The very name of Balkan Wine Expo hides something that is not related to wines from the Balkans ... For the second time, this event entirely dedicated to wines of Italy was held in Belgrade in order to further promote and increase presence of wines from this country in the Serbian market and wider throughout the Balkans. It also shows that Italian winemakers have recognized the potential of local market: wine culture is on the rise, wine consumption is growing, domestic production still does not meet the local needs, and domestic wineries still cannot compare with Italian in terms of pricing.

Organizer of the event Balkan Wine Expo is a publishing house Bacco Arianna from Treviso and specialized magazine Papageno. The event is intended for professional wine circles: wine importers and distributors, sommeliers, HORECA sector, representatives of the wine media. The overall impression about the organization of the event is positive. One might have expected that there would be problems to maintain the planned schedule, but I cannot blame them given that the tasting program was ambitious (and paired with a mix of Italian relaxed attitude and Serbian spontaneity).

On 5th March, 2015, a professional guided tasting of selected wines from the region of Veneto was held in the premises of BelExpo Center in Belgrade, whilst 30 wine producers with about 300 labels were brought together in the conference hall to present their wines.

Selected wines from Veneto region were presented by Arturo Stocchetti, president of the Vini Veneti Union, and Bartolomeo Roberto Lepori, Italian sommelier and wine journalist.

1. Tenuta Amadio Az.Agr. Rech Simone - Asolo Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry DOCG 2014 - Tasting started with frolick... This Prosecco (sparkling wine made from Glera grapes by Charmat-Martinotti method) gave us a hint that tasting will be full of pleasant surprises from the Veneto region. The bubbles are somewhat larger, but keep persistence. The wine leaves a fresh trail in the mouth, moderate acidity, fruity and floral impressions dominated by pear, apple, acacia, white flowers. Residual sugar 17g / l. (http://tenutamadio.com/index.html)

2. Miro - Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Extra Dry - Slightly more complex Prosecco than the previous one, more structure in the body, complex aromas on the nose, among which the notes of acacia flower and Golden Delicious apples prevail, pleasant refreshing acidity leads to elegant fruity finish. (http://www.proseccomiro.com/)

3. La fuita - Rive Prosecco Extra Dry - The word "Rive" means that the wine comes from grapes originating from vineyards located on steep slopes of Le Rive di San Pietro di Barbozza. A refreshing wine, traces of minerality in the mouth nicely complement the pleasant acidity. The wine is very fruity in the mouth, prevailing aroma of green apples, which evolves into a long citrus finish. (http://www.lafuita.com/en/#page_36)

 

( © www.lafuita.com )

 

4. Le Monde - Pinot Bianco DOC - Beautiful, seductive wine. The nose boasts plentiful aromas of melon, peach, exotic fruits. Succulent, rich, rounded, full-bodied. In the mouth you can feel a touch of minerality that gives this wine seriousness. (http://www.vignetilemonde.eu/en/winery/81)

5. Menegotto - Custoza Superiore Elianto 2013 - (Grape variety: Cortese 30%, Garganega 25%, Trebbiano 20%, Friulano 15%, Malvasia 10%) This wine reveals characteristic minerality that wines from this region typically possess owing to the fact that the area with local vineyards was actually the seabed long ago. Elegant wine, subtle on the nose, floral and fruity aromas discreetly suggest this wine match seafood quite well. (http://www.menegotticantina.com/)

6. Ca Rugate 2014 - Soave Classico DOC Monte Fiorentino - (Grape variety: 100% Garganega) If you still have not had an opportunity to become familiar with Soave wines, here's a great representative that will showcase in the glass all the authenticity of the region. The wine is made from grapes that come from 40-year-old vineyards on the soil of volcanic origin. A complex wine,  rich structure, you will recognize the notes of citrus, exotic fruits, flinty minerality ... Accented acidity doesn't spoil the overall impression of a first-class wine. (http://www.carugate.it/)

7. Cantina del Castello 2013 - Soave Classico Castello - (varietal composition: 90% Garganega, 10% Trebbiano di Soave) The vineyards are located on a basalt volcanic soil which gives the wine a distinctive refreshing mineral "salty" note, with discreet bitterness in the finish reminiscent of almonds ... Concentrated wine, medium-to-full-bodied, expressive notes of wisteria flowers, peach, apricot. (http://www.cantinacastello.it/)

8. Az. Agr. Pagani - Soave Classico DOC - (varietal composition: 90% Garganega, 10% Trebbiano di Soave) Wine done in traditional style, where distinct almond impression that lasts well into the finish becomes even more manifest. The nose is full of accentuated aromas of acacia blossom, apricot and apple. (http://www.vinipagani.it/paganiUK.html)

9. Az. Agr. Balan - Pinot Grigio - I have an impression that this wine had the misfortune to be listed in the tasting order just after a couple of wines that boast distinct identity and character. After them, this Pinot Grigio simply did not have enough strength and stamina to fight for its status. Clean flavors, lots of fruit, especially peaches, not too complex. Correct wine, but without big ambitions. (http://www.balan.it/#sthash.5M3FP0MW.dpbs)

10. Soc. Agr. Marangon - Lugano CLASSICO- (varietal composition: 100% Turbiana) Wine is made from grapes grown in vineyards located in the vicinity of Brescia, on the plots around the lake Lago di Garda. Minerality and freshness of this wine are the first impression when you taste it. Medium-bodied, balanced, elegant, and beautiful acidity in the finish all contribute to liveliness of this wine. The nose stands out with floral notes of white flowers, chamomile, almond, pear ... (http://www.marangona.com/)

11. Domus Vini - Bardolino Classico - (varietal composition: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara) Simple, unpretentious, light wine for every day. Fruity notes of red forest fruits, raspberries, cherries. Light body and discreet tannic structure are compensated by fine balance of acidity. (http://www.domusvini.eu/home.html)

12. Az. Vitivin. Villa Sceriman - Merlot Riserva 2011 - already on the nose you can feel sweet spicy notes that complement the prevailing aromas of red berries. In the mouth, discrete notes of dark chocolate and oak transform into fruity finish dominated by red forest berries. However, this wine falls into the category of  wines which miss so little to achieve well-rounded harmony worthy of calling it a great wine. But just this small bit spoils the whole impression ... (http://www.villasceriman.it/Home.aspx)

13. Az. Agr. And Scriani - Amarone della Valpolicella DOC Classico 2010 - (varietal composition: Corvina 60%, Corvinone 25%, Rondinella 15%) All present winelovers were rather happy to hear the announcement that Amarone tasting will follow soon. Dominant jammy notes of black forest fruit, cherry liqueur, vanilla on the nose. 16% alcohol (which is not uncommon for Amarone) but the structure of this wine carries it well, so you will not find it disturbing. In the mouth, you'll recognize aroma of licorice, black forest fruits, almonds, vanilla. Wine that has yet to show its best, so it would be nice to taste it again in 7-8 years. (http://www.scriani.it/)

14. La Fontanina - Amarone Valpolicella DOCG 2010 - (varietal composition: Corvina, Rondinella) On the nose, the wine is characterized by intense but elegant and soft flavors of dried plum, black forest fruit, tobacco and cherry liqueur. Full-bodied wine, rounded, intense in the mouth with smooth pleasant tannins. (http://www.lafontanina.eu/)

15. Az. Agr. Accordin Stefano - Amarone Classico Vigneto Il Fornetto DOC 2007 - (varietal composition: Corvina 75%, Corvinone 25%) Wow ... We're going to the grand finale of the tasting ... Wine that can be rightly ranked among the best wines shown at this tasting ... full bodied, extractive, concentrated , expressive ... On the nose, aromas of ripe fruit in abundance, spicy notes, even a certain dose of minerality ... Ripe tannins, smooth, soft, pleasant. (http://www.accordinistefano.it/index.php)

16. Tenuta Sant'Antonio - Amarone Campo dei Gigli DOC - (varietal composition: Corvina 70%, Rondinella 20%, Croatina 5%, Oseleta 5%) Another wine that won the undivided sympathy of the audience. Complex on the nose and in the mouth, flavors of red forest fruits, ripe cherry, licorice, leather, tobacco ... The information that Robert Parker awarded this wine 94 points was met with approval of all present ... It's worth every point! (http://www.tenutasantantonio.it/index.php/en/)

17. Az. Agr. La Montecchia Conte Emo Capodilista - Fior d'Arancio Spumante - Colli Euganei DOCG - (varietal composition: Yellow Muscat) a sparking made by Charmat method, not overly complex wine but intense aromas of orange and citrus guarantee this wine a wide circle of admireres. The sweetness of this wine makes it an ideal companion to dessert. (http://www.balan.it/product/la-montecchia/#sthash.N9BfJ0om.yWhXyPHc.dpbs)

 

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