Diversity of Italian wine celebrated in IWSC results

Italy has proved itself once again as one of the most diverse and exciting wine regions of the world, as the IWSC awards not only the most famous wines with its top medals, but also a series of unusual wines from the country’s smaller regions.  

The IWSC’s Italian results this year are really a celebration of regional Italy, with strong results throughout the entire country demonstrating the sheer wealth of wine produced. Italy alone grows over 1,000 grape varieties, and indigenous varieties are found in every region, making the country globally renowned for its diversity of wine. 

Particular highlights from the IWSC’s latest release include awards for Italy’s more unusual wines, especially in the northern regions. Piemonte winery Broglia received the highest medal of Gold Outstanding for its Gavi DOCG del Comune di Gavi Vecchia Annata 2009, a notably older vintage of 100% Cortese. IWSC judges said “the balance between fruit and acidity is exceptional for a wine of this maturity, that still tastes so fresh. Great development and winemaking showing in this seriously good wine.”

Cantina Valle Isarco’s Kerner Aristos 2016, produced in the mountains of northeast Alto Adige, was also awarded a Gold Outstanding, with judges noting that “wines from this cross of Riesling and Schiava varietals are rarely seen outside Alto Adige, and production is limited, but on the evidence of this little gem it should be encouraged.”  

Further south, Cielo E Terra won a Gold medal for its Gran Maestro Bianco I.G.T. Puglia 2017, an unusual and interesting appassimento-style chardonnay/fiano blend, which judges described as “pale lemon in colour with incredibly aromatic nose of lemons, candy peel and also some smokey notes. Complex and long finishing, there is weight to the palate, a real richness held in check by the acidity and citrus fruit characters.” 

Other notable wins include five medals for Valpolicella’s Ripasso wines, along with four of Amarone, as well as two Silver Outstandings from the small Tuscan region of San Gimignano DOC for Paretaio 2014 and Vigna a Solatio Riserva 2014.

IWSC General Manager Adam Lechmere said “Italy truly is a wine-lover’s paradise. From the luscious rolling meadows of Friuli in the north to the volcanic slopes of Etna, a thousand kilometres to the south, every corner of this marvellous country has its unique vinous heritage.  

“The IWSC reflects this cornucopia of wine both complex and rustic, our judges giving top medals to wines from Alto Adige, Emilia-Romagna, Puglia, Piemonte, the Marche, Sicily and Sardinia, and all points in between. It’s impossible to be Italian and not have wine in your blood– literally, in most cases. What a country.” 

Today the IWSC will be attending Bellavita in London – the leading Italian food and beverage trade show – to celebrate the release of the country’s 2018 results.

Search the full winner’s listing here. 

Featured image: Broglia Società Semplice Agricola