Friday read: The Verdicchio Renaissance

The white wines made from Verdicchio in Italy’s central Marche region were once famous for lining the supermarket shelves in its recognisable hourglass shaped bottle. Often considered generic in style, the varietal has undergone a renaissance in recent years. Is it time to revisit verdant Verdicchio in all its forms?

Staff shortages affect 45% of wine industry Prowein finds

According to new research published by Prowein, 45% of businesses in the wine industry have been affected by staff shortages over the last two years.

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.

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.

Italy’s hot topics

New generation takes the helm at Cantina Kurtatsch

The torch is being passed to the next generation at Italian cooperative Cantina Kurtatsch in the mountains of Alto Adige.

Jascots adds Sartarelli to portfolio

Jascots Wine Merchants has added producer Sartarelli to its 750-strong portfolio, strengthening its Italian reach with this Marche-based estate.

Guidalberto steps out of Sassicaia shadow as ‘standalone wine’

Tenuta San Guido is looking to reposition its Guildaberto label as a significant Tuscan icon in its own right, according to the estate’s Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta.

Chiaretto eyes Provence's crown

Chiaretto for Christmas? Sadly, despite more and more people drinking pink all year round, Italy’s bestselling Rosado Chiaretto di Bardolino didn’t grace many British dinner tables last December and won’t at Easter. A quick Google suggests some retailers stock it – Fortnums has two – but most main supermarkets and even The Wine Society draw a blank, suggesting the limited inroads it has made here. Which is frankly rather surprising, given the history of this wine, and the increasing popularity of the rather similar Provence rosé.

Lanchester’s Italian partner Tombacco steps up to sustainability

Vinicola Tombacco has achieved Equalitas Certification, a wine sector sustainability standard which recognises the winery’s commitment to sustainability.

Q&A: Peter Vinding-Diers – the 'viking in the vineyard'

Viking in the Vineyard author Peter Vinding-Diers has had a one-of-a-kind winemaking life. Jo Gilbert catches up with the Danish-born vigneron on his latest venture – a selection of standout Sicilian Syrahs at his Montecarrubo winery.

Brescianini’s mandate as Franciacorta president renewed

The board of the Consorzio Franciacorta has reappointed Silvano Brescianini as president for a further three-year term.

Tommasi extends reach to Etna

Valpolicella-based Tommasi Family Estates has continued its spread throughout Italy with its latest acquisition of a winery and vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna.

Vinitaly Academy launches Buyer Program in the UK

Vinitaly International Academy, the educational arm of the Verona show which aims to showcase the breath and diversity of the Italian peninsula, is launching a brand new focus in the UK.

Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris to showcase emerging Italy

As the buzz surrounding Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2022 continues to build, its organisers have unveiled an impressive line-up, including a significant Italian offering at the fair.

Prosecco Consortium ramps up sustainable initiatives

The Prosecco DOC Consortium has announced a series of ongoing and new projects to address key sustainability issues, in addition to a renewed focus on terroir zoning and encouraging biodiversity.

Q&A: Raffaele Boscaini Masi

Raffaele Boscaini, seventh-generation coordinator of the Masi Technical Group and marketing director of Masi Agricola, explains to Andrew Catchpole what makes this leading Italian family producer tick

St James Bar announces new head bartender

One of London's most iconic addresses has appointed Angelo Sparvoli as its new head bartender, joining the team at Sofitel London St James hotel.

Fine wine market hits new highs

The global secondary fine wine market has hit new heights in 2021, surpassing previous records and growing in variety. Andrew Catchpole dips in.