Italian Sparkling Wines are closing 2019 with a real bang according to the data released by OVSE (Osservatorio Economico Vini Speciali): in these last 30 days are 77 millions the popping corks that will be released for a total spending of 870 millions of euro with Italian sparkling wines reaching an increase of + 4,4%.
Compared to the last 30 years of 2018-2019 holiday season, Italians will drink 2,5 millions of bottles per day states OVSE. On New Year’s Eve alone were will be 44-48 millions of popped corks. But which kind of sparkling wines’s style is the more successful ? Tradition is ruling Christmas day with a boost for sweet and demi-sec wines, while the new year will be celebrated with drier styles and brut.
International sparkling wines will account only for 3,7-3,9 millions of bottles, with a fair share represented by big cities restaurants and fashion parties in clubs and mountain resorts and a total sale volume of 240 millions. Champagne consumption is stable, with no significant variations
“It’s a glimmer of hope in this times of political uncertainty and slow volumes of sales in retail shops” says economist Giampietro Comolli, President of OVSE. Franciacorta, Valdobbiadene and Trento Doc are the most requested labels for high-end dinners. For dessert pairing Asti is rivalled by Cartizze in Brut and Dry style. Undetailed labels with no clear brand are experiencing a decrease. “There will be a rate of 40-50 millions of Prosecco Docg-Doc and 10-11 millions of traditional method Franciacorta, Trento, Alta Langa, Alto Adige and Oltrepò, followed by 6 millions of Asti, 1 million of native regional sparkling wines and 8-10 millions split between Durello, Nebbiolo and Lambrusco” declares Comolli.
Bubbles are never losing their allure. “This is the key difference between Italy and other European countries such as Spain (that has only 1 national sparkling wine, Cava) and France (which has 6, almost all with traditional method). Our production horizontality is an exceptional heritage, but it also suffers from strong difficulties of penetration and knowledge. Some off our sparkling wines are niche productions that will keep the same market share, but they enhance hospitality and traditions. Italy’s sparkling wines are increasingly attractive, stylish and characterful for foreign tourists” argues Comolli.
Style, freshness and uniqueness are hence the signature of Italian sparkling wines. These wines have been overlooked because the regions are small and little of what they produced is making it out of the country. That’s changing, however. So why not diversifying your bubbles for your 2020 toast?
