|
 The Show is exclusively for the wine professionals who converge every two years to meet 1,707 exhibitors. (A survey at the last edition indicated that it should be made annual). Out of these, 270 exhibitors are from wine-producing regions in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Algeria, Morocco, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria and Lebanon.
Bordeaux and California have been invited as the guest regions this year. Many Bordeaux producers now own wineries in the South of France and this extension seems to be logical. There are a lot of similarities between California and the Mediterranean regions in terms of production methods, marketing timing and many grape varieties like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Barbera, Sangiovese, Viognier and Roussanne etc.
At Vinisud, there's no such thing as standardised tastes. Buyers from across the globe come to sample new vintages and unearth little-known quality wines that can often turn out to be real finds. The areas represented at Vinisud account for more than 53% of world production and 63% global trade.
The following statistics are worth knowing for those attending Vinisud-or not:
- Between 2010 and 2014, the Southern vineyards recorded spectacular performances, with a 59% rise in export revenue and significantly higher-priced wine exports. In 2014 the average price of a bottle of rosé increased by more than 28%.
- Three-fourth of global sales of rosé, which symbolizes the Mediterranean culture, are generated by the Mediterranean vineyards. The increased commercial success of rosé is generally explained by its popularity among women and young people. The growth has been relatively slow in India but for the last couple of years it seems to be on a gradual increase.
Faced with increasingly standardised production at global level, the Mediterranean vineyards are stepping up their initiatives to set themselves apart while at the same time adding value to their production. Along with the commercial success of rosé and sparkling wines, they have become influential trendsetters. The quality of many of these wine regions has seen a quantum jump and has earned respect from buyers, sommeliers, consumers and journalists. Vinisud shines the spotlight on the diversity and richness of Mediterranean wines and this improvement in quality.
Some of the stands which are a must-visit and highly recommended by delWine are:
 Palais Méditerranéen: Hall B2 - with over 2,500 samples you may taste on your own, at leisure. Each wine has a catalogue card that lists the necessary characteristics, including the grape blend, alcohol, sugar and acid levels with the location of the exhibitor. Since the wines from different producers are arranged in a cluster, it is a great opportunity for learning about a region as also comparing the wines from different producers. Organised and managed by the Union des Œnologues de France, it offers the visitors an opportunity to taste a category of wines or any specific wine in private without the producer or anyone else disturbing.
Sparkling zone: Hall B3 – Similar in tasting style to Palais Méditerranéen, this is a first at Vinisud. Sparkling wines are notching up spectacular growth. Italian Prosecco and Spanish Cava are proving increasingly popular. There was an increase of 87% in volume for French sparkling wines, excluding champagne during ten years between 2003 and 2013. To help the visitors taste in a relaxed atmosphere, it is a new self-service exhibition area where you may taste and try 212 sparkling wines.
Mediterranean Expression: Hall A4 – will have a tasting of rare and unusual Mediterranean grape varieties, every day. While Digital Hub: Hall B4 will be the ‘lung’ of the exhibition’s digital ecosystem.
Some of the most exciting parts of Vinisud are Master classes and Presentation where one gets to meet the world’s top sommeliers (literally-those who have won the award and not in a generic sense)
Masterclasses in Hall B1 – There are master classes on the award-winning wines, rosé wines, Grenache grapes, Syrah grapes, indigenous grape varieties, natural sweet wines, organic wines, Bordeaux and Southern French wines, from the Rhône to California.
Presentations in Hall B5 – There are several presentations on Evin law, protection of grape varieties, USA market, rosé wines, sparkling wines, Bag-in-Box wines, Sommeliers’ Challenge. Wine tourism is gaining importance globally as an educational and marketing tool. If this is your beat, Vinov’Tour wine tourism innovation will be for you.
The Show will be officially inaugurated on Monday, February 15 at 11 am. One can visit on 15-17 February from 9 am-7 pm. Full details of the program are available at:
http://www.vinisud.com
You may also visit www.vinisud.com for further details. delWine will be present at the Show as in the
past and will bring highlights from the Show. Watch this space. For some of the related columns and to get a flavour of Vinisud, please visit
Vinisud – A Fine Show for Fine Mediterranean Wines
Vinisud 2012: Tips for Sommeliers from Top Sommelier
Vinisud 2014: Passionately Mediterranean Wine Show
Vinisud 2014: Best of the Best- Basso and Basset
Subhash Arora |