Demystifying Italian Wine with IEEM’s Simply Italian

Simply Italian. It’s not that easy to present Italian wine in a simple way. Just to begin, Italy is a country with nearly 600 native grapes. There are 331 DOC’s, 118 IGT’s, and 76 DOCG’s * within the 20 Italian regions. Never mind how many producers there are or the volume of wine that gets exported internationally every year. To comprehend the Italian wine industry is difficult and at times, overwhelming. However, that’s what International Event Management IEM (and then IEEM, the US component) sets out to do.

Somehow rather seamlessly, as if simple, they bridge the oceanic divide between Italian wine producers and the rest of the world. Simply Italian and other IEM events take place in key food and wine destinations. Primarily wine buyers, professionals, and writers attend IEM and IEEM events. Here’s a recap of the Miami edition of the Simply Italian seminars presented alongside a trade walk around tasting and Federdoc Aperitivo and Dinner held on February 7^th.

Don’t Call Me Muscat! This is Moscato d’Asti

Presenter: Lyn Farmer

There’s something about Italian pride that you must love. Thus, the title of this seminar says it so well. Sweet wine is often associated with cheap wine. You know what we mean — ‘Two Buck Chuck’? However, when speaking about Moscato d’Asti, Lyn Farmer points out: “Piemonte is a cultural terroir. They know how to produce these wines.” We learned many things but, most importantly, to open our minds and palates to sweet wines and embrace ‘simply’, Moscato d’Asti!

We tasted wines produced by: Fabio Perrone; Matteo Soria; Terrabianca; Vinchio Vaglio; Cantina Alice Bel Colle; Mongioia.

Federdoc: Focus on Franciacorta DOCG (Heritage and Innovation)

Presenters: Lyn Farmer, Riccardo and Gualberto Ricci Curbastro

Nothing beats the Monday blues better than three glasses filled with Franciacorta! While we patiently waited to sniff and sip, the father and son duo (Riccardo and Gualberto Ricci Curbastro) introduced us to Federdoc. The long version of Federdoc is an Italian lesson within itself. Can you say, “Confederazione Nazionale Dei Consorzi Volontari Per La Tutela Delle Denominazioni Dei Vini Italiani”? However, the organization’s outstanding branding identity campaign ensures that their name is easily remembered.

What they do, though, is most significant. For the industry, Federdoc represents and supports the Consortia with every institutional, legal, and legislative aspects. Furthermore, what seems like a complicated web of Italian wine terminology, can be ‘simply’ understood by consumers. Visit their website to learn more about the designations of origin, how to read bottle labels, and more.

We tasted the following Ricci Curbastro wines: Franciacorta DOCG Brut NV; Franciacorta DOCG Dossagio Zero Gualberto 2012; Franciacorta DOCG Satèn Brut 2006 Museum Release; Curtefranca DOC Rosso Vigna Santella del Gröm 2014; and Rontana Sangiovese DOC Colli di Faenza 2017.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: A Great Italian Red Wine

Presenter: Charlie Arturaola

When it comes to regions to visit or red wines to drink, Abruzzo often seems like the underdog. However, this unspoiled territory protects its land as much as it does the wine production. Here you are in the ‘green heart’ of Italy. The region is home to three of the most significant national parks in the country, so living ‘organically’ has always been a part of the Abruzzese lifestyle.

The Consorzio di Tutela dei Vini d’Abruzzo writes: “Abruzzo wines fully express the spirit of the region. The oenological experience is renewed day after day in the wake of tradition, with an always attentive eye on experimentation and consumer tastes.”

Here is the Renaissance of a wine region and the selections simply worth exploring! We tasted wines from these producers/Aziendas: Paride d’Angelo; Terzini; Chiara Ciavolich; Podere Castorani; Valori; and Cantine Agriverde.

Pinot Grigio DOC delle Venezie: The Seal of Wonderful Experiences

Presenter: Robin Kelley O’Connor

Refreshed by a delicious lunch and a quick review of the walk around tasting, seminar guests ended the day with eight glasses filled with Pinot Grigio! All too often, this white grape variety is like the ‘go to white wine’– a safe and readily available choice. While we can count on its appeal and food pairing ease, Consorzio Vini DOC delle Venezie aims to raise the bar.  They bring together all the operators of the production chain of Triveneto Pinot Grigio (Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trento) to guarantee and certify the quality and origin of their wine. The Triveneto area produces 85% of Italian wine production. Simply put, the first area in the world by volume.

The Pinot Grigio DOC delle Venezie produces four types of wine: Pinot Grigio (proper); Spumante; Frizzante; and Bianco. We tasted wines from these producers: Viticoltori Ponte; Bortoluzzi; Enoitalia; Casa Vinicola Sartori; Villa Sandi; Kris Winery; Cantina di Monteforte SCA; and Casa Paladin.

About IEM/IEEM

I.E.E.M. (International Event & Exhibition Management), the Miami based branch of I.E.M. (International Exhibition Management), specializes in marketing, organizing, and managing events, exhibitions, and PR for the wine industry.

The reputation for constantly delivering high quality hospitality events coupled with its consolidated network of contacts with trade professionals and international press have led it to become one of the most well-regarded Italian wine event organizers in the world.

Giancarlo Voglino and Marina Nedic founded I.E.M. in 1999. Their aim was to build on their international experience and know-how in the fields of communication, marketing, and event organization. Since then, I.E.M. has grown constantly thanks to the wide range of projects managed and the expansion of the team. In 2007, I.E.M. expanded its structure and set up its subsidiary in the USA, I.E.E.M. Its headquarters, located in Miami, offer Italian companies complete event organization services throughout the USA, Canada, and South America. The I.E.E.M. office also acts as a contact point for North and South American companies looking to promote themselves or attend trade events in Europe.

Download the Simply Italian Americas Tour catalog here.

Watch a Live in Italy Magazine interview with Marina Nedic.

You may also enjoy reading:

A Virtual Trip to Asti: A Sweet Adventure

Lisa Morales

Editor-in-Chief

Based in Miami, I am the Editor-in-Chief for Live in Italy Magazine. I am a member of the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and contributor to internationally recognized art; food and wine; and travel publications. In my free time, I love to cook and bake; take photographs; go for nature walks; and run on the beach. I am WSET 2 Certified and working on the CSW. I look forward to getting to know you! Follow Us @LiveInItalyMag 🇮🇹.