World wines take over Umbria’s medieval gem

SPOLETO-For three days the Longobard hamlet in the Umbrian Apennines turned into a world capital of wine, welcoming hundreds of viticulturists and eno-tourists at the annual Vini nel Mondo festival. From the arcades of the medieval San Niccolo cloiser, up to the 14th-century hilltop papal fortress of Rocca Albornoziana, from the morning of Saturday, May 31 till dusk on June 2, the winding streets of Spoleto were crowded with wine enthusiasts keen to explore “the spirit of wine” through a range of tasting sessions, cooking shows, concerts, and workshops with some of Italy’s most expert oenologists.

 With millions of visitors taking part in its previous editions, this year’s event featured many new additions to the already jam-packed programme, with the newly launched Vini nel Mondo Awards, honouring some of the most outstanding personalities in the world of winemaking, as one of its highlights.

 “Quality food and wine are a universal language which does not require interpreters,” said Franco M. Ricci, president of the Italian Sommelier Foundation and editor of BIBENDA wine magazine, co-hosting the event, under the patronage of the Italian Agriculture Ministry and Milan EXPO 2014. “Just like music, theatre and all noble arts. Wine is love, pleasure and culture for all.”

 “It is an honour and a duty for us to be here in Spoleto, because for 26 years we have been sharing with the world the emotion and knowledge that each wineglass contains,” explained Mr Ricci.

 Among the protagonists of Spoleto’s wine festival was oenogastronomy star Gianfranco Vissani, author of cookbooks, restaurant owner and host of his own television show, who shared his passion for unique regional products in a gourmet class held in the Palazzo Collicola.

 “I have always fought for re-appreciation and rediscovery of genuine taste and for the exclusive use of quality products in the kitchen,” said Mr Vissani. “Globalisation has unfortunately made us forget that knowledge and the tastes of the past. This needs to change, otherwise Italy as a whole will lose a lot.”

 Over the weekend, the more persevering attendees could embark on a tour around Europe following a diverse wine itinerary through some of the most characteristic wine producing regions of the continent. The stops on the way included tasting sessions featuring globally renowned Bordeaux and champagne varieties, but also less known but all the more interesting wines of Italy’s Val d’Aosta, Benevento, and, of course, Umbria.

 “Our main objective is to organise a big event, where the public can meet the producers in an original way,” explained Alessandro Casali, honorary president of the Arte Gusto e Cultura Association, which promotes the event, “Also, to contribute to nurturing the culture of wine and quality, with special attention to responsible drinking, especially with regards to the young.”

 Spoleto’s Palazzo Collicola was also chosen to host the award ceremony Saturday evening, with dozens of Italy’s wine makers and experts gathered to see their colleagues - including viticulturists Marinella Basilica and Fernanda Cecchini, chef Gianfranco Vissani, but also one of the event’s patrons, Croatia’s ambassador to Italy Damir Grubiša - receive special Vini nel Mondo 2014 awards in recognition of their commitment to cultivating and promoting the centuries-old tradition of producing high quality wine all around Italy.