“Rising Stars” by Wine Enthusiast: Bartolommei (Caprili - Consorzio del Brunello) the only Italian

Caprili winemaker and president of Consorzio Brunello di Montalcino Giacomo Bartolommei, is the only Italian included among the “Rising Stars” selected by Wine Enthusiast, the international magazine which last night unveiled its list of 12 emerging talents who have distinguished themselves over the past year in support of the wine sector. Giacomo Bartolommei, born in 1991, a winemaker and producer in Montalcino, is, according to the U.S.-based publication, “a young leader standing out for a vision focused on longevity at a time when the industry faces significant challenges”.
“Today, we talk about the wine industry  - said Giacomo Bartolommei to Wine Enthusiast -  as if it were facing an unprecedented crisis, with tariffs, declining consumption, climate issues, and regulation. But we forget our history: we must give our producers the courage to think again in terms of decades, not quarters, and remember that the most important chapters in the history of wine have always been written by people who refused to be intimidated by the crisis of the moment”.
Of the 12 professionals featured on the “Wine Enthusiast” new list (the magazine boasts a readership of more than 4.1 million people, primarily in the United States), nine are American, one French, one Canadian (Ryan and Christopher Goydos of SuperVinoBros in New Jersey; Anthony Zraly of T. Edward Wines & Spirits in New York; Alex Sarovich, ceo of Own Rooted Hospitality in Sonoma County, California; Michael Aredes, founder and bartender of Noche Traviesa in New York; Claudia Castro, a researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in El Cerrito, California; Ren Peir, sommelier and Queer Community Organizer in Brooklyn; Milena Berman, co-founder of Hautes Côtes, Vin et Hip Hop and Terra in Beaune, France; Kilolo Strobert, owner of Fermented Grapes Wines & Spirits in Brooklyn; Jeanne Feldkamp and Dan Diephouse, founders, co-owners and winemakers of Corollary Wines Amity in Oregon; Peter Andrews, president of Culture Wine Co. and co-founder of the Hella Chenin Wine Fest in San Francisco; Cokie Ponikvar, creative director of Cokie’s World of Wine across London, New York, and Toronto; and Jess Druey, founder of Whiny Wines in Santa Rosa, California). The individuals represented on the list come from highly diverse backgrounds and reflect different directions for the future of the industry, ranging from importers and distributors to researchers, wine experts, educators, and, notably, Giacomo Bartolommei, recognized both as a representative of his family winery (founded by his grandfather in 1965) and of the Montalcino denomination, which he has led since June 2025.
Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, which announced the recognition through a press release and photograph, will celebrate its anniversary No. 60 next year. The consortium brings together 214 members and oversees the protection of a PDO vineyard area covering more than 3,400 hectares. The agricultural community of Montalcino has an economy in which roughly half of all businesses are farms, while unemployment remains below 2%. This ecosystem is driven primarily by wine, and especially Brunello (with an average annual production of 9 to 10 million bottles). A promotional plan has been launched for 2026-2027, featuring dedicated events beginning in the United States (including New York, Texas, Dallas, and Austin this year), as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Asia, alongside collective participation in the leading international wine trade fairs such as Vinitaly, Wine Paris, and ProWein. Exports account for a significant share of total revenue (70%) for this ultra-premium wine, which has historically been closely tied to demand from the United States. The U.S. market represents more than 30% of exports and is also the leading source of wine tourism visitors to the Tuscan town. As always, the year flagship event will take place in Montalcino with Benvenuto Brunello, the preview tasting of the new vintages, scheduled from November 19th to 23rd.