“For us the biggest challenge is communicating the production process so that the consumer understands why there is a higher price point for quality wines over those produced in quantity,” says Rizzardi. “The other challenge for producers in Italy is educating consumers on the large number of indigenous grapes used in wine production.”
Slightly fancifully but wonderfully idealistically, Pasquale Forte of Podere Forte in the Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, says: “We can surely have a great future. If producers succeed in properly matching wines with food, in such a way we will be able to improve the quality and the pleasure besides being able to showcase wine made with indigenous grape varieties.”
But he finished firmly by saying: “There is no country in the world with an oenological patrimony such as the Italian one, the challenge is being able to communicate it properly.”
More down to earth, Daniele Nardello of Soave Classico producers, Nardello Vini, says: “I believe that on the whole Italy has gained a fairly good position, given that it is also the land of indigenous diversity.”
In conclusion Agostino Rizzardi says: “Global consumption of wine is increasing, with new customers and markets developing all the time. As this continues to evolve there will be more interest in the product itself, which will enable the category to grow. As people set out to explore the world of wine they will become more interested in Italian wines, regions and unique styles.
Whereas Gleave says: “Over the next few years, I think production in Italy will continue to fall, while demand globally will continue to increase for quality wine. Global production will need to increase to keep pace with increased demand, but this increase in production won’t come from Italy.”
