Italy and Spain, renowned as two of Europe’s top wine-producing countries, with Italy becoming the world’s largest exporter in 2020. These nations share similarities in diverse grape varieties and profound terroirs, offering captivating yet elusive qualities that leave a lasting impression. This tasting event will showcase wines from lesser known but exceptional regions and grape varieties, providing a deep dive into the distinct flavours of Italy and Spain that may surprise and delight Taiwanese enthusiasts!
The European Sustainable Management Masterclass: Italian & Spanish Wine Seminar
The 2021 EU Sustainable Wine Masterclass, hosted by the European Union, concluded successfully. With a focus on promoting the EU’s agricultural products and sustainable practices, the event delved into the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) regulatory framework. It explored and promoted three distinct European regions across borders: Abruzzo, Asti, and La Mancha, in an unprecedented tasting experience. Participating entities included the Abruzzo Wine Consortium, Asti Barbera, Monferrato Wine Consortium from Italy, and the La Mancha Regulatory Board from Spain. Renowned wine experts, Chen Kuang-min and Zhuang Cai-xun, were invited as speakers, drawing a diverse audience of professionals, industry representatives, and media to explore the exquisite offerings from these regions. While Italy and Spain excel internationally and in the Taiwanese market, these specific regions—Abruzzo, Asti, and La Mancha—have lower visibility in Taiwan. This event aims to introduce and immerse participants in the unique flavors from these less-known regions.
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)
The EU-provided proof trademark regulates products, quality, and origin. PDO requires that all production processes, from raw material cultivation and processing to finalization, must take place within specific geographical regions to protect the origin reputation of agricultural products, including wine, cheese, honey, and olive oil. It not only embodies the concept of ‘terroir’ but also signifies irreplaceable traditions. This label serves as a mark for protecting agricultural products and ensures quality. Source: https://www.coa.gov.tw/ws.php?id=11933&print=Y
The Overlooked Diamond : Northern Italian wines
Asti, located in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy and nurtured by the Alps, has produced many world-class wines, including the renowned Barolo and Barbaresco regions. While Taiwan is more familiar with the Moscato grape from this region, there are also many excellent varieties, such as Barbera, which we will explore today. Barbera produces dry red wines known for their higher alcohol content, high acidity, and low tannins. With a vast production area of 200,000 hectares, it is the third-largest planted grape variety in Italy, often crafted as a 100% single varietal wine. In its youth, Barbera exhibits lower tannins with flavors reminiscent of strawberry and sour cherry juice, making it a great match for saucy seafood dishes. With aging in barrels, it develops complex earthy and dried leaf notes, showcasing its aging potential.
Easy to drink and perfect with Chinese Cuisine
“The Abruzzo region, situated in the warmer central-southern part of Italy, predominantly uses the Montepulciano grape variety, ranking second only to Sangiovese in Italy. Covering an area of about 17,000 hectares, Montepulciano wines are often crafted through stainless steel aging or light oak barrels. With deep colour, moderate tannins, and lively acidity, they possess a soft and easy-drinking character, making them perfect as accompaniments to meals. Montepulciano must contain at least 85%, and most are suitable for consumption while young. Without oak aging, these wines exhibit distinct red fruit aromas with hints of tar and spicy notes. With moderate acidity and sweet, rich flavours, they pair well with various dishes, from pizza to Chinese cuisine. For Reserva-level wines, they mature in oak barrels for 24 months, offering layered aromas of blackberries, tobacco, and leather.
High Production and affordable price
The La Mancha region in Spain is the largest wine-producing region in Europe, covering a vast expanse of 157,113 hectares situated on a plateau at an altitude of approximately 600 meters. Positioned at the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, it is one of Spain’s oldest wine-producing regions, characterized by predominantly old vines and a climate typical of plateaus and continental regions. This extensive and diverse area yields numerous indigenous and international grape varieties, with the Tempranillo variety particularly excelling in its local terroir. Affordable prices and a rich wine tradition, combined with the integration of diverse natural environments, breathe life into exquisite wines, each possessing unique and distinctive characteristics.
High Quality with Certification
This seminar has elevated awareness in Taiwan regarding sustainable European wines, uncovering hidden gems of affordability in Italy and Spain—regions less familiar to the Taiwanese audience. While emphasizing a style characterized by ‘easy-drinking and budget-friendly’ wines, the hope is for residents in Taiwan to adopt wine consumption as a part of their daily lives, mirroring the Western culture. ‘High quality at an affordable price’ is indeed an excellent choice for everyday enjoyment. During the seminar, the Director of the Spanish Trade and Investment Office made a special appearance, expressing delight that friends from the Asian region could gain a deeper understanding of these European regions. Thanks were extended to all participants. Lastly, wines bearing the EU-certified PDO mark not only contribute to environmental protection but also foster regional economic development. They serve as a guarantee of quality, allowing consumers to enjoy their wines with peace of mind.
Finally, the recent wine seminar in Taiwan shed light on the sustainability and value of European wines, especially from the less-known regions of Italy and Spain. The focus on PDO-certified wines emphasized both environmental benefits and economic contributions. The event aimed to make high-quality wines at affordable prices more accessible for everyday enjoyment in Taiwan. The participation of the Spanish Trade and Investment Office Director added a special touch, promoting cross-cultural understanding. Overall, the seminar aimed to enhance appreciation for European wines and contribute to a more informed and enjoyable wine culture in Taiwan.
It is my pleasure to take a photo with the wine lecturer Aaron Chuang in this event, he is famous in wine industry in Taiwan.
My article has been featured in a magazine.
– END –
Shireena's wine Blog 
Leave a comment