44th Edition E- Magazine Blogs

Malay Kumar Rout in routmalay The founder of WSCI (Wine & Spirits Club of India) The morning mist still clung to Verona’s terracotta rooftops as dawn broke over Veronafiere on April 6. By sunrise, the exhibition complex pulsed with energy, winemakers from Italy’s 20 regions bustling to prepare for the 57th edition of Vinitaly – the world’s most comprehensive wine event. The scent of freshly sanded oak barrels mingled with the rich aroma of espresso as Stefano Girelli, a third-generation producer from Trentino, adjusted the lighting above his family’s prized sparkling wines. “This is our Olympic Games,” he remarked, polishing a magnum of 2015 vintage. “Where else could we meet buyers from Mumbai to Minneapolis in one place?” The numbers confirmed Vinitaly’s unrivaled status: 97,000 professional attendees including 32,000 international buyers from 130 countries, with exhibition space spanning 12 pavilions housing 4,000 producers. The diversity astonished veteran attendees – from Alpine wineries pouring crisp Kerner from 1,000-meter elevations to Sicilian estates showcasing sun-drenched Nero d’Avola, representing Italy’s range of indigenous varieties. Each product had a story of place, tradition and passion.Climate Solutions Uncorked Climate change discussions dominated the opening hours. In the Piedmont consortium’s tasting room, Marco Parusso displayed satellite images comparing his family’s Barolo vineyards in 1985 versus today. “The growing season starts two weeks earlier now,” he explained, pouring a surprisingly delicate 2023 Nebbiolo harvested in mid-September rather than the traditional October window. Nearby, University of Milan researchers presented data showing how rising temperatures are altering phenolic development, with sugar levels spiking before tannins achieve optimal ripeness.Global Palates Converge The American presence remained robust despite political headwinds, with over 3,000 U.S. buyers navigating the pavilions. Chicago importer Michael O’Connor paused mid-tasting at a Puglian stand. “Five years ago, I couldn’t give Primitivo away,” he laughed. “Now my sommelier clients demand single-vineyard expressions.” The UK contingent surged 30 percent, with London wine merchant Sarah Chen noting: “Brexit paperwork finally sorted, our clients are rediscovering Italy’s depth beyond Chianti.” Emerging markets made striking impressions throughout the pavilions. Among them, a well-established Nigerian delegation deepened their engagement with Tuscan producers, building on relationships first formed at ProWein 2022. Lagos importer Adeola Oke of Terroir Africa examined a Brunello’s label while discussing Nigeria’s evolving distribution channels. “What began as curiosity about Super Tuscans has evolved into structured demand,” noted Oke, whose portfolio now represents 42 Italian estates according to Nigeria’s import registry. Their focused tastings reflected concrete growth – ICE Agency data shows Nigeria’s Italian wine imports growing 18 percent year-on-year, the fastest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Roots & Renaissance: Generations in Dialogue  The most poignant moment came in the Friuli pavilion, where nonagenarian winemaker Livio Felluga made his 50th consecutive Vinitaly appearance. His weathered hands trembled slightly as he poured a golden-hued Ribolla Gialla. “My first Vinitaly in 1974 had maybe 200 exhibitors,” he recalled. “We poured from fiasco straw baskets because nobody believed Italian wine deserved glass.” Nearby, his granddaughter previewed an experimental amphora-aged Pinot Grigio – symbolizing how Vinitaly bridges generations while driving innovation. A Japanese buyer negotiated allocations of rare Etna reds while a Brazilian sommelier conducted Instagram Live tastings. In the bustling food court, Michelin-starred chefs demonstrated pairings with indigenous grapes, like tortellini in brodo with Lambrusco’s bright acidity. The energy confirmed Vinitaly’s unique role: equal parts trade fair, cultural festival, and strategic think tank for the global wine industry’s future.The Asian Ascent The climate adaptation pavilion became an unexpected epicenter of activity on Vinitaly’s second morning. Sicilian winemaker Arianna Occhipinti stood before a 3D topographic model of Mount Etna, explaining her radical elevation strategy. “We’ve planted Carricante at 850 meters, altitudes considered absurd for quality wine when I started,” she said, pouring 2024 white with striking mineral tension. Thermal imaging displayed a 5°C temperature differential between her high-altitude vineyards and the valley floors below. Nearby, Tuscan producers demonstrated their controversial embrace of irrigation. “These aren’t your grandfather’s Chianti vineyards,” said Giovanni Ricasoli, showing moisture sensors networked with weather satellites. His team’s AI system calculates precise water needs down to individual vines – delivering as little as 10ml/hour through subcutaneous tubing. The resulting 2023 Gran Selezione showed remarkable freshness despite Tuscany’s record drought. The scientific program showcased compelling research bridging ancient wisdom and modern enology. Dr. Matteo Bordini’s team from the University of Bologna presented their 2024 study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, which used CT scanning and microscopic analysis to examine Roman amphorae from the 1st century AD. Their findings confirmed how the clay’s natural porosity influences micro-oxygenation – a quality modern winemakers are rediscovering through qvevri fermentation. During a well-attended tasting session, participants compared amphora-aged Verdicchio with steel-fermented counterparts, observing the former’s distinctive honeyed texture that mirrored characteristics found in ancient wine residues. The Asian market breakout sessions drew standing-room crowds, reflecting what ICE Agency data confirms as a 27 percent increase in Italian wine imports to China since 2021. Shanghai-based importer Li Wei presented case studies showing Italian wines gaining market share among younger consumers.’Millennials account for 62 percent of our premium Italian purchases,’ he noted, displaying sales figures that revealed Amarone’s 300 percent growth after educational campaigns about appassimento. While France remains China’s top wine supplier with €1.2 billion in annual imports, Italy’s €430 million footprint shows particular strength in major cities – a trend SommJournal Asia attributes to ‘narrative-driven consumption’ among professionals under 40. India’s presence signaled remarkable potential. Mumbai-based Rajiv Malhotra detailed how Italian wine education programs are creating sophisticated consumers. “Our wine clubs now host blind tastings comparing Barolo crus,” he said, showing photos of Delhi events where attendees identified six Italian white varieties correctly. Yet obstacles remain daunting – import duties reaching 150 percent force creative solutions like partnering with luxury hotels for by-the-glass programs. Next-Gen Visions The North American pavilion hummed with strategic planning as importers adapted to shifting global trade dynamics. Chicago-based importer David Goldstein of Vinum Importers shared his proactive approach: “We’re diversifying our portfolio with more small-production wines from Campania and Sicily

Anamika In house curator (WSCI) Wine & Spirits Club of India Have you ever competed in a contest that paired brains and bouquets together? Where tiaras become symbols of genuine vino intelligence, rather than just appearances? I’m obsessed with the annual ‘Wine Princess and Queen’ competition Germany has been rocking for nearly a century. This is about honoring young women with a real passion and comprehensive knowledge of all things wine, so forget your usual beauty contests. Might this be the most exciting, empowering way to increase wine knowledge all over? I believe that this is a brilliant idea.This is not some fleeting trend or a short-lived idea. Originally meant to advertise German wines and the gorgeous regions they hail from, the German Wine Queen custom began in 1931. Picture a lively effort to give the product a new, intelligent personality in a period when appreciation of wine would have seemed somewhat formal. Over the decades, it has evolved into a well-respected platform honoring true knowledge in viticulture, enology, and the broader wine world.So, how does one become part of this majestic lineage of grape lovers? At the regional level, the journey starts. Many would-be “wine royalty” have close ties to their neighborhood wine industry or come from wine-growing families. The selection process entails live presentations of interviews, blind tastings, and even spontaneous speeches, all before a live audience! The winner is typically accompanied by two Wine Princesses, forming a vibrant team to promote their region.However, the genuine crown jewel (pun intended!) is the national contest. Just the regional queens have the opportunity to compete for the title of ‘German Wine Queen’. This is very impressive. The top contestants have to meet a demanding two-part exam. They’re first grilled by a panel of professionals in German and English on everything from grape varieties and winemaking techniques to the most recent market trends and politics of the wine business. Under the close supervision of a national audience and a demanding jury, the top five then go on to a live broadcast finale. During this, they handle blind tastings, give impromptu speeches, and work together on group projects.Once crowned, the German Wine Queen, together with her two Princesses, set off on an amazing year. They go to hundreds of events domestically and internationally, becoming the official national representatives for German wine. They lead advanced wine tastings, represent at world trade fairs including Prowein, act as judges at elite wine contests, and interact with everyone from average consumers to top industry experts. It is a frenzy of learning, networking, and enthusiastic support of the quality and variety of German wines. Best of all? True knowledge and a deep-seated passion for the grape are what it’s all about.To truly understand this tradition, we spoke with Julia Lambrich, a sharp and eloquent Wine Princess who recently dazzled at Prowein 2025. Her story embodies the dedication behind this unique German institution. “My family runs a winery in Oberwesel,” Julia shares warmly. “We’re fourth-generation winemakers. My brother and I – my grandparents both worked in this sector.” For Julia, wine isn’t just a career; it’s a family legacy.She admits, “After high school, I studied Molecular Biology but realized it wasn’t for me. I switched to International Wine Business at Geisenheim University. Post-graduation internships at a South Tyrol winery and a major German wine cellar eventually brought me back to our family winery, where I now focus on marketing and sales.” Her diverse background gives her a well-rounded perspective.What’s the magic of wine for Julia? “What I particularly like is that you have the opportunity to create your product and tell your story afterward,” she says enthusiastically. “The position of a winemaker is quite flexible – you could be in the vineyards, in the office, on the road, in the cellar… The wine bubble is kind of a large family. For me, wine is like a toast to a unique occasion; it is all about people, happiness, and aptitude. And every wine is unique, so there’s always so much to learn.”Family plays a central role in Julia’s journey: “My parents own the vineyards, my brother studied Viticulture and Oenology, and we all pitch in. My father and brother handle the cellar and vineyards, my mother manages the office and our small restaurant, and I oversee marketing and sales.” This close-knit collaboration reflects the deep connection to the land often seen in Wine Queen and Princess candidates. Julia credits Geisenheim University for her growth. “Geisenheim is renowned for wine studies; few programs offer such specialized training. The ‘International Wine Business’ program covered viticulture, enology, marketing and sales.” This foundation proved invaluable when she competed for the Wine Princess title.She explains, “In Germany, we have wine queens and princesses at three levels: local, regional, and national. Village-level roles focus on representation, while regional and national tiers demand advanced wine knowledge and public speaking. Only regional queens can compete for the German Wine Queen crown.””If you want to become a wine ambassador for a wine-growing region, the election is more intense,” she recalls. “You’re quizzed extensively on wine, and you must deliver spontaneous speeches and public wine tastings.” Her road to becoming a Wine Princess was proof of her knowledge and passion “Princesses work as a team, attending countless events, but only one is crowned queen.To become the German Wine Queen, you must first win at the regional level. The national election includes written exams in German and English, followed by a live TV finale with blind tastings, speeches, and group tasks, up to 13 candidates compete.” Julia said, “The good thing is meeting so many different people and attending many events. We often see government officials and business contacts. You grow personally by visiting all 13 German wine-growing regions, spending three days per week exploring vineyards, trying the local cuisine, and discovering each area’s specialties.”Julia’s story, like the Wine Queen tradition itself, offers a compelling illustration of how to develop wine knowledge and esteem in an interactive and empowering