February brings wine pros and enthusiasts to Tuscany for the previews. President of the Chianti Wine Consortium, Giovanni Busi, tells us about the 2022 vintage and what to expect at the popular Chianti Lovers & Rosso Morellino wine tasting event held at Fortezza da Basso on February 12. Tickets here.
Last year, more than 400 Chianti DOCG and Morellino di Scansano DOCG wines were presented by around 110 wineries at Chianti Lovers & Rosso Morellino. Can we expect a similar format in 2023?
The format of the Chianti Lovers & Rosso Morellino wine preview, which has enjoyed huge success with the general public and trade professionals, has been confirmed this year too. On February 12, Florence’s Fortezza da Basso will welcome approximately 120 wineries, which will provide more than 400 labels for tasting, half of which will be new vintages that are being tasted for the first time.
Tell us about the 2022 vintage.
The 2022 harvest for Chianti wine saw higher production than the previous year (up by 5-10 per cent compared to 2021), better quality due to the mainly positive weather conditions throughout the year and a particularly “green” wine since the use of pesticides was at an all-time low. 2022 is a wholesome and generous vintage.
With rising energy prices and raw material costs as well as climate change, how are Chianti producers responding to the crises?
Our producers are doing their best to continue to provide products of an exceptional quality at affordable prices. It’s clear, however, that the current situation will have an impact on retail prices since the price hikes are affecting the entire supply chain, from energy bills to materials, with increases in the double figures. A price increase will be inevitable in 2023. The grapes have been stomped and the bottles have been sealed. Wine lovers and connoisseurs assemble for this event dedicated to Chianti wine on February 12 at Fortezza da Basso. Participants will have the chance to taste wines from over 400 labels out of 120 different wineries.
