusi and Fabio Calosso , the regional councilors Debora Biglia , Marco Protopapa and Fabio Isnardi , the president of the Viticultural Landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato Giovanna Quaglia .

“Elevate your choice” is the pay-off chosen to communicate the new identity and projects of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Asolo Montello.

The presentation of the fortieth anniversary of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Asolo Montello was held today, Monday 7 April, at Vinitaly, in the presence of the President of the Veneto Region, Luca Zaia.

A moment to remember a milestone, but also and above all to present future projects. With a renewed image, symbolized by the communication campaign curated by AdvisionAir and illustrated by the international artist Sara Ciprandi , the Consortium sets itself new goals: to strengthen the role of Asolo Prosecco Superiore Docg, making it known throughout the world as an expression of beauty and balance, and to enhance the wines of Montello, first of all the Recantina, a native rediscovered about fifty years ago.

<< A round of applause goes to all the producers, who every day commit themselves to heroic viticulture and have always believed in the value of the Asolo Montello area. – States the President of the Veneto Region Luca Zaia. – This is why I fought so that, in 2009, Asolo Prosecco Superiore obtained the DOCG. A territory that has shown constant growth and that contributes to bringing the name of Veneto to the world, together with the other denominations. Let us remember that 37% of Italian wine exported comes from our region and every bottle sold is equivalent to a business card. With regard to the issue of duties, which is being discussed so much at this Vinitaly, it is still too early to draw conclusions and pessimism is premature. The future must be faced with positivity: we still have to understand the situation and, above all, we can take the path of negotiations at a European level and Italy can play an important role in this game . >>

<< Our goal is to strengthen the dialogue with the members who have supported a common project in these forty years – says the president Michele Noal. – Asolo Prosecco Superiore Docg is our flagship wine and we will make it increasingly synonymous with discreet elegance. For this reason we have chosen a fresh, modern image, attractive also for young people and for those who, not necessarily wine connoisseurs, love the beauty and goodness of Italy. Precisely for this reason we have chosen to create strong synergies with the world of culture and art >>.

The denomination Asolo-Montello is a land where beauty can be felt everywhere . Asolo is a village considered among the most beautiful in Italy and the area is home to Villa Barbaro in Maser, designed by Andrea Palladio, and the Antonio Canova Gypsoteca Museum in Possagno, which houses the works of the famous sculptor. Montello is also the site of the Abbey of Sant’Eustachio, where Monsignor Della Casa wrote the famous Galateo.

To celebrate its fortieth anniversary, the Consortium will organize two events in October in the area that will involve operators, journalists, enthusiasts but also the local community. In fact, wine is one of the main sectors for the area, which creates employment, well-being and a sense of belonging.

The three labels were designed by Spazio di Paolo. During Vinitaly it will also be possible to taste the new references of the Abruzzo cooperative group.

Cantina Tollo , a historic cooperative group from Abruzzo, has won three Vinitaly Design Awards : the restyling of Mo’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva Dop won the gold medal in the Red Wines category, the new image of Peco Pecorino Terre d’Abruzzo Igt won silver among the White Wines , and finally the new Hedòs Rosé Terre d’Abruzzo Igt achieved third place among the Rosé Wines . The Vinitaly Design Award, now in its 29th edition, is the competition that rewards the best graphics for labels of wines, spirits, liqueurs, beers and extra virgin olive oil, with the aim of stimulating the efforts of companies and designers to continuously improve their image.

The Cantina Tollo labels were designed by Spazio di Paolo , an internationally renowned studio specializing in wine and spirits packaging design. The same studio also curated the image of the new Hedòs Bianco Terre d’Abruzzo Igp and Passerina Terre d’Abruzzo Igp, and the restyling of Maiolica Terre di Chieti Igp. In addition to the references awarded with the Vinitaly Design Award, at the Cantina Tollo stand at Vinitaly it will also be possible to taste the new wines.

“We are extremely proud that the labels created by Spazio di Paolo for our company have been awarded this prestigious recognition. The award-winning wines, together with the new creations, well describe the company’s production philosophy,” explains Sandro Ciavattella , general manager of Cantina Tollo. “We want to give a new direction and think about a repositioning of the brand, which has always been attentive to market trends without losing sight of our identity and the values ​​we believe in. The wines presented at Vinitaly respond to new trends and, at the same time, speak of authenticity and territory to the modern consumer. The design of the labels goes precisely in this direction: the new images are elegant, refined and ethereal, illustrating the universe of Cantina Tollo with grace and lightness.”

Wines awarded with the Vinitaly Design Award

Mo’ in Abruzzese means now, immediately. Already in the name, Mo’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva Dop expresses its potential: a wine that can be drunk without waiting, already capable of giving an intense and persistent sip, but that can also give emotions over time. A classic that for years has continued to gain success for its fruity aromas with notes of black cherry, berries and complex spicy hints.

Born from the encounter between an ancient vine and the mature winemaking awareness of the Winery, Peco Pecorino Terre di Chieti Igp is the result of a long research work. A versatile wine in pairings, with elegant floral scents that mix with the scent of sage.

Hedòs Rosé Terre d’Abruzzo Igp is produced with Montepulciano grapes. The glass reveals aromas of orange peel, white peach, a hint of grapefruit and hints of elderflower. On the palate, however, the freshness of the acidity integrates with the fruity flavors and a medium body, leading to a long and saline finish. Hedòs Rosé is the ideal accompaniment for refined aperitifs, fish or vegetable appetizers, fresh salads and white meats. Also try with traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.

The new wines at Vinitaly

Hedòs Bianco Terre d’Abruzzo Igp is a blend of Pecorino and Cococciola grapes, varieties that express themselves at their best in Abruzzo. Pale and bright yellow in color, the nose is characterized by complex aromas of citrus fruits, including lemon and grapefruit, with notes of white peach, boxwood and elderflower, offering a precise olfactory complexity. On the palate it is balanced between the intensity of the fruit, a moderate alcohol content and a fresh and saline acidity, culminating in a long and persistent finish. To be tasted with light Mediterranean appetizers, fish broths, fresh salads and white meats.

Passerina Terre d’Abruzzo Igp, produced with only Passerina grapes, has a bright golden color. In the glass you can detect hints of citrus, white peach and elderflower, accompanied by persuasive notes of almond and chamomile. The sip shows a fine balance between the fruity component, the marked acidity and a moderate alcohol content, with a pleasantly phenolic and almondy finish.

Cantina Tollo Vinitaly Stand Location: Hall 12 stand G2

Benanti, who will preview at Vinitaly 2025 the new Contrada Monte Serra Etna DOC Bianco label, a Carricante that tells the bright and elegant identity of the south-eastern side of Etna, closing the circle of a unique territorial project.

On the south-eastern side of Etna, in the territory of Viagrande, lies the Contrada Monte Serra: a historic area for the Benanti family and today the cradle of the new Contrada Monte Serra Etna DOC Bianco , previewed at Vinitaly 2025.

“ This wine marks the completion of a project born to tell, through Carricante, the three historical souls of this noble and shy vine: Etna Est, Etna Sud-Ovest and Etna Sud-Est – say Antonio and Salvino Benanti at the helm of the company owned by Brave Wine , the wine holding company founded by the entrepreneur Renzo Rosso – After the labels Contrada Rinazzo da Milo, and Contrada Cavaliere da Santa Maria di Licodia, Benanti adds a new piece with a wine that reflects all the delicacy and energy of the south-eastern side, ideally closing the circle of its own ‘map of Carricante ‘”.

At Monte Serra, the very origin of the Benanti project, Carricante finds a clear and contemporary voice. The soils, born from the crumbling of lava materials from a thousand-year-old eruption of the homonymous crater, are sandy, deep and rich in minerals, with little presence of skeleton and an exceptional drainage capacity. “ In Contrada Monte Serra, ” says Enzo Calì, the company’s winemaker, “ the yields are naturally low and the slopes of the land require great skill: expert hands, knowledge of the place and great daily attention are needed. The proximity to the Ionian Sea gives us constant ventilation and ideal brightness, factors that contribute to the health of the grapes and a slow and regular ripening of the fruit. The vineyard, young but already very promising, is trained as a high-density Etna sapling and comes from a careful clonal and rootstock selection. This approach encourages healthy competition between the plants and allows us to obtain high-quality grapes. The harvest, which takes place in the third ten days of September, is manual. The grapes are destemmed and pressed whole with a soft squeeze, as is our custom .” In the cellar, Benanti continues its path of loyalty to the terroir: fermentation takes place in steel at a controlled temperature, using a native yeast selected over the years within the company’s vineyards. The wine then matures for 12 months in a tank on the fine lees, with periodic bâtonnage, and is further refined for 6 months in the bottle.

Contrada Monte Serra Etna DOC Bianco presents itself with a bright straw yellow and green reflections. On the nose it expresses all the delicacy of Carricante: orange blossom, green apple, thyme, citrus peel. With evolution, hints of yellow apple, flint, hydrocarbon, light honeyed notes emerge. On the palate it is taut, savoury, deeply mineral, with a freshness that accompanies a long citrus persistence. Benanti has always had a deep passion for Carricante, an indigenous grape variety that has been able to interpret in an identity-driven, elegant and long-lived way. From the iconic Pietra Marina Etna Bianco Superiore – internationally recognised as one of Italy’s great whites – to the classic method sparkling wines Noblesse and Noblesse 48 months , Benanti has built a coherent, rigorous and innovative path dedicated to this variety. The new Contrada Monte Serra Etna DOC Bianco fits naturally into this story, adding a new nuance to the profile of the grape variety and the territory. With this new wine, Benanti not only completes his trilogy of Contrada whites, but reinforces a vision that has always guided his work: to tell the story of Etna in its entirety, in its complexity, in its authenticity. “Benanti, Etna in its entirety” is not just a statement, but a production philosophy that translates into elegance, authenticity and absolute respect for the land.

At Vinitaly 2025 , at the Benanti stand (Hall 2 Corridor A Stand 4) , the new Contrada Monte Serra Etna DOC Bianco will be revealed in preview: further testimony to the winery’s vision, which continues to tell the story of Etna in all its luminous complexity.