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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG launches Regional Guide with Wine Folly
22 December, 2022
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG launches Regional Guide with Wine Folly
UNESCO World Heritage Wine Region is the 1st Italian sparkling wine Region Guide
December 22, 2022 - The Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is pleased to announce that it has sponsored a Region Guide for Wine Folly, the leading digital wine education platform. This is the first comprehensive digital guide to Prosecco Superiore. Featuring over 190 wineries, and its 3000+ growers, the wine loving public now has a one stop resource guide for exploring this region, considered Italy's crown jewel of sparkling wine.
Topics covered include the history of the region, its terroir, its wineries and wines, travel options and more. Meant to be a global reference for both trade and consumers, Wine Folly enjoys an audience of over 20 million worldwide. The Global Wine Database feature of Wine Folly will allow Prosecco Superiore lovers to find technical information, historical backgrounders, updated wine tech sheets, information on winemakers, owners, multi-generational families and more as they explore this region in depth.
According to Wine Folly CEO, David Gluzman, "Wine Folly Wine Region Guides are the best way for consumers to discover new wine regions and wines. Sparkling wine has been made in this region since the late 1800s, always with an eye to safeguarding quality and tradition. Now you can explore Conegliano Valdobbiadene from your phone, anywhere on earth!"
The Director of the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Dr. Diego Tomasi states of the collaboration, "Education and research have been at the heart of our appellation since its creation in 1969. We have just celebrated our 60th anniversary and we are excited to bring this comprehensive guide to our international audience. Our wines can be found in 150 countries, and the global reach of Wine Folly is a perfect partner for continuing our dedication to inform and delight our fans and those new to the nuances of our region."
Some of the fun facts highlighted by the Wine Folly team and shared in the guide include:
The hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's a 40-minute drive from Venice.
People have been growing grapes here since 1220.
100% of the wine made in this DOCG is white.
97% of the wine made here is sparkling.
Glera is the most planted grape and was called “Prosecco” until 2009.
The area under vine is 21,500 acres (8,710 ha).
Over 7,000 people work in the Prosecco Superiore wine industry.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.
The Consorzio is a private body created to represent vine-growers, winemaking companies, and bottlers from Conegliano Valdobbiadene and to safeguard the standards of what are now the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their work is focused on three major areas: protection, promotion, and sustainability. They improve sparkling production methods, help and training and supervise all stages of winemaking to guarantee the quality of this outstanding, Italian viticultural region. Prosecco Superiore exports to over 130 countries.
Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations to earn D.O.C recognition, obtaining the D.O.C.G. status in 2009. These sparkling wines come from the historic area of Prosecco production, a unique, hillside terroir that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated in the northeast of Italy, between Venice and the Dolomites (at the foothills of the Alps), offering a mild, temperate climate ideal for grape growing, producing serious food wines with pairing versatility, showcasing a range of different styles, aroma, and flavor characteristics.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it/en to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
For interviews, imagery, or more information, please contact:
Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates: kcharles@charlescomm.com or (415) 730-0064 www.charlescomm.com and All the Swirl on Instagram
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The 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG debuted two new projects
14 December, 2022
The 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG debuted two new projects – Green Academy and Wine Tourism Lab – which will enrich the Consortium’s activities with new strategic instruments for its members, the region and the community.
Solighetto, December 2022 – At Villa Brandolini, on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the birth of the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, two new projects were presented, of which the first, the Green Academy, will be an incubator for research, studies, content and new ideas that will enable producers to work in an ever more structured, consolidated and concrete way for the sustainability of the region.
The creation of the Green Academy marks an important point in the continuum that the Consortium has been pursuing for at least a decade, with an eye towards the future and the enhancement and conservation of the environment, of the landscape, and of viticulture.
“We are proud and highly motivated to proceed in this direction: the Green Academy offers a path which will allow us to take full advantage of our knowledge in collaboration with experts in the various sectors that this subject involves” states the Consortium’s President, Elvira Bortolomiol. She continues: “Our zone and our community are precious gifts, and it is for their benefit that we have the duty to avail ourselves to the best of our ability of our expertise and the resources we have, so as to be able to offer a real contribution to our terroir and also be a point of reference for other regions”.
“Our Green Academy will study the most urgent topics that the global environmental agenda has to deal with, and then tailor them for our zone,” says Diego Tomasi, Director of the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco. “First of all, climate change: we are already working together with Banca Prealpi and the University of Cantabria, with the objective of creating models for forecasting any extreme atmospheric events that may occur in our hills between the present and 2030, 2050 or even 2100”.
A group of internationally renowned Egyptologists has studied, specifically for the Consortium, how the Ancient Egyptians succeeded in cultivating vines in extreme climatic conditions; their research goes as far back as 3000 years B.C.. The complete results, expected in mid-2023, may give concrete clues for putting mitigatory actions into effect on our hillsides. “But we’re already doing something tangible with regard to drought,” Tomasi adds, “by focusing our attention on recuperating, conserving and reusing rain and spring water.” Indeed, in the 5th tender for our supply chain, which was presented very recently, the Consorzio included a specific, generous sum for financing the creation of small basins designed for collecting water from corrivation; the University of Padua will be responsible for this activity. Moreover, the plan is to recuperate water diverted from the Piave river, an activity which the Consortium is working towards in conjunction with the Municipalities in the Denomination, trade bodies, and the Association for Reclamation of the Left Bank of the Piave.
Another important topic with regards to sustainability is land use, which will be dealt with by the Green Academy thanks to the creation of a permanent observatory. As of today, the area of the Denomination is used 30% for viticulture, 57% for woodland, 9% is destined for other uses and 4% for urban use. There therefore exists a rich biodiversity (one of the reasons that the zone was able to gain recognition from UNESCO), and this must be protected. A feasibility study has already begun, in close cooperation with other partners (the Municipality of Valdobbiadene, Coldiretti, Banca Prealpi, the UNESCO Association), for traffic that totally excludes the transport of goods on large trucks or in traditional rail wagons.
To deal with these subjects, the Consortium has for some time now been reinforcing its know-how, especially in the technical department.
The Consortium’s consolidated activities in terms of environmental health continues, such as the partnership with the Symbola Foundation and updating the Viticultural Protocol. In particular, belonging to Symbola, an organisation that has grouped together for several years now, includes Italy’s outstanding businesses and other bodies to promote their quality and support their sustainable behaviour, is very much in line with the Consortium’s goals.
A further objective of the Consortium is to involve the new generations, to whom the future of this Denomination will be entrusted. That is what lies behind the idea of the Wine Tourism Lab, whose dual objective is to function as a link between the various professional figures in the region and at the same time create greater awareness among young people of the wider opportunities that this zone will offer in the years to come. Not just with wine but - alongside it - also with its landscape, beauty, health, food, leisure and nature; all elements that blend together in a single concept: wine tourism.
The Consortium is therefore taking on the role of promoter of activities aimed at also expressing the quality of our terroir through the cultural and educational development of the generations that will be called upon to run the Conegliano Valdobbiadene zone as a whole. We must have a wider and more far-sighted vision of the Denomination’s potential, while being aware that Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG will always represent the flagship of these hills and that it is the wine that will give rise to new economic opportunities.
The Consortium is now laying the foundations for giving the stakeholders in the region increasing competence in dealing with visitors, especially as regards hospitality that highlights the winemaking heart of the region. To achieve this objective, it will be necessary to concentrate on training all the professional figures involved so that the level of what is offered stands out for its high profile and its ability to be constantly in touch with the times.
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the private body, founded in 1962, that guarantees and controls adherence to the production regulations for D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The sparkling wines produced on the hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the Province of Treviso, obtained Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1969 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita in 2009. The production zone includes 15 municipal areas: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor and Valdobbiadene. The Consortium, whose current President is Elvira Bortolomiol, has its headquarters in the village of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo. It groups together 198 sparkling wine producers, 337 vinifying companies and 3,400 families of vine-growers, all of whom are involved in producing Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates principally in three areas: protection and promotion of the product, both in Italy and abroad; encouraging knowledge of the product through educational activities and the organization of events; and relations with the press. It also offers technical assistance to its members, from the vineyard to the winery.
Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG will be at Prowein 2022
12 May, 2022
Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG will be at Prowein 2022Solighetto, Italy - May 12, 2022 - From May 15-17, 2022 the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG will be in Düsseldorf, Germany for Prowein, attending with 24 wineries.
Notable launches and events:
Masterclass on 16th May with Sommelier & Journalist, Sebastian Bordthäuser*
Launch of the 2021 vintage
The German market is second only to the UK for both volume and value: in 2021 exports to Germany increased to 7.6 million bottles (+10.5%) and 47.2 million euros (+10.4%). Exports to the UK increased to 9,6 million bottles (+18,2%) and 50 million euros ( +7,5%).
These figures reflect the investment of the Consorzio in sustained and innovative programs of education and promotion in key export markets with the objective of communicating the differentiating style and quality of their denomination.
The Consorzio will launch the 2021 vintage at Prowein. Characteristis of the 2021 growing season started with temperatures slightly above average, followed by a mutable spring with variable temperatues and rainfall. Summer, on the other hand, was stable. June was exceptionally warm. The resulting wines express a well-balanced Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore profile with pleasing acidity and expressive fruit character.
Visitors to the stand (D05 Hall 15) can also learn more about the denomination and its unique subzones and categories, including Rive and Cartizze. There will also be a wide range of wines from the newest style types, Sui Lieviti and Extra Brut.
A masterclass on Rive and Cartizze will be led by Sebastian Bordthäuser on May 16th at 2pm at Meininger Verlag Stand Halle 4 / A 20. The class will conducted in the German language only. Registration is at the door and no prior sign up is required.
For more information on the Consorzio and its growers and producers, please visit www.prosecco.it.
For more information on Prowein 2022, visit https://www.prowein.com/
For U.S. journalists attending the event who would like to arrange a visit to the booth, please contact the U.S. marketing agency for the region, Charles Communications Associates, Ashley Petersen at ashley@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.
Diego Tomasi Appointed as New Director of Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
15 November, 2021
Diego Tomasi Appointed as New Director of Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
November 15, 2021, Solighetto – The board of directors of Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG is proud to announce Diego Tomasi as its new director, following the election of President Elvira Bortolomiol.
"We are extremely pleased with this new appointment. We have dedicated the first months of our mandate to the search for a figure who could fill this important position" announces the newly elected President Elvira Bortolomiol "There are many challenges and opportunities that we need to undertake,” continues the President, "the authoritative profile of Diego Tomasi and his knowledge of the denomination, together with his scientific expertise, will be the strong points on which to base the work that awaits us.”
Diego Tomasi is a renowned researcher at CREA-VE (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics- Veneto, Italy) an expert on the terroir of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, and has now accepted the position of director at Consorzio di Tutela. After decades of study, and research, Tomasi has recently been awarded a special mention by the OIV (Organization Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin) for his publication on the origin of the quality of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG wines.
"I am ready to commit myself alongside the President and the entire Board of Directors" states Tomasi, "I am motivated, above all, by the competence of my new colleagues, a precise vision of the denomination, and the prestige of the role I am going to play. Climate, soils, the quality of our grapes, tradition, human endeavours, and the landscape are just some of the elements that will have to be studied, in order to raise the international recognition of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, to an even higher level," he explains. "I am very excited to make my experience and scientific expertise available to the Consorzio and the Denomination, as well as the climate change, the demand to meet green challenges imposed by the European community and enhancing the unique landscape of our hills and its Rive sites. Tomasi, adds, "this unique landscape has always been the subject of my studies and it will be combined with UNESCO recognition in order to collaborate with the Association for the Heritage of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, on strategies for monitoring, and enhancing the value of the area in accordance with the UNESCO’s guidelines.”
The future looks bright, as newly appointed director, Diego Tomasi, is fully equipped to take on his endeavors, with a team of thirteen dedicated staff eager to collaborate using the most cutting-edge tools in the industry.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.
The Consorzio is a private body created to represent vine-growers, winemaking companies, and bottlers from Conegliano Valdobbiadene and to safeguard the standards of what are now the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their work is focused on three major areas: protection, promotion, and sustainability. They improve sparkling production methods, provide assistance and training, and supervise all stages of winemaking to guarantee the quality of this outstanding, Italian viticultural region. Prosecco Superiore exports to over 180 countries.
Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations to earn D.O.C recognition, obtaining the D.O.C.G. status in 2009. These sparkling wines come from the historic area of Prosecco production, a unique, hillside terroir that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated in the northeast of Italy, between Venice and the Dolomites (at the foothills of the Alps), offering a mild, temperate climate ideal for grape growing, producing serious food wines with pairing versatility, showcasing a range of different styles, aromas, and flavor characteristics.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing.
Please socialize with us @CharlesComm on Twitter, and @AlltheSwirl on Instagram and Facebook.
For interviews, imagery, or more information, please contact:
Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates: kcharles@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463.
The Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG announces results of the 2021 harvest
7 October, 2021
The Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG announces results of the 2021 harvest.
October 7, 2021, Solighetto - The Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG announced this week the successful conclusion of harvest 2021. It kicked off in mid-September in the Conegliano area and moved westward towards the heroic territories around Valdobbiadene around the end of September, concluding on October 3rd for the entire region.
The denomination concludes the most important moment of the year resting on the solid foundations of its most recent successes. More than 64 million bottles have been certified to date in 2021, and given the reduced yields of 2020, now the region is back to normalizing the production quantities laid out in the regulations.
"We are really pleased with the positive results that the denomination has achieved both at the close of 2020 and in 2021,"states Elvira Bortolomiol, President of the Consorzio di Tutela - "The analysis of the fruit in the vineyard assures us of a vintage that we will remember for its quality. We are proud of the work that all the winegrowers have achieved again this year. Our commitment shows not only our passion for wine, but also for the land, which is our most precious asset.
Meteorological trends in 2021
From a meteorological point of view, 2021 was a cool year compared to the last 15 years; for this reason, the development of the vines and consequently the ripening of the grapes were significantly delayed, about ten to twelve days for each phenological phase.
A cool spring carried on through April and May, with rains in May falling evenly throughout the region. In contrast to previous years, the summer months of June and July were less rainy and this had the advantage of having to deal with less disease in the vineyards. The vines yielded healthy bunches of grapes, which avoided sunburn or dehydration. The range of temperatures in August and a cool start to September led to good levels of acidity, which is essential for obtaining top quality sparkling wines with a marked freshness.
Harvest operations began in the southeastern zone, on the slopes most exposed to the sun, and then moved towards the northwest during the month of September. Given the characteristics of the terrain, marked by very steep slopes and ups and downs that are difficult for machinery to access, in Conegliano Valdobbiadene 600/700 hours per hectare per year of manual work are required, compared to an average of 150/200 hours per hectare in the flat areas, where mechanization is advanced. For this reason, the heroic harvest represents the moment of maximum ingenuity of the area's wine growers and is a time honored tradition that among other factors, distinguishes its DOCG status.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.
The Consorzio is a private body created to represent vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Conegliano Valdobbiadene and to safeguard the standards of what are now the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their work is focused on three major areas: protection, promotion, and sustainability. They improve sparkling production methods, provide assistance and training and supervise all stages of winemaking to guarantee the quality of this outstanding, Italian viticultural region. Prosecco Superiore exports to over 180 countries.
Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations to earn D.O.C recognition, obtaining the D.O.C.G. status in 2009. These sparkling wines come from the historic area of Prosecco production, a unique, hillside terroir that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated in the northeast of Italy, between Venice and the Dolomites (at the foothills of the Alps), offering a mild, temperate climate ideal for grape growing, producing serious food wines with pairing versatility, showcasing a range of different styles, aromas and flavor characteristics.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. Please socialize with us @CharlesComm on Twitter, and @AlltheSwirl on Instagram and Facebook.
Photo Credit: Arcangelo Piai
For interviews, imagery, or more information, please contact:
Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates: kcharles@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463.
Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG announces appointment of new President Elvira Maria Bortolomiol
23 July, 2021
Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG announces
appointment of new President Elvira Maria Bortolomiol
Solighetto, Italy July 23, 2021- The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG recently announced the election of their new President, Elvira Maria Bortolomiol. Ms. Bortolomiol is the first female President in the history of the Consorzio and was unanimously elected by the board. The role of President revolves every 3 years and is always led by a producer of the Consorzio.
Of her position, she states "I am very honored to have been elected president of the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG." "I was born into a family that has seen the history of Prosecco grow in the world and has been a part of it. There are still many challenges ahead of us, the territory in which we have our roots requires it because it must be protected and enhanced in terms of landscape and environmental sustainability and the competitiveness of the global market requires it, which as we have already experienced, rewards the excellence of our product. The next few years will be an exciting stimulus to continue the promotion and communication of the Denomination in Italy and worldwide."
The focus for the Consorzio in the coming years will be to continue to build on the quality image of the denomination, through communications campaigns, and fairs and events for trade and consumers, both in Italy and abroad. The region was designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO two years ago, and the Consorzio will be continuing with its focus on conservation of the landscape and - in line with UNESCO values - ensuring its protection for future generations in a way that allows both nature and community to thrive. Another key objective is to ensure the sensitive and sustainable development of growing tourism and eno-tourism in the territory.
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG was founded in 1962 as a private entity to guarantee and oversee compliance with the production regulations of Prosecco Superiore DOCG. The sparkling wine produced in the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene (TV) was certified Controlled Denomination of Origin in 1969 and Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin in 2009. The production area includes 15 municipalities: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor, and Valdobbiadene. The Consorzio, currently chaired by Innocente Nardi, is based in the town of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo, and brings together 192 sparkling wine cellars and 442 winemakers. The Denomination includes a total of 3400 families of the territory that are engaged in the production of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates in three main areas – the protection and promotion of the product in Italy and abroad-, by promoting knowledge through training, event organization, and public relations. Finally, it provides technical assistance to consortium members that covers all aspects, from the vineyard to the cellar.
For media interviews, images and further information, contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates, kcharles@charlescomm.com, or 415-730-0064.
An invitation from the Producers’ Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. to join #AtTableWithUs #ATavolaConNoi
21 May, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charles Communications Associates
Kimberly Noellle Charles, DipWSET
cell 415-730-0064 press@charlescomm.com
www.charlescomm.com
An invitation from the Producers’ Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. to join #AtTableWithUs #ATavolaConNoi
A toast to Your Favorite Restaurants
San Francisco, CA, May 21, 2021– The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. launched a national campaign in Italy and now in the U.S. called "A Tavola Con Noi" or "At Table with Us." Following the successful 2020 #SparkleAtHome campaign which encouraged bubbly lovers in the U.S, to start their evening with a glass of wine to lift the mood during Shelter in Place, now that indoor dining options are slowly coming back, the At Table with Us campaign encourages people to support their favorite restaurants and to consider pairing their food with the ever versatile sparkling wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
Among the many sectors affected by the pandemic, the hotel, restaurant and catering businesses are the most closely linked to wine. And while diners and restaurants are still having to exercise caution and safe practices for dining, the Consorzio created the campaign to show support whether it's onsite dining or take away food. In the U.S. 15 million people are employed by the restaurant industry, 1 in 10 workers. As a result of the pandemic, the losses in jobs amount to 3 million in the U.S. or 20% total. There has never been a more critical time to support our community.
During the pandemic, sales of sparkling wine enjoyed a robust growth, largely attributable to consumers no longer putting off consumption for special occasions only. The sparkling wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore offer an enticing quality/price ratio for those who enjoy the wine as an aperitif or with the meal.
To support restaurants across the country, we are recommending pairing Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore with your favorite dishes, and the versatility of these wines make them suitable for a wide range of cuisines. On May 15th, the campaign will officially be kicked off in U.S. social media, and we encourage you to take a photo of your preferred Prosecco Superiore with a pairing of your favorite dish and share it with the hashtag #AtTableWithUs
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G., is the flagship wine of the Veneto region in Italy, and it is most representative of the high elevation winegrowing area, having always been synonymous with the start of the meal as an aperitif , and now foodies are discovering its versatility throughout the meal.
Let's share this beverage from a storied place, designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2019 - a beverage which is both personal and collective – with our communities on our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts: #AtTableWithUs.
For more information on the region, its wines and history, please contact Charles Communications at press@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064 www.charlescomm.com.
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the private body, founded in 1962, that guarantees and controls adherence to the production regulations for D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The sparkling wines produced on the hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the Province of Treviso, obtained Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1969 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita in 2009. The production zone includes 15 municipal areas: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor and Valdobbiadene. The Consortium, whose current President is Innocente Nardi, has its headquarters in the village of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo. It groups together 182 sparkling wine producers and 480 vinifying companies. For the Denomination, this means that there are 3,400 local families involved in producing Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates principally in three areas: protection and promotion of the product, both in Italy and abroad, encouraging knowledge of the product through educational activities and the organization of events, as well as relations with the press. It also offers technical assistance to its members, from the vineyard to the winery.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. 2021 VITICULTURAL PROTOCOL
28 April, 2021
Charles Communications Associates
Kimberly Noellle Charles, DipWSET
cell 415-730-0064
kcharles@charlescomm.com
www.charlescomm.com
Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Giulia Pussini – cell. +39 348 6838284
Giulia.pussini@prosecco.it
www.prosecco.it
2021 VITICULTURAL PROTOCOL
Advances in best practices for vineyard management in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene zone
114 Companies with SQNPI certification
The ITAca fixed plant and the "Vecchi Ceppi" Old Vines project
The New Edition of the Viticultural Protocol is an opportunity to see progress and results in sustainable viticulture
Solighetto, Italy April 27, 2021 – The eleventh edition of the Viticultural Protocol of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. was presented recently. This document was drawn up by a commission of experts presided over by the Producers’ Consortium. It is customarily distributed to the Consortium members in order to promote and protect the production zone and the beauty of its countryside. Ever since its first edition, the goal of the Viticultural Protocol has been to encourage more environmentally friendly vineyard management, which is largely due to a reduction in the use of plant health products and the corresponding integration of agronomic practices that are more respectful of the area and its landscape. This is a commitment that has evolved and become more refined over the years, making agriculture in the zone increasingly more sustainable.
“The Viticultural Protocol is a set of guidelines for the vine-growers which, year after year, we fine-tune as a result of our knowledge and research into the best possible agricultural practices for our area,” declares Innocente Nardi, President of the Producers’ Consortium. “We want it to be more than just a simple list of recommended substances for managing their vineyards and give our members a real handbook that can offer them effective support and point them towards practices that have increasingly less environmental impact. The results of this awareness-raising project can also be seen in the increasing number of our members who have obtained S.Q.N.P.I. (National Quality System for Integrated Production) Certification. As of today, 114 of our associate companies have certification; in 2019 there were 35. By the end of 2029 all the companies in the Denomination should be certified."
To make reading the Protocol easier, in each chapter the chemical substances that are particularly useful for resolving the most common problems faced by the vine-growers have been highlighted. These are followed by an easy-to-consult list of products currently available and, lastly, more detailed articles have been included which deal with the most urgent topics in the field of protection against the most aggressive diseases and insects that are to be found in the Denomination, such as grapevine leafroll virus, flavescence dorée, and mealybugs. In conclusion, the Protocol insists on the adoption of methods of cultivation that are more compatible with the health of the vineyard, such as sexual confusion (whereby small diffusers are hung, containing natural insect pheromones to confuse pests) and hand-mowing of grass between the vine-rows.
The new Viticultural Protocol maintains one of its principal functions, in other words putting the grower in a position to choose which methods to use for managing their vineyard, whether chemical or organic, based on the real time needs of the vines and of the field itself in any given moment. For this purpose, technological data-collection instruments have been operating for some time now which constantly “photograph” the vineyard conditions (i.e.the use of mini weather stations, publication of agronomic bulletins for the members, etc.). The status in the vineyards is conveyed by the Consortium to the growers so that they can choose the most appropriate action to take on their land, as well as the one with the lowest environmental impact.
Apart from the Viticultural Protocol, there are other projects targeted towards environmental sustainability
The Viticultural Protocol was created as a body of guidelines, but also as a stimulus for a radical change in the growers’ environmental awareness. The sensibility that the dissemination of the Protocol has generated can be measured in the growth of agronomic projects that seek to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural practices.
S.Q.N.P.I. Certification
The Certification project began in 2019 and has as its goal to make the Denomination increasingly sustainable by means of S.Q.N.P.I. (National Quality System for Integrated Production) Certification of the vineyard-owning companies in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. denomination.
This is a certification system that takes into account all the means used for production and for protecting crops from adversities, so as to reduce the use of synthetic chemical substances in the vineyard and validate proposed fertilization practices through the science of soil analysis. For all intents and purposes, this certification signifies a change in environmental awareness. It guarantees integrated vine protection in the zone. In order to obtain and maintain certification, certain control activities are required, above all analysis – on a significant sample of grapes that one has grown – that seeks to monitor adherence in one’s use in the vineyards of permitted plant health products (i.e., those authorized by the Veneto Region.)
All the companies that turn grapes into bottled wine are eligible for certification. As a result, they will have the possibility to use the S.Q.N.P.I. “bee” logo on their products. Viticulturalists, too, can participate in the project, and they will also be eligible to put up signs with the “bee” logo in their vineyards which have certification. All of the above will also be entitled to use the logo that identifies S.Q.N.P.I. certification on their websites, social media, and publicity material. Valoritalia s.r.l. works alongside the Consortium as the certifying body.
“ITAca” and “Vecchi Ceppi”
ITAca (Innovazione Tecnologica e Ambientale per la gestione dei trattamenti nella viticoltura eroica- Technological and Environmental Innovation in the management of treatments in “heroic” vineyards), in collaboration with the University of Padua and the Veneto Region: a project whose objective is to increase the environmental sustainability of viticulture and support growers’ ability to operate in a profitable manner.
A fixed system, active in the Scandolera vineyards at Vidor, allows for pest control on two of the most common training systems, pergola and sylvoz, facilitating the work of wine growers in vineyards located on steep hillsides, where machines cannot be used. It interfaces with the LA.VI.PE platform to improve phytoiatric forecasts and the volumes of treatments to be applied, based on leaf development. The ITAca project also includes a centralized data collection on treatments so that one can have a statistical basis, both for evaluating their correspondence with the protocols and so that the data can be used from an epidemiological point of view.
The “vecchi ceppi” or Old Vines project, began in 2014 and year after year, is gradually giving positive results, has as its objective to safeguard the biological diversity of the vines in the area by means of multiplication from twelve 100+ year old vines which have been identified and selected, and which will be tested with the aim of becoming actual clones in the near future. The objective on which the Consortium has set its sights, is to provide the members with the opportunity to plant clones derived from these 100+ year old vines and so maintain the uniqueness of the region's wines also in the years to come.
Also, in support of the vine-growers’ sustainable activities, a project has been initiated in the region to try out pelargonic acid, a naturally formed herbicide, creating a test zone to be placed under observation and from which to obtain field research, which will be certified by the Consortium.
The development of the Viticultural Protocol, in brief
The first edition of the Viticultural Protocol was published 11 years ago, and since then it has acquired ever greater importance for the members as well as for vine-growers in other parts of Italy.
The exclusion of all those formulas that contain products based on Folpet, Mancozeb and Dithianon dates back to 2013, and the same was true in 2016 for various other substances that the current laws would have allowed to be used. In 2018 a decision was taken by the local administrations to forbid the use of glyphosate. In 2019 this ban came into force, again ahead of the regulatory framework for the rest of Italy or Europe, thus making Conegliano Valdobbiadene the largest zone in Europe to have banned the use of the most controversial chemical substance of recent years, which continues to be employed in a great many Italian and European agricultural areas.
Today the Viticultural Protocol is a document that encourages the grape growers to evolve towards organic or at least more sustainable practices, and it is the cornerstone of the sustainability activities of the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G.
About Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G.
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the private body, founded in 1962, that guarantees and controls adherence to the production regulations for D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The sparkling wines produced on the hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the Province of Treviso, obtained Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1969 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita in 2009. The production zone includes 15 municipal areas: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor and Valdobbiadene. The Consortium, whose current President is Innocente Nardi, has its headquarters in the village of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo. It groups together 192 sparkling wine producers, 442 vinifying companies and 3400 families of vine-growers who are involved in the production of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates principally in three areas: protection of the product; its promotion, both in Italy and abroad, furthering knowledge of the product through educational activities, the organization of events and relations with the press; and, lastly, it offers technical assistance to its members, from the vineyard to the winery.
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2020: A Record Year for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
11 March, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415-701-9463 | press@charlescomm.com
2020: A Record Year for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
92 million bottles of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG were certified in 2020, matching 2019’s record
Solighetto, Italy March 11, 2021- The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG recently released its annual report for the year 2020. In a year characterized by many challenges, the Consorzio was pleased to announce that 92 million bottles were certified- meeting the same level as 2019 which was record setting at the time. By focusing on product quality, the reputation of the denomination, and safeguarding the heritage of the territory, the region was able to thrive in a time of economic challenge globally.
“We concluded 2020 with excellent results, which is particularly significant considering the year that we had. It wasn't easy, but we have achieved truly an unprecedented feat. The companies of the denomination have proven their ability to adapt to adversity, while having to abide by the strict measures that are enforced, and the threatening situation of the marketplace, especially in spring” said Innocente Nardi, President of the Consorzio di Tutela. “The final result is attributed to a strong recovery in December, which saw an increase in certifications compared to previous years, and that offset the poorer results in the more difficult months of 2020."
This result underlines the close relationship between the producers and the marketplace. The companies as a whole, had to adapt to a dramatic change in sales channels globally with the on premise market suffering due to temporary and permanent closures. Both in Italy and abroad, on premise and catering account for one third of consumption in volume, and more than half in value for sales. The overall growth in volume was in fact due to the repositioning of the product in off premise channels as well as through e-commerce.
"The 2020 results confirm our ability as producers" - commented President Nardi - "to bottle an excellent wine produced with the masterful knowhow originating in the wonderful territory rich in heritage which we have cultivated in a sustainable way. This is a territory that has not only been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its interaction between man and nature, but which is also the largest glyphosate-free cultivated area in Europe."
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG was founded in 1962 as a private entity to guarantee and oversee compliance with the production regulations of Prosecco Superiore DOCG. The sparkling wine produced in the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene (TV) was certified Controlled Denomination of Origin in 1969 and Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin in 2009. The production area includes 15 municipalities: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor, and Valdobbiadene. The Consorzio, currently chaired by Innocente Nardi, is based in the town of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo, and brings together 192 sparkling wine cellars and 442 winemakers. The Denomination includes a total of 3400 families of the territory that are engaged in the production of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates in three main areas – the protection and promotion of the product in Italy and abroad-, by promoting knowledge through training, event organization, and public relations. Finally, it provides technical assistance to consortium members that covers all aspects, from the vineyard to the cellar.
For press inquiries , interviews and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064
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The Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Reports on 2020 Harvest
26 October, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com | (415) 701-9463
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Harvest 2020: A Great Success in Both Quality and Value
Solighetto, October 26, 2020 – In the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG appellation, the 2020 harvest has successfully completed. In a year characterized by the COVID-19 crisis and the various challenges related to it, this harvest helped restore a sense of optimism, particularly with respect to the impressive quality of the grapes brought to the cellar.
This growing season was characterized by mild and dry climatic conditions up to the beginning of summer, with alternating days of rainfall and moderately warm periods thereafter. In fact, thanks to the hills' morphology, which consist of very steep slopes and good sun exposure for the vineyards, potentially harmful excess moisture was avoided. Mild weather brought sunny days and cool breezy nights which are ideal for keeping the grapes in optimal condition before they are brought to the cellar. These meteorological conditions led to a gradual evolution and ripening of the fruit on the vine right up to harvest and helped ensure that the enticing and signature floral and fruity aromas of the Glera grape were captured in vinification. The harvest will most likely be defined by the distinctive flavors and aromas that differ between the two extremes - the northwest and southeast of the appellation - a phenomenon that typically occurs in cooler years.
"This year's harvest presented a considerable and completely new challenge." said Innocente Nardi, President of the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, "We set about our work knowing that we still have many challenges ahead of us, and this is why the Consorzio has adopted policies that embody an approach of "healthy" focus, which will guarantee the Denomination's quality and value in the market.”
In a year such as this, the winemakers have made an even bigger effort than usual in order to guarantee that the vineyards and the resulting quality of the wines received the required care. Harvest started in the southeast area on the slopes with the largest sun exposure and gradually moved westwards before climbing the cooler embankments of the Valdobbiadene slopes, where the characteristics of the land necessitate what is called “heroic harvesting,” which requires a mastery cultivated over generations of local practice. The grapes harvested at the two extremes of the Denomination will result in equally diverse wines, demonstrating the exceptionality of the Glera vine. Glera is capable of revealing a wide range of characteristics, from the ripest fruits to white flowers, from less to more notable acidity, all the while maintaining flavors that reflect the diversity of the terrain.
On the steepest embankments of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene territory, between 600 and 700 hours of manual labor are required per hectare every year, compared to an average of 150-200 hours per hectare in flat areas that can be accessed by machine harvesting. It is for this reason that 'heroic' harvesting represents the ingenuity of the region's winemakers. ‘Heroic’ viticulture perseveres by promoting quality, not quantity.
From the northwest area we expect wines with pleasantly fresh green apple and herbal notes resulting from this area's exposure. While from the south-east we foresee wines that taste that exhibit more exotic fruit notes of apple and pear, which are typical aromas of Prosecco Superiore. Overall, the vintage promises a balance between floral and fruity aromas, with a note of acidity which gives the wines their characteristic freshness. It will therefore be a year characterized by the aromatic floral typicity of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, bringing out the characteristics that make it a sparkling wine loved by consumers all over the world.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.
The Consorzio is a private body created to represent vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Conegliano Valdobbiadene and to safeguard the standards of what are now the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their work is focused on three major areas: protection, promotion and sustainability. They improve sparkling production methods, provide assistance and training and supervise all stages of winemaking to guarantee the quality of this outstanding, Italian viticultural region. Prosecco Superiore exports to over 130 countries.
Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations to earn D.O.C recognition, obtaining the D.O.C.G. status in 2009. These sparkling wines come from the historic area of Prosecco production, a unique, hillside terroir that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated in the northeast of Italy, between Venice and the Dolomites (at the foothills of the Alps), offering a mild, temperate climate ideal for grape growing, producing serious food wines with pairing versatility, showcasing a range of different styles, aroma and flavor characteristics.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. Please socialize with us @CharlesComm on Twitter, and @AlltheSwirl on Instagram and Facebook.
For interviews, imagery, or more information, please contact:
Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates: press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463.
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces Master Classes in Collaboration with Italian Wine Central
14 October, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14 2020
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com | (415) 701-9463
***MEDIA ALERT***
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces Master Classes in Collaboration with Italian Wine Central
3 Virtual Master Classes for Distributors Will Be Held This Fall
October 28th November 11th December 2nd
WHO: The Consorzio of vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Italy’s Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, was established to safeguard the standards of what eventually became the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their mission is to increase the recognition of D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore and its nuanced, complex, world-class sparkling wines. The United States is the 4th largest importer of Prosecco Superiore, and the Consorzio hopes to further engage its audiences while introducing new sparkling wine lovers to the D.O.C.G. category.
The aim of the U.S. campaign, as always, is to educate the trade and public about everything Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. has to offer - regionality, authenticity, and high standards in winegrowing and winemaking. Understanding the nuances of high elevation winegrowing, regional variation between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the typologies of the wines from the region on a dryness scale, the Martinotti method among many other production cues helps the gatekeepers in the trade share the tremendous selling points of the region, particularly with its great price to quality ratio.
WHAT: The Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG invites you to a webinar showcasing the elegant sparkling wines from the historical heart and pinnacle of Italy’s Prosecco Superiore region.
This specially curated tasting is aimed at continuing to educate the trade about these nuanced, complex and extreme value sparkling wines. In 2020, Prosecco Superiore is up in value 16% and in volume 17% globally while the US claims the 4th largest importer spot. We’ll discuss strategies for participating in this trend as we approach the holiday period and plan for 2021.
In these interactive sessions, Geralyn Brostrom of Italian Wine Central will be joined by one of Prosecco Superiore DOCG’s expertly trained sommbassadors. They will delve into: the nuances of high elevation winegrowing and high standards in winemaking, regional variation between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the typologies of the wines on a dryness scale, selling points of the region, with a focus on its great price to quality ratio, and how to hand sell Prosecco Superiore to different customers.
The Consortium is able to provide samples to the first 25 people who sign up, but all are welcome to join! Samples cannot be received for more than one class. If you’re interested in attending let us know by emailing Kristen Rinck at kristen@charlescomm.com.
Master Class – For Wine Trade Only
Join Geralyn Brostrom and Jennifer Wagoner - Wine Director, Sepia and PROXI, Chicago, IL - for a one-hour Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore presented on Zoom.
Wagoner’s love of sparkling wine fueled an interest in Prosecco Superiore that lead to her being named an ambassador for the Prosecco Superiore DOCG in 2019. “Prosecco Superiore DOCG is an appellation that warrants serious discussion and study,” she says. “The wines have a story to tell. Nothing makes me happier than introducing something new and exciting to guests and allowing them to create a narrative of their own. These wines have the ability to do that.”
WHEN: October 28th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: The class will be held via Zoom.
Join Geralyn Brostrom and Iris Rowlee - Wine Director, Octavia and Frances, San Francisco, CA - for a one-hour Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore presented on Zoom.
Rowlee’s passion for Italian wine and deep knowledge of Italy’s plethora of diverse varieties and landscapes parlay into her work. She strives to bring consumers new explorations in Italian wine, something they might not expect or have discovered on their own. “It’s about broadening the human experience,” says Rowlee, “and the rich history, variety of terroir, compelling human stories of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. provide the perfect opportunity.”
WHEN: November 11, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: The class will be held via Zoom.
Join Geralyn Brostrom and Amy Thurmond - Beverage Manager at Carne Mare in New York, NY- for a one-hour Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore presented on Zoom.
Last year, Thurmond was excited to be named the New York brand ambassador for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. “I love that the Prosecco Superiore DOCG has very high standards for quality—most of the region is hand-harvested and the grapes are treated with care and respect. I’m particularly fond of the Rive wines, with their ‘heroic’ vineyard sites and steep slopes, they bring a beautiful minerality and complexity to the wine,” says Amy.
WHEN: December 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: The class will be held via Zoom.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
About Italian Wine Central
Geralyn Brostrom has been an educator in one form or another throughout her life. After 20 years in multiple wine industry channels, from wineries to retail to import, Geralyn’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and she started Italian Wine Central. The development of the Italian Wine Professional program represents the synergy between two of her passions: helping others learn and the allure of Italy.
Italian Wine Central (IWC) is the leading English-language source of accurate, up-to-date information about Italian wine, recognized as a leading voice for Italian wine in the United States. IWC’s resources include italianwinecentral.com, two educational programs, and several editions of the manual Into Italian Wine.
Connect with Italian Wine Central on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, or visit their Website to learn more.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. Please socialize with us @CharlesComm on Twitter, and @AlltheSwirl on Instagram and Facebook. Visit the website at www.charlescomm.com
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Virtual Events for the Summer
14 July, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21st, 2020
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com | (415) 701-9463
***MEDIA ALERT***
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. 2020 Communications Campaign for U.S. Audience
Virtual Events for the Summer
WHO: The Consorzio of vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Italy’s Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, was established to safeguard the standards of what eventually became the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their mission is to increase the recognition of D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore and its nuanced, complex, world-class sparkling wines. The United States is the 4th largest importer of Prosecco Superiore, and the Consorzio hopes to further engage its loyal audience while introducing new sparkling wine lovers to the D.O.C.G. category.
The aim of the U.S. campaign, as always, is to educate the trade and public about everything Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. has to offer - regionality, authenticity, and high standards in winegrowing and winemaking. Understanding the nuances of high elevation winegrowing, regional variation between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the typologies of the wines from the region on a dryness scale, the Martinotti method among many other production cues helps the gatekeepers in the trade share the tremendous selling points of the region, particularly with its great price to quality ratio.
Series of Master Classes – For Wine Trade Only
Past Events:
June 29th: Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore hosted by Jon McDaniel via Zoom
July 20th: Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore hosted by Anthony Giglio via Zoom
Upcoming Events:
WHERE: Please email kristen@charlescomm.com for seminar link. The class will be held via Zoom. Currently, the class is subscribed for samples, however trade are most welcome to join.
WHAT: Join Master Sommelier Alpana Singh for a one-hour Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore presented on Zoom. You'll learn about the region, situated in the heart of the larger Prosecco DOC region in the Veneto, the different typologies and styles of Prosecco Superiore, and how these wines earn their DOCG status. Instructor Alpana Singh will focus on the single "crus" of Prosecco Superiore, including Rives, Cartizze and single-vineyard wines. This class will help you explain how Prosecco Superiore differs from Prosecco DOC and help you sell to your customers.
This free Master Class is presented by the Consortium of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The Consortium is able to provide samples to the first 30 people who sign up, but all are welcome to join!
WHEN: August 10, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: Please email kristen@charlescomm.com for seminar link. The class will be held via Zoom.
Happy Hours – For All to Enjoy
WHAT: Consumer-focused edutainment Happy Hours with noted author and TV personality and author Leslie Sbrocco. Take a “sipping trip” through the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore region, exploring the elements that set Prosecco Superiore apart, how Prosecco Superiore is enjoyed locally and what it might be like to visit one day!
WHEN: July 15th and July 29th. Airing on Instagram at 5:00pm PST/ 8:00pm EST and Facebook at 5:30pm PST/ 8:30pm EST
WHERE: @lesliesbrocco on Instagram and Facebook
Stay Tuned for Updates
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.
The Consorzio is a private body created to represent vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Conegliano Valdobbiadene and to safeguard the standards of what are now the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their work is focused on three major areas: protection, promotion and sustainability. They improve sparkling production methods, provide assistance and training and supervise all stages of winemaking to guarantee the quality of this outstanding, Italian viticultural region. Prosecco Superiore exports to over 130 countries.
Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations to earn D.O.C recognition, obtaining the D.O.C.G. status in 2009. These sparkling wines come from the historic area of Prosecco production, a unique, hillside terroir that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated in the northeast of Italy, between Venice and the Dolomites (at the foothills of the Alps), offering a mild, temperate climate ideal for grape growing, producing serious food wines with pairing versatility, showcasing a range of different styles, aroma and flavor characteristics.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. Please socialize with us @CharlesComm on Twitter, and @AlltheSwirl on Instagram and Facebook.
For interviews, imagery, or more information, please contact:
Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates: press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463.
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces 2020 U.S. Communications Campaign
18 June, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com | (415) 701-9463
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces 2020 Communications Campaign for U.S. Audience
SAN FRANCISCO, June 18th 2020 The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. is pleased to announce its 2020 communications program for the United States. The Consorzio of vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Italy’s Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, was established to safeguard the standards of what eventually became the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their mission is to increase the recognition of D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore and its nuanced, complex, world-class sparkling wines. The United States is the 4th largest importer of Prosecco Superiore, and the Consorzio hopes to further engage its loyal audience while introducing new sparkling wine lovers to the D.O.C.G. category.
Coming on the heels of the recent economic report wherein it was reported that close to 44% of the volume of the region is exported, with the U.S. accounting for close to 250,000 cases and a growth in value of 5% from 2018 to 2019 totaling close to $14 million, the future looks bright for the American market. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a 27% increase in volume in the off-premise in the U.S. with consumers enjoying more wine at home.
The aim of the U.S. campaign, as always, is to educate the trade and public about everything Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. has to offer - regionality, authenticity, and high standards in winegrowing and winemaking. Understanding the nuances of high elevation winegrowing, regional variation between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the typologies of the wines from the region on a dryness scale, the Martinotti method among many other production cues helps the gatekeepers in the trade share the tremendous selling points of the region, particularly with its great price to quality ratio.
While Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. wines tend to be priced slightly higher than traditional Prosecco, the wines are still immensely affordable given the quality, making them desirable for a range of trade and consumers. Their versatility and lower alcohol by volume are also in keeping with today’s trends towards lighter alcohol and more diverse cuisines being enjoyed at the American table.
The trade campaign includes a series of three master classes with noted sommeliers and wine experts Jon McDaniel (June 29), Anthony Giglio (July 20) and Alpana Singh (Aug. 10) along with consumer-focused edutainment Happy Hours with noted author and TV personality and author Leslie Sbrocco on July 15 and July 29 and author and wine educator Karen MacNeil.
Other educational outreach includes a WEVO Tastings seminar (June 18) on the wines of the region conducted by educator Liz Barrett and master classes for WSET Diploma level students. A focused ad campaign highlighting the theme #SparkleAtHome encouraging the support of restaurant takeout to pair with Prosecco Superiore at home, along with a general campaign focused on the region is part of the 2020 plan.
For the third consecutive year, the Consorzio will be working with select ambassadors in key markets to activate online education for the trade, as well as act as social and traditional media spokespeople. The press campaign includes a sampling program, social media engagement centered around the #sparkleathome hashtag and ongoing press outreach. The press campaign includes a sampling program, social media engagement centered around the #sparkleathome hashtag and ongoing press outreach.
“After a very challenging start to the year in Italy, we are pleased to support one of our stronger export markets with ongoing education and programming," says Innocente Nardi, President of the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. “We are pleased to see America continues its strong desire for top quality sparkling wine, now perhaps more than ever.”
The list of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. wineries that will participate in the U.S. communications campaign include Adami, Andreola, Anna Spinato, Bellenda, Biancavigna, Bortolomiol, Ca’ Di Rajo, Canevel, Ciodet, Col Sandago, Col Vetoraz, Colesel, Conte Collalto, Drusian, La Farra, La Gioiosa, La Marca, La Tordera, L’Antica Quercia, Le Colture, Le Vigne di Alice, Marsuret, Masottina, Mongarda, Perlage, Prapian, Riva Dei Frati, Ruggeri, Sommariva, Tenuta Degli Ultimi, Trevisiol, Val D’Oca, Valdo, Villa Sandi and Vinicollina Tesini.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.
The Consorzio is a private body created to represent vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Conegliano Valdobbiadene and to safeguard the standards of what are now the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their work is focused on three major areas: protection, promotion and sustainability. They improve sparkling production methods, provide assistance and training and supervise all stages of winemaking to guarantee the quality of this outstanding, Italian viticultural region. Prosecco Superiore exports to over 130 countries.
Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations to earn D.O.C recognition, obtaining the D.O.C.G. status in 2009. These sparkling wines come from the historic area of Prosecco production, a unique, hillside terroir that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated in the northeast of Italy, between Venice and the Dolomites (at the foothills of the Alps), offering a mild, temperate climate ideal for grape growing, producing serious food wines with pairing versatility, showcasing a range of different styles, aroma and flavor characteristics.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. Please socialize with us @CharlesComm on Twitter, and @AlltheSwirl on Instagram and Facebook.
For interviews, imagery, or more information, please contact:
Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates: press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463.
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Announces 2020 Viticultural Protocol
27 May, 2020
Contact: Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463
The 2020 Viticultural Protocol: New Steps Forward for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.’s path toward sustainability
Presentation of the 2020 Edition of the Viticultural Protocol of the Producers’ Consortium for the Denomination
Solighetto, Italy May 2020 – In spite of the current crisis that has immobilized much of Italy’s economic fabric, nature has not come to a standstill, nor has the Consortium’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. It is in this spirit that the denomination recently presented the 10th edition of the Viticultural Protocol, the document that each year, proposes and promotes an increasingly scrupulous system for managing the vineyards which enhances the protection of the vines.
“This year we have produced the tenth edition of the Viticultural Protocol which, after the numerous goals we have set and attained – most recently the innovative and bold banning of glyphosate – is proceeding in an even more deliberate manner along the path of integrated pest management,” states Innocente Nardi, President of the Consortium. “In the last 10 years, the Consortium has been able to analyse various vineyard conditions with advanced technical instrumentation that is designed for our unique growing area. Moreover, thanks to the professionals who make up our technical staff, we can offer increasingly efficient support to our members in the management of their vineyards.”
Following its widespread appellation-wide ban on the use of glyphosate, effective as of 2019, and thanks to the cooperation with the municipal governments within the Denomination, Conegliano Valdobbiadene is the largest zone in Europe to manage vineyards without this herbicide. Today the Consortium continues its activities of scientific observation of the zone, analysis of the gathered data, and development of strategies to assist its growers, in order to develop an ever-greater commitment toward environmental sustainability. One of the key functions of the Viticultural Protocol is to put the farmers in a position to choose what methods to use for managing their vineyards – whether organic or not – based on the real needs of their vines and soils at any given moment. To do this, the Consortium has made available technological instruments for gathering data that constantly photograph and document the activity in the vineyards (using small weather stations, publishing agronomic bulletins for the members, etc.) The real-time condition of the vineyards is transmitted by the Consortium to the growers so that they can choose the most appropriate action (notably with the least environmental impact) to take onsite.
The Various Stages of the Viticultural Protocol
The first edition of the Viticultural Protocol was published in 2011, and since then it has gradually become a point of reference for the denomination’s members, as well as for grape growers elsewhere in Italy. It is the cornerstone of the sustainability activities of the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G.
The Viticultural Protocol is a document aimed at the Consortium’s members to promote in the community of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene the importance of sustainability in the management of the vineyards. The Protocol is optional and the Consortium cannot intervene if its guidelines are not followed. Nevertheless, it is a policy that has also been positively received by local administrators.
The objective of the Viticultural Protocol is to gradually eliminate practices and chemical substances that are considered to have too great an impact on the environment – even if they are still permitted under Italian and European regulations – and, conversely promote potential, less invasive forms of agriculture, setting the stage for swifter progress toward sustainability.
The exclusion of amendments that contain the substances of Folpet, Mancozeb and Dithianon dates back to 2013, and the same was true in 2016 for various other substances that the current laws would have allowed.
S.Q.N.P.I. Certification
2019 was the year in which the S.Q.N.P.I. (Sistema Qualità Nazionale Produzione Integrata) Certification project was launched for the growers in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Denomination. This certification system takes into consideration all of the methods used in the production and defense of crops against adversities, works on reducing the use of synthetic chemical substances to a minimum in the vineyards, as well as regulating fertilization practices.
In order to obtain and maintain this certification, control activities have been put in place, such as numerous analyses of the grapes being grown, in order to ascertain the actual amount of use of chemical substances in the vineyard.
Certification has been seen as a great opportunity for the zone and for the individual growers. Many growers now understand the greater potential value of the product when it is certified. Forty of the member companies immediately joined the Consortium’s certification project, encompassing an area of 575 hectares. In addition, there are several viticultural estates and cooperatives that applied independently for certification.
All of the wine-producing and bottling companies may participate in the project, and thus have the possibility to use the bee logo on their products. Vine-growers may also take part and will be able to put up signs with the bee logo in their certified vineyards. All of the above, moreover, will be able to use the identifying logo of SQNPI certification on their websites, social media and publicity material. The Consortium is assisted by Valoritalia s.r.l. as its certifying body. Valoritalia is the leading company in Italy authorized by MiPAAF (Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies), for the control and certification of wines with Denomination of Origin. Since its establishment in 2009, Valoritalia has set itself the ambitious goal of contributing to the growth of the wine system, to guarantee to the consumer the quality and origin of the wine through the control of every stage of production, from the vineyard to the bottle.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the private body, founded in 1962, that guarantees and controls adherence to the production regulations for D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The sparkling wines produced on the hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the Province of Treviso, obtained Denomination di Origin Controlled status in 1969 and the Denomination di Origin Controlled e Garantita in 2009. The production zone includes 15 municipal areas: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor, and Valdobbiadene. The Consortium, whose current President is Innocente Nardi, has its headquarters in the village of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo. It groups together 182 sparkling wine producers and 427 vinifying companies. For the Denomination, this means that there are almost 3,500 local families involved in producing Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates principally in three areas: protection and promotion of the product, both in Italy and abroad, encouraging knowledge of the product through educational activities, and the organization of events, as well as relations with the press. It also offers technical assistance to its members, from the vineyard to the winery.
For more information, interviews, images and inquiries for the U.S. market, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Experiences the Best Year in its History
22 May, 2020
US PR Agency: Charles Communications Associates
415.701-9463 | press@charlescomm.com
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Experiences the Best Year in its History
2019 a record year - 92 million bottles sold and revenue up close to 2 percent
First quarter of 2020: the retail sector prevails during COVID-19 crisis
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. up 16.8 percent in value and 18.6 percent in volume
Future prospects: the strength of the brand, the added value of UNESCO status and the post-COVID-19 measures will draw numerous visitors to the Denomination
Solighetto, May 21 2020 – The 2019 economic data for the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Denomination were released in recent weeks in a video conference. Participating were: Innocente Nardi, President of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G.; Vasco Boatto, Professor of Economics and Farming Policy at the University of Padua and in charge of the District’s Research Center; Eugenio Pomarici, Professor of Economics and Farming Policy at the University of Padua and Scientific Director of the Economic Report; Simonetta Melis, Client Service Senior Manager at IRI Infoscan; and Enzo Risso, Scientific Director of SWG, an Italian market survey specialist.
Their findings outlined the overall picture in 2019 - and the positive results that were achieved – as well as insights on the first few months of 2020 and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis as it related to the region. Apart from having had an immediate effect on consumption patterns, there is a general consensus that consumers are reaching for these wines, eager for a great quality and price ratio during a challenging economic time. “We are experiencing an unprecedented moment in history, which is threatening the entire world and all of its production sectors,” stated Innocente Nardi, President of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. “But in this difficult scenario we are proud to have reinforced the strength and unity of our Denomination, which can now face this crisis with the expertise and experience that culminated during our 50th anniversary in 2019 in record economic results: 92 million bottles sold and further growth in value terms of 1.2 percent.”
The Economic Results for 2019
Thanks to a particularly generous vintage in 2018, the bottles produced and sold in 2019 totalled 92 million, the largest number since the creation of the Denomination in 1969 and the overall revenue increased by 1.2 percent for the 2018 harvest. This goes to show a progressive recognition in the marketplace of the quality of the wines, resulting from the focused activities and messages to promote the product and the Denomination carried out by the Consortium. The total number of bottles sold of sparkling Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. corresponds to just under 50 million, with a value of around 296 million Euro, destined for the Italian market (56.3 percent), and almost 39 million bottles, with a value of about 202 million Euro, destined for international markets (43.7 percent). Exports are growing due to the producers’ desire and ability to reach new markets where demand is increasing, whereas domestic consumption in Italy is contracting slightly as a result of their commercial strategy of targeting the more quality-led on-premise channel to a greater degree, rather than the discount retail channel.
The added value of the Denomination: wine tourism and sustainability
The strong image that the Denomination projects beyond its boundaries is evidenced by the growing economic value garnered by Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The promotion of the Denomination and of sustainable programs on the part of the wineries and growers has contributed to increasing this value proposition, found in both the terroir and the bottle. A more progressive, welcoming hospitality at the wineries is now ubiquitous, and the individual wineries are developing and investing in tourism, both in terms of onsite offerings and a dedicated and educated staff.
In 2019, 460,000 visitors came to the Denomination, registering an increase of 13 percent compared to 2018 and 45 percent compared to 2010. The wineries in the Denomination are reaping the rewards of their hard work and are seeing a return on the investments they have made in the area of hospitality. The economic results reveal a total spend by wine tourists that has grown by 25 percent compared to 2018. Also, the amount spent by each individual visitor has increased, to just under 90 Euro per person.
Alongside wine tourism, which now appears to be well consolidated, an incentive for further growth for the region and its wines is the prestigious recognition that has been granted by UNESCO, which bore witness to the unique character of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The beauty and distinctive nature of this area are preserved with even greater pride and dedication by the growers and wine producers, the vast majority of whom now adhere to the Viticultural Protocol drawn up by the Consortium. In terms of adoption of the protocol by the producers within the consortium, 72.6 percent are increasing the well-being of employees in their workplace, 60.3 percent have attended best practices training to further improve the quality of the grapes, and 55 percent are embracing renewable resources.
Analysis of the international market
After a 2018 that had seen a contraction in exports, 2019 saw significant growth in sales abroad, both in volume (+ 17.2 percent) and in value (+15.8 percent), with rates well above the global market average.
Of absolute importance is the growth in UK imports, which grew by 80 percent in value and substantially doubled in volume, reaching a record 12.7 million bottles sold. Also important was the dynamic in Germany where, despite an overall decrease in the imports of international sparkling wines, the volumes and in particular values (+ 7.5 percent) are growing, showing an orientation towards higher quality products. This phenomenon is also found in the USA, with greater accentuation since in this market only values grew (+ 4.9 percent) out of a total of more than 2.8 million bottles sold.
Among the new importers, the performance of Central Eastern European countries is particularly positive, with growth rates reaching 46 percent in value and 49 percent in volume for Central European and Baltic countries (Poland, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia).
Exports to Latin America also increased (+ 24.5 percent in value and + 23.5 percent in volume), repeating the double-digit growth already recorded in 2018. As regards Asia, there was significant growth (+ 60.6 percent in value and + 76.6 percent in volume) in South East Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, East Timor, Brunei, Burma), consolidating the trend already observed in previous years.
Prospects for the future
A summary of the 2019 statistics underscores that the Denomination, thanks to its production structures, expertise, commercial relationships and the overall solidity of its business, will be able to overcome the crisis in the marketplace that the COVID-19 epidemic has caused worldwide. The synergy between the activities linked to the production of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore and the social fabric of the Denomination will be an invaluable support in the months to come.
From the experience of past crises – even though not comparable to the current one in terms of global impact – one can deduce that quality will once again prevail, because demand will be more selective and those consumers who choose Conegliano Valdobbiadene will continue to do so, as long as the product delivers on all fronts. It is anticipated that there will be trade ups on the part of consumers, turning towards the categories of Rive and Cartizze, and the sustainable tenets and UNESCO heritage status of the Denomination, bodes well for the commitment to quality for the long term.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the private body, founded in 1962, that guarantees and controls adherence to the production regulations for D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The sparkling wines produced on the hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the Province of Treviso, obtained Denomination di Origin Controlled status in 1969 and the Denomination di Origin Controlled e Garantita in 2009. The production zone includes 15 municipal areas: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor, and Valdobbiadene. The Consortium, whose current President is Innocente Nardi, has its headquarters in the village of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo. It groups together 182 sparkling wine producers and 427 vinifying companies. For the Denomination, this means that there are almost 3,500 local families involved in producing Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates principally in three areas: protection and promotion of the product, both in Italy and abroad, encouraging knowledge of the product through educational activities, and the organization of events, as well as relations with the press. It also offers technical assistance to its members, from the vineyard to the winery.
For more information, interviews, images and inquiries for the U.S. market, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.
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