Historic Record for Italian Wine
Staff Writer - February 4, 2007
 For the first time ever, the Italian wine exports to the US reached one billion dollars in value in 2006.
In 1975 Italy passed France for the first time as major US importer in quantity, however it never reached the record value attained last year. This exciting result is due in part to the growing success of the Italian lifestyle which, after conquering markets worldwide with high quality clothing and fashion, has now landed on the dinner tables of restaurants and private houses around the world.
In fact, there are many new eateries everywhere whose cuisine is Italian or inspired by Italy. Sometimes the dishes are fairly close to the original, but more often the recipes are 'interpreted' by local chefs, in order to please local tastes. In any cases, original or 'interpreted', Italian cuisine is unimaginable without wine.
To be honest though, the growing appreciation of Italian wines on the international market is mostly due to the quality and variety offered by the Italian wine industry. This is thanks to the around 350 native vines, most of which are not cultivated anywhere else in the world. As international consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and sophisticated, the attraction they feel toward new varieties and tastes is definitely growing.
That said, we must point out that at the top of the exports there are such wines as Cavit and Santa Margherita Pinot Grigios, or wines that, though are made in Italy, are crafted for the North American palate. Another example of 'interpretation' and good marketing.
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