WINE SPECTATOR BEGINS THE “AFTER JAMES SUCKLING” ERA: ITALIAN WINE IMPORTERS WILL SEND WINES TO THE TASTING MANAGER BRUCE SANDERSON, IN NEW YORK

The day after the “divorce” from its historical Italian critic and taster, James Suckling, “Wine Spectator” the stars and stripes magazine of wine reviews, explains the new taste for Italian wines in detail, in an open letter dated July 27th, which was sent to Italian wine producers and marks the start of a new direction.

The U.S. magazine said that “effective immediately, all reviews of Italian wines will be done in the New York office” and that therefore it is no longer possible to send samples to the Italian office. “From now on,” continues the ”Wine Spectator” letter, “importers must send samples directly to the New York office.” Bruce Sanderson, editor and tasting director of the American magazine, “will cover Italian wines and will be the main taster for key regions”. “Wine Spectator” had already reported the appointment of Sanderson as the new manager of Italian wine tasting on July 15th, when they also announced Suckling’s retirement.
“Wine Spectator” further explains that “Italy is an important region and a key component” regarding global information on wine and that “the change in strategy will lead to the achievement of several goals. The global logistics for obtaining samples and organizing tastings will be easier for all concerned”. The staff of the magazine will “review the wines throughout the year”, which, ”the letter continues, “will help us improve our coverage of Italian wines on the U.S. market for our readers”.