It’s Europe’s, (and possibly the world’s), most important wine fair.
ProWein is the wine fair where deals are done and the global trade connects. So big, and so potentially exhausting, that the seasoned fix their appointments weeks in advance and come armed with an annotated site map and sensible shoes.
Recent initiatives to build interest in the artisan and esoteric have successfully connected undiscovered and under-estimated wines with the buyers who are looking for them. This year, follow Swirl Director, @SarahAbbottMW around the fair as she hosts masterclasses, catches up with far-flung friends, tastes curiously and supports Swirl’s portfolio of clients as they exhibit there.
Interested? Want to taste outside the box? Hall 15 is where it’s at!
Wines of Georgia
Georgian Wine Association
Georgian Wine is booming, as the artisan sector bursts with enthusiasm, and established wineries continue to modernise and invest in production and marketing. Exports to the UK grew by over 30% last year, but there is still plenty of unsigned talent. 27 producers are exhibiting at ProWein, from across this mountainous Caucasian country. Wines include the classic ‘European-Style’ from international and indigenous varieties. (The native Saperavi is emerging as such a new star that even the Aussies have started planting it.) There are also contemporary wines made in the very newsworthy Qvevri – the revived ancient clay vessel whose history is as old as wine itself.
Find them in Hall 15 G47
Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG
Where Prosecco is Superiore
The Producers’ Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG will be showing the 2018 vintage and celebrating 50 years of the appellation. You can taste a selection of wines from the historic and original vineyards of Prosecco, Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Wines from site specific Cartizze and Rive will be on show from 24 producers ranging from artisan estates to large producers. Most Rive Prosecco Superiore is not exported, so here’s your chance to taste the difference between this and the simpler DOC stuff.
Find them in Hall 15 F21
Consorzio tutela vini Soave e Recioto di Soave
Italy’s most exported white wine is renewed with confidence, style and an unshakable focus on high quality. Following a highly successful campaign to bring high quality, single origin Soave to the UK in 2018, the producers of Soave have just confirmed a new UK campaign. If you’re at ProWein, come and taste the wines and meet the producers who have turned Soave around.
Find them in Hall 15 / C41
Enoteca Soave
You can also rest your feet and taste in depth at Enoteca Soave – a space to taste the many different expressions of Soave with a personal sommelier on hand to answer all your questions.
Enoteca Soave themes, all led by an expert Soave guide; all tastings start at 11:15am- arrive promptly to secure a place.
Sunday 17/03/19, 11.15am
Discover Soave’s Crus – historic single sites, protected, relevant, nuanced and fine.
Monday 18/03/19, 11.15am
Soave in black and white: from black Volcanic to white Limestone, taste Soave’s soils in her diverse wine.
Tuesday 19/03/2019, 11.15am
Soave and Agricultural Heritage: Soave is the first wine region in the world to join the Saffron beds of Kashmir and Wasabi fields of Japan as a UN-recognised Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Site. (GIAHS). Come and taste the wines from ancient sites that persuaded the demanding inspectors.
Wines of Moldova
A country to watch
The tiny country of Moldova shares a rich wine history with neighbouring Romania, of which it was once part. Vines love the gently rolling hills and friable soils. A brutal Russian embargo in 2006 transformed the industry and forced it to find new markets. An international-aid-backed program of strategic industry development has nurtured a small but exciting artisan wine sector, and funded research into terroirs and varieties.
Moldova Masterclasses
Wines of Moldova are hosting 3 masterclasses during ProWein. Together, they reflect the new diversity and promise of this underestimated European wine nation.
17/03/19 11am-12pm
Masterclass led by Robert Joseph
“Moldova 1988-2019 – a personal view”
17/03/19 3pm-4pm
Masterclass led by Sarah Abbott MW
“Nuance and quality: the quest for character and typicity in Moldovan wine”
18/03/19 3.30pm-4.30pm
Masterclass led by Caroline Gilby MW
“Moldova – a new source of great-value wines for today’s wine consumer”
To arrange an interview or private tasting with any of the above please contact Madeleine@swirlwinegroup.com
Or just drop by!
Not at ProWein? If you’re even a little curious, follow @GroupSwirl and @SarahAbbottMW on Twitter for interesting nuggets.
