“ITALY CAN’T BE AFRAID OF OTHER WINE PRODUCING COUNTRIES BECAUSE ALONG WITH THE GRAPES, WINE CULTURE AND CONSUMPTION IS ALSO GROWING”. ANGELO GAJA, ONE OF THE “BIG NAMES” OF ITALIAN WINE

“Italy must not be afraid of the growth of wine producers in other countries because along with the grapes wine culture and consumption is also growing”. Angelo Gaja is not contradicting himself, he really sees opportunity where others only see danger. On the condition, however, that an emphasis must be made on the quality and the uniqueness of the product offered. A rare optimism that was confirmed, with the usual clarity, in front of 500 wine enthusiasts at the Sommelier di Roma tasting, which included not just wines from Piedmont and Tuscany, but also excellent choices imported from all over the world and distributed solely at wine bars and restaurants under Gaja Distribution.

“This is how it was with the U.S. and Japan, markets where Italy can still grow - sustained Angelo Gaja - and this is how it will be in eastern countries, India, and China. It is not enough to be good exporters, it is also necessary to promote by all means the growth of wine culture in these countries. Even by opening Italian cooking schools because we know how restaurants are fundamental for the success of our wine on a market”.

Angelo Gaja was recently in China where there are already over 400,000 hectares of vineyards planted, a lot if one considers that Italy has just 670,000 hectares. “We must not be frightened, Italy has a competitive advantage, it can make original wines of a quality that is difficult to imitate. It is important to emphasize the high quality wines sector - concluded Angelo Gaja - but the areas that are particularly prestigious, and indigenous grape production is currently not enough. Italy needs entrepreneurs, we must help young producers grow quicker, we need more communication and real marketing. And we must not let politicians do all this”.