I sure as hell don't want to descend to the level of news aggregator, but I thought you should know this too.
According to an item in yesterday's Roman newspaper, La Repubblica, exports of Italian wine to the US continued to rise at a good clip, year on year, in the first quarter. Sales volume increased by 18.3% while value rose by 18.1%. For the quarter the value of Italian wine imports was $145.4 million, higher than the absolute volume leader, Australia. The volume of Italian wines was second to Australia's (304 hectolitres vs. 370 hl from Down Under, although a quarter of Australia's imports were bulk wines).
France lost ground in volume (down by 2.9%) but eked out a small rise in value (4.3%).
Chile and Argentina continued their ascent; Argentina is now the third-ranking source of wine imported to the US, although a high 77% of the Argentine imports are "very low cost bulk wines." (No doubt blended with those Australian bulk wines for a toasty, sugary, high-alcohol hit. Dee-lish.)
I'd like to take full credit for this continued success of Italian wine in America, but I feel I must share the kudos with the Italian Wine Guy (below right) and the owner of De Vino (below left). Hard at work in the wholesale/retail vineyard, or I should say, jungle.
Toiling for Italian wine in America
I whole heartedly agree. Wholesale/retail jungle? We gotta couple ah Tarzans ovah ere. Terry you are spot on and I would like to thank both of them doing what they are doing. When people freak out about a certain italian wine whether they had it at In Vino or elsewhere and they want to know where to find it. I immediately direct them to De-Vino. If Gabrio doesn't have it he will have something like it if not better. You go guys! Cheers!
EVWG
Posted by: East Village Wine Geek | April 27, 2007 at 10:54 AM
thanks, but I'm just doing my part
(all 3% of it)
Posted by: AC | April 28, 2007 at 11:52 AM
you're too modest. 3% is, clearly, a lot...just looka them numbiz
Posted by: Terry Hughes | April 28, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Hi guys I'still in Italy were I've found some great wineries I'll tell you about it when I'll be back.
It's not a mission but a passion, and if Alfonso is Tarzan who am I?????
Ciao a Tutti dal bel Paese
Posted by: Gabrio Tosti | May 02, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Can't wait to hear all about those wineries and wines, Gabrio. Lots going on here too. Hope to see you Friday, if you're back in the store then.
If IWG is Tarzan, who ARE you? This requires deep thought.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | May 02, 2007 at 11:54 AM