Discovering the rich variety of Italian wines at Vinitaly

A key date in the international world wine calendar, Vinitaly finally returned this April to Verona, Italy, and Hedonism Wines headed along to discover more...

What is Vinitaly?

An unmissable event for importers, distributors and buyers. Vinitaly showcases an eye-watering range of the wines of Italy, with a pavilion dedicated to the exploration of each Italian region, from Sicily to Trentino Alto-Adige. Dating back to 1967, the trade fair began as ‘Italian Wine Days’ until 1971 when it became known by today’s name, ‘Vinitaly’. Earning international status and opening its doors to foreign companies from 1978 onwards, the trade fair celebrated 50 years of Vinitaly 2016.

Each producer exhibits at their own ‘stand’ – bespoke miniature versions and expressions of the winery or vineyards, beautifully designed as gallery-come-meeting-spaces for the duration of the trade fair. Spanning four days at the Verona Exhibition Centre, this is a unique opportunity for those in the wine trade to sample and discover – new vintages, grape varieties and producers.

A Tasting with Bibi Graetz

Founded in 2000 on the idyllic hill of Fiesole looking out over Florence, Bibi Graetz’s wines are, like the eponymous producer, eccentric but marvellous. The bottles are adorned with eye-catching colourful labels designed by Bibi himself, and this vintage marks the 20th anniversary of Bibi Graetz. We were lucky enough to be taken through the latest 2019 releases…

Testamatta 2019

Showcasing the depth and elegance of Sangiovese, produced from vines aged 35-50 years old, this wine is fermented in open barriques and then aged for 30 months. “Testa matta” (Crazy head) suggests someone with a strong personality, distinctive style and creative flair. No other name could better describe Bibi Graetz’s flagship wine. The result of a combination of tradition and creativity, elevating the idea of Tuscan Sangiovese.

Colore 2019

The 20th anniversary 2019 vintage is 100% old vine Sangiovese from vines aged over 70 years old, fermented in open barriques and aged for 30 months. A wine of exquisite elegance.

Read our interview with Bibi Graetz here.

Vin Santo del Chianti

Vinitaly offers a stellar opportunity to taste a line-up of wine styles, and to see the huge variety and breadth of character that such styles can offer. We took the opportunity to delve a little deeper into the glorious world of Vin Santo, from lusciously sweet styles highly suited to dipping Tuscan cantucci biscuits, to drier, more savoury styles better matched with a rich blue cheese, and minty liquorice examples offering a welcome palate cleanser.

What is Vin Santo?

Made from a blend of varieties, usually Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia, Vin Santo is a sweet wine produced throughout Tuscany that is amber in colour. Made by the ‘appassimento’ method, from grapes that are dried off the vine and aged in barrels (for 2 years in Chianti Classico). Boasting a typical flavour profile of nutty and dried fruit notes, candied citrus peel, together with refreshing acidity and often high levels of alcohol. With only small batch production, these wines are often sold in approachable half bottle format. There is also a rare red version, based on Sangiovese called ‘Occhio di Pernice’, which translates as ‘eye of the partridge’.

What are Orange Wines?

‘Orange’ wines are white wines that have been left in contact with the grape skins over a period of time (also known as skin maceration), in a procedure more commonly used in red wine production. This skin contact gives the wine its distinctive gold or amber colour in the glass, producing typically tannic wines with wonderful herbal quality.

The production process for orange wines can involve the use of particular vessels, such as Georgian clay ‘quevri’, spontaneous fermentation, biodynamic or organic winemaking approaches and a decision to bottle without filtration.

The epicentre for orange wine production is generally considered to be the wine growing regions of Slovenia, Italy and Croatia, around the northern Adriatic Sea, together with the original homeland of wine, Georgia.

Serbia, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Georgia were all explored in the Vinitaly masterclass, showcasing a stellar line up of producers using a wide array of local and international varieties in the careful crafting of these wines, from Red Traminer and Istrska Malvazija, to Ribolla Gialla (Rebula) and Vitovska.

And not just wine…

The 2022 Vinitaly was also a platform for the many regional culinary delights of Italy, from young and fruity extra virgin olive oils to wonderfully piquant examples; and even experimental food pairing workshops with regional craft beers and Parmesan cheeses of different ages. Feeling suitably inspired? Discover Hedonism Wines’ wonderful collection of olive oils and beers. 

Photo Credits: Ennevi-Veronafiere