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Accidental Enotourist
The "Vitigno Italia", or "A Vineyard Called Italy"
Bruno Petronilli - December 22, 2004

Lucky for me, my work sometimes takes me to places and events that make me feel like I'm on a relaxing vacation. This time I must  thank Maddalena Mazzeschi, a dear and precious friend who handles the public relations for a number of Italian wine estates and associations. The invitation was truly intriguing: three days in beautiful Sorrento to participate in the presentation of a new wine trade show, the first annual of "Vitigno Italia", or "Vineyard Italy".

The event will take place in Naples, from June 3rd to June 5th, at the Mostra d'Oltremare (Overseas Exhibition). The new trade show will be dedicated exclusively to wines made with the many Italian native grapes. An idea that I strongly support, knowing very well that tradition and tipicità (the word derives from "typical", however, it's probably the closest Italian word to the meaning of terroir) are precious values that must be protected from the assault of fashionable hype and commercial interests that promote a sort of MacDonaldization of the wine production worldwide. Thus I was truly glad to experience the determination of the organizers of "Vitigno Italia" and am certain that it will meet with deserved success.

With such a preamble, the weekend could only have brought lovely surprises, starting from the location. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria welcomed me with historic elegance and spoiled me throughout my stay. Between wine tasting and the tasting of the extraordinary food preparations, I was able to enjoy the relaxed and admirable placidity with great pleasure.

The wines tasted were truly numerous and it would be impossible to name them all. However, I wish to point out some gems produced in the region that so lovingly hosted me, such as Le Serole Pallagrello 2003 from Terre del Principe (Lands of the Prince), Fiano di Avellino 2003 from Di Meo, Falerno Rosso 2002 from Villa Matilde, and Aedon Fiano Passito 2003 from Villa Raiano. Above all, the most surprising wine that I  tasted was the "Passito delle Cinque Pietre" IGT Roccamonfina 2003 from Telaro, an amazing, high quality dessert wine. The list of pleasant notes, however, could go on and on.

In Italy this is a time of toasts and greetings, thus I wish to leave you with some examples of sparkling tipicità. In fact, the Moscato d'Asti wine is an Italian symbol of tradition and holidays, an all Italian aromatic, fresh delicacy. Along with my colleagues of "Spirito di Vino" (play on word that means "Divine Spirit" and "The Spirit of Wine") magazine I tasted the best Moscato d'Asti labels for the Christmas issue of the magazine. Kindly, the director allowed me to pass our team "suggestions" on to WineCountry.IT readers.

Happy holidays from your Accidental Enotourist.

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