VinItaly, the mega Italian wine fair, launched its India Roadshow at the Italian Embassy in New Delhi on 7th Mar 25. The two-day affair that continued on 8th Mar at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Dwarka New Delhi, was a joint effort between Veronafiere, in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Italian Embassy in New Delhi. It brought together the wine trade ecosystem in India to sample the offerings and have B2B meetings as a precursor to the 57th Vinitaly Fair in Verona, between April 6-9, 2025.
Being invited to the launch event, I reached the expansive lawns of the Italian Embassy in New Delhi to find a long lineup of tables hosted by the visiting wineries. The weather, just before the onset of summer was pleasant, hence it was a perfect setting to sample the wines without literally sweating it over.
Speeches were made at the event by H.E. Antonio Bartoli, the Ambassador of Italy in India, Mr. Federico Bricolo President of Veronafiere S.p.A., Mr. Vas Shenoy, Chief Representative for the Italy Indian Chamber of Commerce and Italian Senator Matteo Gelmetti.
A vast range of wines
Prominent Italian winemakers participated in the Roadshow including group attendance by Piemonte Land of Wine (on behalf of 14 wine consortia in Piedmont), Italia del Vino Consorzio (23 companies from 16 regions), Angelini Wines & Estates (with winemaking estates in 4 regions) and Uvaitaly (11 producers from 5 regions).
The vast range of wines included well-known as well as esoteric Italian wines like a white wine made from Montepulciano grapes, one from the native Italian grape Timorasso, and Vino Spumante from Prosecco region Valdobbiadene, having blends of native as well as international grapes. I am listing some, that particularly stood out for me.
Foss Marai
A premium sparkling wine producer based in the Valdobbiadene DOCG—the region known for the highest-quality Prosecco. Foss Marai exclusively produces Superiore Valdobbiadene DOCG wines alongside some innovative sparkling blends that do not qualify as Prosecco due to their unique grape compositions. What stood out for me was their ability to create exciting, elegant blends incorporating both native and international grapes, offering a fresh perspective on sparkling wines. Their chic packaging further enhances their luxurious appeal!
FOSS MARAI BRUT MILLESIMATO
A refined vintage sparkling wine crafted from the finest Glera grapes, with fine, persistent bubbles and fresh citrus, green apple, and floral aromas. Its crisp acidity and elegant minerality make it a perfect aperitif or a delightful pairing with seafood.
FOSS MARAI SURFINE CUVÉE BRUT
A beautifully balanced sparkling blend that includes Chardonnay alongside native Italian varieties, adding depth and complexity. Delicate white peach, pear, and floral notes are complemented by a creamy texture and lingering finish, making it a sophisticated choice for celebrations.
FOSS MARAI ROÖS
A stylish rosé sparkling wine that goes beyond the traditional with a blend of Italian and international grapes that enhances its structure and complexity. Enticing notes of wild berries, pomegranate, and rose petals, coupled with fine bubbles and lively acidity, make this a refreshing yet structured sip—ideal for summer evenings or pairing with light dishes.
UVA Italy
UVA Italy, with its current portfolio of eleven producers from five of Italy’s distinctive wine regions, has a strong focus on native grapes and traditional winemaking techniques. Each grape bunch used to make their wines comes from an organic and/or biodynamic agriculture and manual intervention during the winemaking process is reduced to the minimum.
AUSONIA APOLLO COLLINE TERAMANE 2021 MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO D.O.C.G. (Certified Demeter Wine)
A refined expression of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from the prestigious Colline Teramane DOCG. This wine stands out for its deep ruby hues, rich dark fruit aromas, and elegant tannins, culminating in a well-balanced, long finish. A true must-try for lovers of bold and juicy Italian reds.
Vinum Hadrianum
Vinum Hadrianum takes inspiration from ancient Roman winemaking traditions. A standout feature of their winemaking is their use of amphora aging, which imparts distinctive minerality and texture.
MAXIMO MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
A bold and structured red featuring intense dark cherry, blackberry, and spice notes. The amphora aging process lends a distinctive texture and depth, creating a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo that is truly unique in its expression.
CAECILIA ABRUZZO DOC PECORINO
A crisp and aromatic white wine made from the indigenous Pecorino grape. Notes of citrus, white flowers, and a touch of salinity create a refreshing and structured wine. Its pronounced minerality—enhanced by amphora aging—makes it a “not-to-miss” for those who appreciate unique textures in their whites.
PUBLICIUS CERASUOLO D’ABRUZZO
A vibrant and elegant rosé, with bright red berry notes, hints of pomegranate, and a refreshing, dry finish. The use of amphora aging in this Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo adds a layer of complexity, making it a standout among rosés.
Maria Faretra
Maria Faretra specializes in wines from Puglia, showcasing the expressive character of local grape varieties. Their approach blends tradition and innovation, bringing out the best of the region’s sun-kissed vineyards. What makes their wines “not to be missed” is their ability to craft bold yet balanced expressions, particularly from Puglia’s indigenous Nero di Troia grape.
MARIA FARETRA ELOQUIO PUGLIA IGT
A well-rounded red blend that combines native and international varieties, resulting in luscious plum, black cherry, and earthy undertones. The addition of non-Italian grapes adds a layer of smoothness, making it an approachable yet complex wine.
MARIA FARETRA PIETRE PARLANTI PUGLIA IGT
A unique and expressive white wine with floral and stone fruit aromas, bright acidity, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. Its minerality and balance make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fresh yet structured whites.
MARIA FARETRA SONTUOSA NERO DI TROIA ROSATO IGT
A delicate yet flavorful rosé made from the indigenous Nero di Troia grape, known for its deep color and aromatic intensity. Fresh strawberry, rose petal, and citrus zest notes give it a refreshing yet complex profile—perfect for light appetizers and seafood.
Giuseppe Cortese
A boutique, family-run winery in the heart of Barbaresco, Giuseppe Cortese is known for its dedication to traditional Piedmontese winemaking. Their wines beautifully express the terroir of the Langhe, combining elegance with structure. What makes their wines “not to be missed” is their ability to showcase Nebbiolo in its purest form, balancing power with finesse.
BARBARESCO RIBAJA
A sophisticated and age-worthy expression of Nebbiolo from the prestigious Rabajà cru, this wine boasts layers of red cherries, rose petals, and hints of truffle. Silky tannins and a long, complex finish make it an excellent cellar-worthy choice.
NEBBIOLO LANGHE
A fresher, more approachable take on Nebbiolo, offering bright red berry fruit, floral aromas, and subtle spice. Its elegant structure and refined tannins make it a versatile food-pairing wine, perfect for those discovering Nebbiolo.
Angelini Wines
www.angeliniwinesandestates.com
A historic winery dedicated to producing high-quality wines across multiple Italian regions, Angelini Wines emphasizes both tradition and innovation. Their Verdicchio San Sisto stands out as an outstanding example of how this grape can achieve depth and aging potential.
VERDICCHIO SAN SISTO RISERVA CLASSICO
A rich and structured Verdicchio aged in oak, offering notes of ripe peach, citrus, almonds, and a hint of vanilla. Its creamy texture and long finish make it an exceptional white wine with great aging potential—ideal for lovers of complex, food-friendly whites.
Boschetto Campacci
Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Boschetto Campacci is known for producing refined Sangiovese-based wines that exemplify the elegance of Chianti Classico. Their Ruello Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a standout, showcasing the very best of this appellation with careful vineyard selection and extended aging.
RUELLO CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE
A top-tier expression of Chianti Classico, featuring dark cherry, violet, tobacco, and earthy spice. The extended aging imparts depth, while the structured tannins and vibrant acidity ensure longevity. A “not-to-miss” for fans of premium Sangiovese.
All eyes on Vinitaly 2025
The Vinitaly India Roadshow, a first-of-its-kind event in the country, successfully set the stage for the highly anticipated main fair from April 6-9, 2025. The electric energy among attendees, the diverse showcase of wines, and the rich representation of Italy’s vast terroirs all underscored its success.
The launch event also offered some authentic Italian cuisine from the famed Diva Italian restaurant, inspiring wine lovers to experiment with a riot of wine and food pairings
With just weeks to go, all eyes are now on Vinitaly 2025, promising an even deeper dive into the world of Italian wines.
