Regional Institute of Wine and Oil

IRVO at Vinoble 2024 to celebrate Sicilian wine excellence

The winemaker Giovanni Giardina present at the event in Spain: «The wines presented during the tasting exemplify the Mediterranean style. The Sicily of wine deserves to be appreciated even more on an international level»
From 26 to 28 May 2024, the Regional Institute of Wines and Oils of Sicily (IRVO) participated in the XII edition of Vinoble, the prestigious International Fair of Fortified and Noble Wines, held in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. 

The biennial event this year brought together producers of dessert and fortified wines from all over the world, in a high-level convention for the promotion and tasting of wine excellence.

In collaboration with the Consortia for the Protection of DOC Pantelleria and DOC Marsala Wines, IRVO Sicilia brought some of the region's wine gems to Spain, organizing a tasting stand and a Masterclass entitled "DOC Marsala & DOC Pantelleria: Sicilian Wine Excellence". 

The Masterclass was curated by the internationally renowned oenologist Giovanni Giardina who was able to fascinate the participants with the stories and organoleptic characteristics of the wines presented.

Around IRVO other protagonists and lots of participation

The Sicilian participation in Vinoble 2024 saw as protagonists, alongside IRVO, the representatives of the two consortia: Alexandra Curatolo, for the Consortium for the Protection of Marsala DOC Wine, and Nicola Poma for the Consortium for the Protection of Pantelleria DOC Wines.

Vinoble 2024 recorded a large turnout, both in terms of public and institutional presence. The Mayor of Jerez de la Frontera and other local authorities visited the Sicilian stand, located inside the Alcazar garden where, together with many other customers and wine lovers, they were able to taste Marsala and Passito di Pantelleria.

The Masterclass of “Sicilian Oenological Excellences” with Giovanni Giardina

Giovanni Giardina, during his Masterclass, underlined the unique qualities of the two Sicilian wines and described in detail the "heroic" viticulture of Pantelleria: he illustrated in particular the cultivation of the "Alberello Pantesco" vine, grown in deep basins to allow the accumulation of rainwater and protect the bunches of grapes from the wind and underlined the recognition of this practice as a UNESCO intangible heritage since 2014. 

Particular attention was also paid to the other protagonist of the Masterclass: «Marsala, which celebrated its 250 years last year, represents a perfect combination of Sicilian tradition, culture and history. – declared Giardina – Each of the six wines presented during the tasting exemplifies the Mediterranean spirit contained in a glass and offers participants a sensorial experience that combines intense aromas and bright colours. I wanted to make these great products of our island even more known, describing them as excellences that deserve to be appreciated even more on an international level."