This week watch out for tasting notes on some Marche wines with real longevity and 21 top Tuscans that seem to bloom quite young – JR
Days before the publication of Italy's most powerful wine guide, Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia, information on the most important winners of the coveted Tre Bicchieri (three glass) awards has been leaked to the press. Sceptics claim that the leak has been orchestrated by Wine News and the guide's editor Daniele Cernilli in an effort to build up momentum for its latest release.* The 2010 edition will be the first after the Slow Food movement severed its ties with Gambero Rosso, its publishing partner since the first edition in 1987. Slow Food decided to terminate its longstanding partnership after Gambero Rosso's founder, Stefano Bonilli, was unexpectedly fired in what looked like a political reshuffling of the cards, with Cernilli taking over Bonilli's position. Since then, Gambero Rosso has had to fight financial woes as well as allegations of subjectivity and nepotism in their tasting procedures.
The beginning of October is traditionally the period in which many wine guides launch their latest versions, including L'Espresso's I Vini d'Italia, Duemilavini of AIS, the Italian Sommelier Association, and I Vini di Veronelli, whereas Slow Food's eagerly awaited new Italian wine guide is still to be announced.
Below are the results of Gambero Rosso's special awards:
Winery of the year: Bruno Giacosa of Piemonte
Red wine of the year: Antoniolo, Osso San Grato 2005 Gattinara
White wine of the year: Clelia Romano, Colli di Lapio 2008 Fiano di Avellino
Sparkling wine of the year: Cavit, Altemasi Graal Brut Riserva 2002 Trento
Producer of the year: Gianfranco Fino of Puglia
Sweet wine of the year: Barattieri, Albarola Val di Nure Vin Santo1999 Colli Piacentini
* 30 Sep – Daniele Cernilli denies this suggestion.
