The 27th edition of Benvenuto Brunello has come to an end in Montalcino

The 27^th edition of Benvenuto Brunello has come to an end in Montalcino

THE ANTEPRIMA RECEIVED 3,000 VISITORS, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE TRADE, WINELOVERS AND OVER 300 JOURNALISTS

Benvenuto Brunello has been confirmed as an event not to be missed, not only for Italian and international journalists, who reached record numbers this year, but also for trade operators and winelovers, who came in droves to taste the 2014 vintage, which lived up beautifully to Brunello's reputation.

There was also excellent attendance of the debate between the red wines of Italy and France.

Sporting champion Alex Zanardi, who signed the tile of the 4-star 2018 vintage, won the hearts of all those present.

Montalcino, 18 February 2019 - It seemed impossible to repeat the success of last year, when more than 250 journalists came to the anteprima, yet Benvenuto Brunello has confirmed and exceeded its records. This year, 300 Italian and foreign journalists came to Montalcino to preview the 2014 Brunello which, despite the difficulties, lived up to its reputation thanks to the excellent work of the producers in the vineyards, along with the 2013 Reserve, Rosso 2017, Moscadello and Sant'Antimo. The press was joined by over 3,000 members of the trade and winelovers, who literally invaded the Sant'Agostino complex and the tasting stands.

“We are satisfied with the results obtained and this success is the worthy conclusion of 2018, a year characterised by an increase in the number of visitors to our territory – says Consortium Chairman Patrizio Cencioni. More and more tourists, winelovers and experts come to Montalcino throughout the year, not just during the grape harvest or in summer, which tells us not only that we are able to offer a unique product in Italy and in the world, but that we are increasingly capable of guaranteeing hospitality that meets the needs of high-profile visitors who seek a unique all-round experience.”

The programme of the anteprima was enriched by two conferences which attracted the interest of the public present. The comparison between Brunello and French wines revealed the advantage of the French, created in the past to keep their unruly Italian cousin, yet to grow in terms of numbers but not in quality, “at bay”.

Saturday was the day of Alex Zanardi, who won everyone over with his passion, his friendliness and his overwhelming determination, and who presented the Consortium with the celebratory tile of the 4-star 2018 vintage.

The validity of the admission fee formula for winelovers was confirmed and feedback shows the strong interest of winelovers in Brunello.

The Leccio d'Oro 2019 awards, assigned to Enoteca di Ghino in Pienza (Siena) for the "Italian wine store” category, the Reale restaurant in Castel di Sangro (L'Aquila) for the "Italian  restaurant" category, Hedonism Wines in London for the “foreign wine store” category and the Ozio restaurant in Tokyo for the “foreign restaurant” category, were also presented on Saturday.

Press Office – Mailander