WHEN THE CHINESE MARKET, DOMINATED BY FRENCH WINES, GIVES THE TOP PRIZE TO AN ITALIAN WINE: ALLEGRINI’S 2007 AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA IS THE BEST OF THE OLD WORLD RED WINE, ACCORDING TO CHINA WINE CHALLENGE, THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPETITION IN CHINA

When it comes to China & wine, there are two refrains: the first is that it already is and will continue to be among the most important markets in the world and the second is that among the foreign wines, France dominates, almost unchallenged. But, there are a few signs that Italy is creeping up the ladder: the 2011 “China Wine Challenge” (www.chinawinechallenge.net), which is the most important wine competition in the country, chaired by the famous critic Steven Spurrier, has crowned Amarone della Valpolicella 2007 of the Allegrini winery the ”Best Red Wine in the Old World”. This is an important recognition that comes from a highly qualified jury: in addition to Spurrier, also the President of the Master of Wine, Linn Sherrif; the President of the Revue du Vin de France, Michel Bettane; the best Chinese sommelier 2010, Yang Lu; columnist of the Independent, Anthony Rose; founder of the San Francisco International Competition, Anthony Dias Blue and the President of the Wine & Spirit Association of Great Britain, John Salvi. The prize is not only for the brand of Valpolicella wine, but it is also for Italy, in a market where inexperienced consumers look at brands and recognition before quality. “Actually, what is happening is that from Beijing to Mongolia, the Chinese are beginning to explore the world of wine,” says Marilisa Allegrini, head of the winery, “and to appreciate its nuances and distinctiveness. This award for an Italian wine (Amarone, in particular, before the Allegrini winery) provides consumers with a reliable and credible compass with which to navigate and make choices”. This award is thanks to the personal commitment of the company and the manufacturer on such a difficult market, and it is only the starting point: “in the next few months there will be events, tastings, public relations throughout China, I am personally committed to officiate. The goal is getting to know and appreciate the award-winning wines. These activities, together with making quality products, are also very important to being successful on the world wine market.

Info: www.allegrini.it