June 17: The 25th Prowein wine and spirits trade fair at Messe Düsseldorf was conducted between 17 -19 March, inaugurated by the German Minister for Agriculture Julia Klockner, with ceremonial ribbon cutting, writes Sheetal Kadam who attended the special anniversary event for the first time and was overawed and astonished at the efficiency and professionalism on sight
Two and a half decade of rigorous hard work by the passionate teammates, strong support from the dedicated partners and unimaginable fondness shown by the visitors is the cue for the to have grown gradually to become the world’s most renowned alco trade fair. The presence of prime ministers, António Luís Santos da Costa of Portugal and Andrej Plenkovic of Croatia, patronized the 25thProwein anniversary.
This year the assemblage of industry visitors from retail, catering and various other fields was more than 61,000, slightly higher than last year.
The visitors and exhibitors converged to the fair from almost every corner of the globe. Invitees punched in majorly from Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Great Britain and almost 142 countries, India included. Most of the importers were seen at the Show.
More than 6900 exhibitors of alcobev industry represented 64 nations based on their winegrowing country and region at Prowein this year. The largest exhibitor nations were Italy (1,654) and France (1,576), followed by Germany (978), Overseas (600), Austria (335), Spain (661) and Portugal (387). There were also an additional 400 providers of spirits. Incomparable surge and annex of the event, shows the delightful interaction between the exhibitors and visitors, that also enacts the essential annual reunion for the wine, spirits, beer and cider industry.
This year the special emphasis at prowein was seen on creating a unique symposium for craft drinks with the theme "same but different". More than 100 exhibitors displayed craft beer, spirits and ciders. Exquisitely allotted hall no 7 was modern in outlook, very unconventional and happening. While the ready drink was served by the bartenders, the live “fizz lounge” was brimming with visitors.
The orators amused the novices and exhibitors by their influential speeches on topics of "Wines from High Elevations”, "Wine in Cans", come-back of "Field Blends" and the renaissance of the varieties "Chenin Blanc & Gamay." It was indeed a spectacular show to witness.
For the ‘Trend Hour’ tasting a seminar was organised in the Champagne Lounge to offer 50 illustrious champagnes, the producers boasting of their products over 180 other champagne brands. As a tribute to French wine-making industry Prowein 2019 mainly focused on France as a wine nation.
Drinks International announced the results of the survey conducted by The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands on March 17 at special award evening held at Steinberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf, on the inaugural day of Prowein.
Penfolds –the Australian wine brand topped the poll, having won it 4 years ago in 2016. It was followed in 2nd place by former winner leading Spanish producer,Torres. Villa Maria was in 3rd place and previous winner Chile’s Concha Y Toro in the Fourth position. France’s M Chapoutier is ever present in the list at position 5.
The arcade of Bio wine was named as “Bioland” at Prowein. Bio wines comprise of both organic and biodynamic wines. Quite a few winemakers name their Bio wine as “Vegan” or “Natural” wines too. The wide spectra of nearly 300 exhibitors showcased bio wine under the banner of Bioland, that signifies the importance of these categories being here.
My visit to Prowein is nothing less than the lover’s knot with these ravishing bio wines. As plunging towards the gallery of “Bioland” I was astonished to see the stands of organic and biodynamic wines from big and small wine producing regions like Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Swiss, Hungary, Greece, Portugal etc. Presence of boutique wineries from South Africa, Argentina, Chile etc was also distinct.
I could hardly resist myself from dashing onto the bio wine displays for tasting. I discovered them to be floral, stronger, clearer and more vibrant, absolutely smooth and pleasing on the palate.
The makers of bio wine voiced to have their methods resulting in correct balance of flavour and alcohol content. Also, the wines remain drinkable longer. I believe bio wines express through aroma, flavour and texture its term-less soft spot for terroir and passion and attention of its maker. I affirmed to myself the legitimacy of organic and biodynamic wines, during Prowein.
The tasting zone for the award-winning wines from MUNDUS VINI was a strong pull factor for me and many other wine buffs at Prowein. Various forums conducted on important wine topics were enlightening.
I loved the stands on the packaging and design that were few yet very special and colourful in the exhibition.
My first exposure to Prowein 2019 was so meaningful and notable, that I am already excited to visit the next year edition of Prowein 2020 to be held between15-17 March in Düsseldorf. Anticipating the future edition of Prowein will definitely grow on a much larger scale.
Drink Socially… Act Responsibly!!!
Sheetal Kadam
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