I couldn't go to the big show in Verona, but my friend Domenico, who is from Rome is there, and his first impressions are of immensity. Immense exhibition areas (many of them), immense numbers of wine producers (how can they all stay in business?), and immense numbers of people who work in the wine sector, directly and indirectly (no wonder prices are what they are). "Now, Terry," he emailed me, "you can understand why Italians get so obsessed with exports and succeeding in the big, richest markets like the United States, Japan and the UK. All are depending on this wine."
Domenico also paid quick visits to old friends of mine like Tony Sasa (of Enoteca Pontevecchio) and Andrea Mantengoli of La Serena of Montalcino. He said he was also impressed with the dynamic Stefania Pepe and her strepitosi (fantastic) biodynamic wines. A key selling point: no added sulfites. Only a minute quantity of naturally occurring ones.
Not much else to report yet. Domenico says he's running his legs off trying to taste this and meet so-and-so. He promises detailed reports later on, all of which will be strepitosi, I have no doubt. I just hope he'll be less lazy about taking pictures than I usually am.
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