Soave at the Institute of Masters of wine: and it is volcanic fever
Success for Soave at the Volcanic Wines Seminar & Tasting in London: the Masters of wine and the Institute’s students like the didactic approach to volcanic that makes it an effective theme for cross-communication.
Press Release n°5 /2016 from the Consorzio per la tutela vini Soave e Recioto di Soave
The common denominator of the “volcanic factor”, the in-depth geological analysis, the “saltiness” as a recurring element. This is a summary of the topics that captured the attention of the over 80 Masters of Wine and students present at the Volcanic Wines seminar, organized by the Institute of Masters of Wine in London on February 11th.
The three panelists, Giovanni Ponchia, Soave’s enologist, Charles Frankel, geologist and author of Vins de Feu and Jolene Hunter, South African winemaker for Domaine Schoffit in Alsace took on issues such as the interaction between vine and soil, the microclimate, water availability and then on issues related to freshness, acidity, flavor and an important potential longevity.
The seminar in London was an opportunity to illustrate and officially present the book “Volcanic Wines” published by the Soave Consortium, an easy to consult summary of eight years of research and work that the consortium has carried out with scholars and industry professionals. The publication served as a common reference throughout the seminar, leading listeners down a virtual path, deeper inside the topic of volcanos.
The 14 chapters of the book, in both English and Italian, address the issues regarding the relationship between territory and the vine, followed by an historical overview dedicated to the myth of the volcano. The topics of soil and wine are key, but we also explore communication, Soave’s identity and values which are cornerstones of the DOC. An ample section is dedicated to the geological origin of Soave, the analysis of the volcanic soil and the limestone. Not limited to just the hills, the book also examines the volcanic and limestone soils that make up the flat lands in Soave. The conclusion of the book rests on a comparative analysis between the volcanic origins in Italy and around the world.
This important publication will be the basis for a number of promotional activities that the Consortium has planned for 2016. Volcanic Wines will be presented at the next Prowein in Dusseldorf from March 13-15, Vinitaly in Verona from April 10-13, and at the Soave Preview from May 19-20 in Monteforte d’Alpone.
We are encouraged by the level of interest shown to the Consortium and its research by the Masters of Wine during the seminar. It is a flattering result considering the preparation required to become a Master of Wine. As of 2015, there are only 338 Masters of Wine in the world today, representing 21 nationalities from all five continents. Among these, there is still no Italian Master of Wine.
The training course, lasting an average of five years, involves participation in seminars and masterclasses which take place around the world and includes- blind tastings, essays written in English, trips between London, Napa and Sydney, tuition costs, without counting the books and bottles purchased along the way. While not recognized as a university degree, the Master of Wine title is very prestigious in the international wine markets and is highly considered in the wine trade, auctions and marketing.
