The second edition of the event for clean and fair wine launches in Bologna on February 26.
“Climate change is a pressing issue for winegrowers,” is the message Giancarlo Gariglio, coordinator of the Slow Wine Coalition, wants to get across. The organisation is a collaborative network that aims to help shape the future of viticulture, with the second international gathering of this coalition taking place at the Slow Wine Fair in Bologna from February 26 to 28.
The event follows in the footsteps of Terra Madre, the largest gathering of the Slow Food movement held every two years in Turin. The Slow Wine Coalition is represented by over 100 international winemakers and wine enthusiasts from 24 countries. Amongst others, delegates from France, Turkey, Croatia, Chile, Georgia, Uzbekistan, the US and Ukraine, and all regions of Italy, are represented at the fair.
The wine industry needs a paradigm shift as it relies heavily on chemicals; monocultures are damaging the biodiversity of the most prestigious terroirs, the organisers say. Slow Food is committed to building a system that makes wine an instrument for the cultural rebirth of the countryside and restores biodiversity.
“There are reasons for optimism, such as the growth of organic viticulture, which is restoring soil fertility and plant health,” said Gariglio. He added that these issues would be addressed at the event, discussed in debates and tastings during the fair.
The fair will also host masterclasses: guided tastings to explore the Italian and international wine scene and the world of bitter liqueurs, including wines from the Caucasus, outstanding reds and whites from France, important Italian wines of 2010 and Champagnes from Maison Lombard.
