#United States #New York #Consorzio #Brunello di Montalcino #Gabriele Gorelli

A Toast to Brunello di Montalcino in New York: Celebrating the 2020 Vintage

The highly awaited return of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino to the United States was recently marked by the Benvenuto Brunello event, held on February 4, 2025, in New York City. This prestigious gathering brought together over 450 media professionals and industry representatives, allowing them to immerse themselves in the exceptional offerings from Montalcino, Italy.

At the elegant GH on The Park venue, attendees had the unique opportunity to taste over 100 different labels featuring the acclaimed 2020 Brunello vintage. The event was masterfully guided by Gabriele Gorelli, the first Italian Master of Wine, who led informative seminars focused on the 2020 vintage, revealing the unique terroir, climatic conditions, and innovative winemaking techniques that define Brunello di Montalcino.

Gorelli highlighted the remarkable attributes of the 2020 vintage, noting, "Montalcino is extraordinary, not only for its scenic beauty but also for the dedication of its growers. They have transformed the Sangiovese grape into the globally revered Brunello. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, this vintage remains vibrant and fresh, a true testament to the resilience of this remarkable region."

An exciting development unveiled at the event was the introduction of a new vintage assessment system that replaced the previous star-based rating with systematic qualitative criteria. Gorelli, alongside Andrea Lonardi and Copernico Srl, designed this innovative model utilizing high-resolution weather data to ensure a precise evaluation of each vintage's qualities and characteristics. For the inaugural assessment period from November 14 to 18, 2024, a panel of eight distinguished Masters of Wine evaluated the 2020 Brunello, analyzing elements such as stylistic nuances, climate implications, and emerging trends.

The Benvenuto Brunello event featured interactive experiences where industry professionals could directly engage with 34 prominent producers showcasing a range of wines, including the much-anticipated 2020 Brunello di Montalcino, the 2019 Riserva, and impressive Rosso di Montalcino. Fabrizio Bindocci, President of the Consorzio, expressed his excitement about the return to New York, stating, "The U.S. market is crucial for us, with exports reaching around 3.5 million bottles annually. The growing enthusiasm for Brunello reflects the American public's appreciation for our wines' authenticity and quality."

The festivities concluded with a cocktail soirée at The Skylark, an upscale lounge granting stunning views of the Empire State Building. This celebratory gathering fostered networking opportunities among producers, journalists, and other industry influencers, reinforcing the strong ties between Italy and the American wine community.

Looking ahead, the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino is set to engage in a series of significant trade events throughout the year, including Wine Paris-Vinexpo, ProWein in Düsseldorf, and Vinitaly. The anticipation to share their heritage and distinctive craftsmanship remains a driving force for the consortium as it aims to elevate the reputation of Brunello di Montalcino globally.

About the Consortium

Founded in 1967 after receiving DOC recognition, the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino serves to protect and promote the unique qualities of Brunello wines. With approximately 200 members dedicated to preserving the richness of this wine, the consortium emphasizes environmental sustainability through responsible farming and resource management practices.

For more details on their upcoming initiatives, visit Consorzio Brunello.

About Colangelo Partners

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